Changing a wireless network or router often causes panic among office equipment owners, as the printer stops responding to print requests. Model HP LaserJet Requires correct network configuration to resume operation on the local network. The process is not complicated if you understand the logic behind how the device interacts with the router.
You will need to know the exact name of the new network (SSID) and the current password. Modern devices HP They have an intuitive interface, but the procedure may differ depending on whether you have a touchscreen. We'll cover all available methods so you can choose the one that best suits your situation.
Before you begin, make sure that the router itself is already configured and distributing the Internet, and that you are in an area with a strong signal. For a successful connection, the printer and computer must be on the same subnet (same IP address range), otherwise the device will not be discoverable. It's also a good idea to prepare your Wi-Fi password in advance so you don't have to look for it during the setup process.
Preparatory steps before reconfiguration
The first thing you should do before changing network settings is reset the printer's current network settings. This will eliminate any conflicts with old profiles and allow the device to start searching for a new access point from scratch. On most models, LaserJet This is done through the settings menu.
Find the button with the antenna or wireless icon on the control panel. Click it to open the menu, then go to the section Settings or Network SetupYou'll need to find the "Restore network settings" or "Reset network" option. Confirm the action, and the Wi-Fi indicator will start blinking, indicating it's ready to pair.
⚠️ Important: After resetting network settings, all previously saved Wi-Fi profiles will be deleted. Make sure you have access to the password for the new network, as the printer will not be able to connect automatically without entering the password.
It's also important to check whether client isolation mode or MAC address filtering is enabled on your router. If these features are enabled, the printer will physically be unable to access the network, even if the password is entered correctly. Temporarily disable these restrictions or add the printer's MAC address to your router's whitelist.
☑️ Preparing for a network change
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
If your router and printer HP LaserJet support technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), the network change process takes literally a minute. This method allows for automatic password transfer, eliminating the need to manually enter it on the printer's control panel, which is especially convenient if the device doesn't have a full-fledged display.
To use this method, press the WPS button on your router and hold it for a few seconds until the security light starts flashing. Immediately afterward, go to the printer, press the wireless button, and select "WPS" or "Push Button" from the menu. The device will automatically find the router and establish a secure connection.
- 📶 Press the WPS button on the router and hold for 3-5 seconds.
- 🖨️ On the printer, go to the wireless menu and select the WPS method.
- ⏳ Wait about a minute until the Wi-Fi indicator turns solid blue.
- ✅ Check your connection status by printing a network configuration report.
It's worth noting that the WPS method won't work if the router is far from the printer or if the signal is unstable. In these cases, the device may not have time to complete the handshake with the router. If the attempt fails the first time, repeat the procedure, making sure you are close to both devices.
What to do if the WPS button does not work?
Some modern routers have WPS disabled by default for security reasons. You may need to access the router's web interface (usually via a browser at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and enable this option in the wireless security section. WPS also won't work if you're using a guest Wi-Fi network.
Setting up via the control panel (for models with a screen)
Devices of the series HP LaserJet Pro Older models often feature a color touchscreen, making the process much easier. You can manually select the desired network from the list of available networks and enter the password using the virtual keyboard. This is the most reliable method, eliminating automatic search errors.
From the Home screen, tap the Wireless icon or select the menu Setting up (gear icon). Go to the section Net or Network, then select Wireless networkA list of all available SSIDs within range will open. Find the name of your new network in the list.
After selecting the network, the system will prompt you to enter a password. Be careful when entering characters: capitalization (uppercase or lowercase) matters. Use the case-shifting key on the virtual keyboard if necessary. After entering the password, click "OK" or "Done," and the printer will begin the connection process.
| Printer model | Screen type | Menu location | Input Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro M404 | Monochrome LCD | Wireless button | Using arrows to select characters |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP M283 | Color touch | Settings -> Network | Full QWERTY keyboard |
| HP LaserJet Enterprise M507 | Large touchscreen | Main Menu -> Network | Support for PC input via web interface |
| HP LaserJet P1102w | Missing (buttons) | WPS/Wi-Fi button | Only via WPS or USB cable |
If the printer reports a connection error, check that the list of saved networks isn't full. Some models have a limit on the number of saved profiles. In this case, you'll need to manually delete old networks through the control menu before adding a new one.
Using a USB cable for initial setup
In situations where the printer's wireless module doesn't detect the network or entering the password using the buttons is difficult, using a USB cable is the optimal solution. This method allows the computer to transfer Wi-Fi settings directly to the printer. You'll need a USB Type-B (printer) cable and installed drivers.
Connect the printer to your computer via USB and turn it on. Run the driver installation package. HP Smart or the full software from the official website. During the installation process, select "Wireless Connection" or "Wi-Fi." The program will detect the device via cable and prompt you to set up the network.
The installation wizard will ask you to select your Wi-Fi network from the list on the computer screen and enter the password. After confirming, the program will transfer this information to the printer. Once the device receives the settings, it will attempt to connect to the router. A successful connection will allow you to disconnect the USB cable and continue installing the drivers over the network.
⚠️ Caution: Do not turn off the printer or remove the cable while transferring settings via USB. Interrupting the process may leave the network module in an incorrect state, requiring you to start the process over again.
This method is especially relevant for older models such as LaserJet P1102w or M1212nf, which don't have a convenient screen for entering characters. The computer takes care of all the complex work, acting as a configurator.
Setup via HP Smart app (Mobile and PC)
A modern approach to peripheral management involves using a cross-platform application HP SmartIt's available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The app automatically detects printers on the local network and allows you to change their settings without diving deep into technical menus.
First, make sure your smartphone or laptop is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to connect the printer to. Open the HP Smart app and tap the "Add Printer" button or the "+" icon. If the printer is in setup mode (the indicator light is blinking), the app will prompt you to connect it to the current network.
- 📱 Download and launch the HP Smart app on your device.
- 🔍 Click "Add Printer" and wait for the search to complete.
- 🔗 Select your printer from the list and click "Continue."
- 📡 The app will automatically transfer the current Wi-Fi network parameters to the printer.
A key advantage of this method is remote management. After you change your Wi-Fi network, you can monitor cartridge status, scan documents, and send print jobs from anywhere with internet access. The app will also notify you if the printer loses connection to the new network.
Troubleshooting and Static IP Address
After changing a router, it's common for the computer to "not see" the printer, even though both devices are connected to the same network. This happens because the new router assigned the printer a new IP address, but the system retains the old paths to the device. It's necessary to update the printer port in the operating system.
Go to Control Panel -> Devices and Printers (or Printers and Scanners in Windows 10/11). Right-click your HP LaserJet, select Printer Properties, and go to the Ports tab. Find the port that matches the printer's current IP address (you can find this by printing a network configuration report). If there is no such port, create a new one. Standard TCP/IP Port and enter the current address.
Another common problem is incompatibility of security standards. New routers often use the protocol WPA3, while older HP printers may only support WPA2. In this case, the printer simply won't be able to authenticate. The solution is to configure the router to mixed mode (WPA2/WPA3) or create a separate guest network with more compatible encryption settings.
For office environments, it's recommended to assign a static IP address to the printer. This will prevent the address from changing after a router reboot, preventing printing. This can be configured through the printer's web interface by entering its current IP address in the browser and going to Network -> IPv4.
How to find out the IP address of a printer without printing a report?
You can find the IP address using the Windows command line. Enter the command 'ping <printer_name>' (for example, ping HP-LaserJet-Pro), and the system will respond with the device's digital address. The address is also often displayed in the HP Smart app under Device Information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I connect my HP LaserJet printer to a 5GHz network?
Most HP LaserJet models, especially those released several years ago, only support the 2.4 GHz frequency. If your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network, the printer simply won't see it. You'll need to enable the 2.4 GHz band in your router settings or combine the networks under a single name (using the Smart Connect feature), although separate networks are often more reliable for older equipment.
What should I do if the printer displays "Network Error" after changing the password?
This means the printer still has old data stored in its memory. You need to perform a full network reset (Restore Network Defaults), as described in the first section of this article, and then reconnect using the new password. Simply turning the printer off and on won't help.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing Wi-Fi?
Typically, reinstalling drivers is not necessary. Simply change the printer port in the device properties in Windows or macOS, specifying the new IP address. However, if you change the connection type (for example, from USB to Wi-Fi), then reinstalling the drivers and selecting the "Wireless" connection type will be required.
Why won't the printer connect even though the password is correct?
This could be due to a MAC address filter on your router, a weak signal where the printer is installed, or incompatible encryption standards (WPA2/WPA3). You can also try temporarily renaming your network (SSID), removing special characters and Cyrillic characters, as some older HP models do not correctly handle complex network names.