Changing internet providers or purchasing a new router inevitably requires reconfiguring the entire home network. Office equipment owners often face the question of how to change the Wi-Fi connection on an HP printer so that the device can print wirelessly again. Modern models HP DeskJet, HP LaserJet And HP Envy are equipped with convenient communication modules, but the process of reconnecting them to a new access point may differ depending on the presence of a screen on the case.
In most cases, you won't need complicated software or specialist help. Wireless connection It can be configured through the device's menu, the WPS button on the router, or a temporary USB cable. It's important to understand that the printer remembers the last network settings, so to use a new router, you'll need to delete the old settings or overwrite them with new ones.
Before you begin setting up, make sure you know the exact name of your new network and its current password. Entering an incorrect password is the most common reason why a printer does not see a Wi-Fi network after changing a router. Also check that your router is broadcasting a signal in the 2.4 GHz range, as many older and budget printer models do not support the 5 GHz frequency.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface may vary slightly depending on your device's firmware version. If you don't see the item you're looking for, check the official manual for your specific model on the manufacturer's website.
The reconfiguration process takes 5 to 15 minutes and requires minimal technical knowledge. Below, we'll detail all available methods, from automatic to manual, so you can choose the most appropriate one for your situation.
Preparatory stage before changing the network
To begin the process, prepare your equipment. Make sure the new router is turned on and working properly, and the computer or smartphone you'll be using to configure it is connected to the new network. If the printer's error light is on or the wireless icon is blinking, this is normal, indicating a connection issue.
Some methods may require USB cable, which usually comes with the device. Find it in advance, as it's needed to temporarily transfer network settings from your computer to the printer if wireless methods fail. Also, make sure the drivers HP Smart or the full software installed on your PC.
If you're changing your router but keeping the same network name (SSID) and password as your old device, you may not need to reconfigure it at all. The printer will automatically connect to the new access point, thinking it's your old router. However, for security reasons, it's recommended to change passwords when changing equipment.
It's important to check your router's frequency range. Most office MFPs only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. If your new router only broadcasts a 5 GHz network, the printer simply won't detect it. In this case, you'll need to access the router settings and enable a guest network or a separate channel for the 2.4 GHz frequency.
Using the WPS button for quick connection
The fastest way to change the Wi-Fi connection on an HP printer is using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows you to connect devices without manually entering a password. This method works if your router supports WPS and has a corresponding physical button or software function in the web interface.
Press the "Wireless" button on the printer control panel or go to the network settings menu. The Wi-Fi icon on the screen should light up or flash. If your model doesn't have a screen, press and hold the wireless button and the "Cancel" button simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the lights start flashing.
Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. Typically, you'll need to hold it for a few seconds until the router's security light flashes. The printer will automatically detect the signal and establish a connection. Once successfully connected, the Wi-Fi light on the device will stop flashing and remain solid.
- 🔹 Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer to activate search mode.
- 🔹 Press the WPS button on the router within 120 seconds.
- 🔹 Wait until the wireless indicator on the printer stops blinking.
- 🔹 Print a network report to ensure successful connection.
The WPS method is convenient for its simplicity, but it's not always available. Some providers disable this feature by default for security reasons, or older router models may not have the button. In these cases, you'll need to use other setup methods.
Setting up via the printer control panel (with screen)
Models of the series HP OfficeJet Pro And HP LaserJet Often equipped with a color touchscreen, this greatly simplifies the process of changing the router on an HP printer, as all actions are performed directly on the device. You don't need any additional cables or a computer.
Tap the "Wireless" or "Network" icon on the home screen. If the icon is not visible, tap the right arrow or the menu button to find the settings section. Select "Wireless Network Setup" or "Setup Wizard." The printer will begin searching for available networks within range.
Find your new network name (SSID) from the list and tap it. A password entry keyboard will appear. Be careful when entering the password: characters are case-sensitive, and the letter "O" and the number "0" may look the same. Confirm your entry after entering.
| Printer model | Menu location | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro | Antenna icon → Network settings | An exact password entry is required |
| HP OfficeJet | Settings (gear) → Network | Touch input support |
| HP Envy | Wireless → Settings | Frequently requires software updates |
| HP DeskJet Plus | i button → Wi-Fi settings | Minimalistic menu |
After a successful connection, the printer will display a success message. You can now return to your computer and add the device to the system if it wasn't detected automatically. If the connection fails, check the password again.
☑️ Verify your password before entering it
Setup via USB cable and HP Smart software
If your model doesn't have a display and the WPS button is missing or doesn't work, the most reliable option is to use a USB cable. This is a classic method that allows you to transfer Wi-Fi settings directly from your computer to the printer. You'll need a program HP Smart or a full driver package from the HP website.
Connect the printer to your computer or laptop using a USB cable. Make sure your computer is connected to the new Wi-Fi network whose settings you want to transfer. Launch the HP Smart app and click "Add a Printer" or select an existing printer.
During setup, the program will prompt you to change the connection type. Select "Switch to a wireless connection" or "Set up a new wireless connection." The system will automatically retrieve your PC's current network settings and transfer them to the printer via the USB port.
1. Connect the USB cable.2. Launch HP Smart.
3. Select "Set up a new device".
4. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Once the program reports success, it will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. After this, the printer should automatically connect to the router. This method is especially advantageous because it eliminates manual password entry errors and works even with hidden networks.
⚠️ Attention: While transferring settings via USB, do not disconnect the cable or turn off the printer. Interrupting the process may reset the network modules, requiring you to repeat the procedure.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
Sometimes a printer refuses to connect due to conflicting old settings or memory errors. In such cases, before changing the Wi-Fi settings on your HP printer, you should reset the network settings to factory defaults. This will clear the device's memory of all saved passwords and network names.
For models without a display, locate the "Wireless" button and the "Cancel" button (the cross). Press them simultaneously and hold for about 3-5 seconds until the power and wireless indicators start flashing. This indicates the settings have been reset.
On touchscreen models the path may look like this: Settings (gear) → Network → Restore network settingsConfirm the action. After rebooting, the printer will be ready for new setup as a new device.
- 🔹 Turn off the printer and router, wait 30 seconds.
- 🔹 Turn on the router and wait until it fully boots up.
- 🔹 Perform a network reset on the printer using a combination of buttons.
- 🔹 Turn on the printer and restart the connection procedure.
After the reset, the Wi-Fi indicator will typically start blinking blue, indicating it's ready for setup. You can now use any of the methods described above (WPS, menu, or USB) to connect to the new network.
What to do if resetting doesn't help?
If the printer still doesn't see the network even after resetting the settings, try temporarily disabling MAC filtering on your router or creating an unsecured guest network to test the connection.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting
Even with proper setup, problems can still arise. Often, the problem lies not with the printer itself, but with the router itself. If your HP printer won't connect to Wi-Fi, first check to see if your router is blocking new devices. Also, make sure your device has the latest firmware version.
Print a wireless connection report. On most models, this is done by pressing the "Information" (i) button or by pressing the "Wireless" + "Print" button. The report will show the device's IP address. If the address begins with 169.254.x.x, this means that the printer did not receive an address from the router and the connection failed.
Check your security settings. Encryption protocols WPA2 And WPA3 are the standard, but some older printers may not work correctly with WPA3. Try temporarily setting your router to mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode or WPA2-only.
In rare cases, completely removing the device from the printer list in the operating system and re-adding it through Windows Settings or macOS System Preferences can help. This updates the port drivers and resolves software conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I connect my HP printer to a 5GHz network?
Most budget and older HP printer models only support 2.4 GHz. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, the printer won't be able to see the network. You'll need to enable 2.4 GHz support in your router settings or create a separate guest network using this frequency.
What should I do if my printer can't find my Wi-Fi network?
Make sure the network isn't hidden (hidden SSID). Also, check the distance: the printer should be within range of a strong signal. Try temporarily moving the device closer to the router for setup.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing my router?
Usually not. If the computer and printer are on the same network, the system will automatically update the print port. However, if printing fails, it's recommended to remove the old printer from the system and re-add it.
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
Press the "Wireless" or "Information" (i) button on the printer control panel. You can also find the IP address in the network report or in the list of connected clients in your router's web interface.