How to Change the Wi-Fi Password on an HP Printer: A Complete Guide

Changing your wireless network password is a standard security procedure faced by every owner of modern technology. When you change the access key on your router or move to a new office, peripheral devices, including printers, lose their internet connection. This doesn't necessarily mean the equipment is damaged, but it does require re-authorization of the device in the new environment.

For devices Hewlett-Packard The process for updating credentials may vary depending on the specific model and whether it has a display on the printer. Some users mistakenly believe the password is permanently stored in the printer's memory, but in reality, the device simply stores the network profile that needs to be updated. Understanding the connection architecture Wi-Fi Direct or standard infrastructure will help avoid unnecessary panic when losing connection.

In this article, we'll cover all available access recovery methods in detail. You'll learn how to use the built-in web server for fine-tuning, how to use the WPS function for quick synchronization, and what to do if the device's interface isn't responding. Following the correct sequence of steps will save you time and frustration.

Equipment preparation and preliminary requirements

Before changing security settings, ensure you have all the necessary information and access to the control devices. First, you'll need the new password for your wireless network, which you've already set on the router. Without this key, the printer will be unable to authenticate and connect to the local network.

It's also important to have a computer or smartphone already connected to the updated Wi-Fi network ready. This is the device you'll use to transmit the new settings to the printer. Make sure the printer is turned on and in ready mode, not in deep sleep, as some network modules may not function correctly in power-saving mode.

Please note the connection type you were previously using. If you are switching from a cable connection to a wireless one or changing the router's frequency band, 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz, your printer may require a complete reset of its network settings. Older models often don't support new encryption standards, so hardware compatibility is critical.

⚠️ Attention: Make sure your printer and router are operating in the same frequency range. Many budget HP models only support 2.4 GHz networks and won't detect the 5 GHz network, even if the password is entered correctly.

For a successful installation, you may also need the printer's IP address if you plan to use the web interface. This can be found by printing a network configuration report or viewing the current connection status on the device's screen, if it has a display.

WPS method: the fastest way to connect

Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) allows you to transfer network information automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password on a printer's small screen or via a computer. This method is ideal if your router has a physical WPS button and your printer supports this feature. The process takes just a few seconds and minimizes the risk of typing errors.

First, find the WPS button on your router. It may be marked with a WPS abbreviation or an icon with two arrows. On an HP printer, you'll need to navigate to the wireless network settings menu. Typically, the path looks like this: Settings (gear icon) → Network → Wireless Network → Setup WizardSome models have a separate "Wireless" button on the front panel.

After activating the network search on the printer, press the WPS button on the router and hold it for 2-3 seconds until the indicator light flashes. The devices will begin communicating. If a successful connection message appears on the printer screen, the new password has been accepted and saved.

There's also the option of using a PIN code if your router doesn't have a physical button. The printer will generate an eight-digit code that you'll need to enter into the router's security settings via a browser. This is less convenient, but it also eliminates the need to manually enter the Wi-Fi password on the printer itself.

Setting up via the printer control panel with display

Models of the series HP OfficeJet And HP LaserJetWireless routers equipped with a color touchscreen allow you to change network settings directly, without using a computer. This is the most convenient method, as you can see the entire process on the device. First, tap the wireless network icon or the gear icon on the home screen to access the settings menu.

In the menu that opens, select the item Net or Wireless settingsYou need to find the option Wireless Network Setup WizardThe printer will begin searching for available networks within range. Select the name of your new Wi-Fi network from the list. If the network is hidden, select "Enter network name" (SSID) and enter it manually.

After selecting the network, a virtual keyboard will open. Enter the new Wi-Fi password. Be careful with case and special characters. After confirmation, the printer will attempt to establish a connection. A successful connection is usually indicated by the wireless indicator flashing blue and then turning solid blue.

In some cases, especially after changing your router, old settings may conflict with new ones. If the printer displays "Connection Error" or "Incorrect Password" even though you're sure you've entered it correctly, it's a good idea to reset the network settings through the recovery menu before trying again.

Using the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

For advanced users and office devices, the most powerful tool is the Embedded Web Server (EWS). This is a printer management interface accessible through a browser on any computer on the same network. To access it, you need the printer's IP address. If the device isn't yet connected to the new network, this method won't work, so use it if the printer already has access to the router but you want to change security settings or check its status.

Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and enter the printer's IP address in the address bar, for example 192.168.1.45. Press Enter. The EWS page will open. Go to the tab Net (Networking). Here in the section Wireless communication (Wireless) You can see the current status, SSID and signal strength.

To change your password, find the section Security (Security) or Wi-Fi settings. Here you may be asked to enter the administrator PIN, which is often located on a sticker on the back of the device or is empty by default. In the field Passphrase (Passphrase) Enter the new access key. Don't forget to click the button Apply or OK at the bottom of the page.

After saving settings via EWS, the printer may reboot the network module. The computer you used to configure the settings may temporarily lose connection with the device while it reconnects to the router with the new data.

Setup via the HP Smart app on your smartphone

Mobile application HP Smart (available for iOS and Android) significantly simplifies life for users of modern printers. It automatically detects HP printers on the network and allows you to manage them remotely. If you've changed your Wi-Fi password, the app may automatically prompt you to update the settings if it detects that the printer is offline.

Launch the app and add your printer if it hasn't already been added. If the device shows as "Offline," tap it. The app will prompt you to "Update Wi-Fi settings" or "Change wireless network settings." Follow the on-screen instructions: the app uses Bluetooth or ultrasonic signaling to transmit the new network information directly to the printer.

This method is especially convenient because you don't need to search for IP addresses or navigate the printer's menus. The smartphone automatically reads the stored Wi-Fi password and transfers it to the printer. Simply confirm the action on the phone screen.

It's important to note that for this feature to work, location services and Bluetooth must be enabled on your phone. The app uses these protocols to perform the initial handshake with the device. After a successful data transfer, the printer will restart the network adapter.

Reset network settings to factory defaults

If none of these methods help, or the printer has "remembered" incorrect data and refuses to connect, the best solution is to completely reset the network settings. This doesn't affect other print settings (quality, trays), but it does delete all saved Wi-Fi profiles, IP addresses, and security certificates.

On devices without a display, you typically need to press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the power and wireless indicators start flashing. On models with a display, the process is usually as follows: Settings → Network → Restore network settings → Yes.

After the reset, the printer will enter setup mode. The wireless indicator will blink blue, indicating it's ready to pair. You can now rerun the setup wizard or use WPS, just like you would with a new device.

⚠️ Attention: After resetting network settings, all computers on the network will lose connection to the printer. You will need to re-add the device in the operating system (Windows/macOS) using the new IP address or by finding it in the list of available printers.

This procedure often resolves issues with frozen network drivers or IP address conflicts that may arise after changing your ISP's equipment.

Solving common connection problems

Even with the correct password, situations may arise where the HP printer doesn't see the network or can't connect to it. One common cause is frequency sharing by the router. Many modern routers broadcast the same network name (SSID) for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Older printers may attempt to connect to the 5 GHz band even though they don't support it, or may be confused by encryption protocols.

Try temporarily separating the networks in your router settings by giving them different names, for example, MyHome_2G And MyHome_5GConnect the printer to a 2.4 GHz network. Also check the encryption type: for maximum compatibility with older HP printers, it is recommended to use WPA2-Personal (AES)WPA3 mode may not be compatible with some models.

Another problem is MAC address filtering. If the router has a whitelist of devices enabled, a new (or reset) printer won't be allowed onto the network, even with the correct password. Find the printer's MAC address (on the label or in the report) and add it to the allowed list on the router.

If the printer is connected but not printing, check the print queue status. Sometimes, after changing the password, the old virtual port remains in the system. Remove the old printer from the device list and add it again so the system creates a valid communication port.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)