Moving to a new office, replacing a router, or simply wanting to switch to a more stable network are reasons to change Wi-Fi on an HP printer may be different. But regardless of the model - be it compact HP DeskJet 2700 or powerful HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 The setup process often raises questions. Why doesn't the printer detect the new network? How do I reset the old settings? Do I need to reinstall the drivers? In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for changing Wi-Fi, including hidden features not mentioned in the official instructions.
Many users encounter common errors: the printer stubbornly clings to the old network, requires a password that you haven't changed, or stops responding to commands altogether. 90% of problems with changing Wi-Fi on HP printers are related to cached network data in the device's memory—this data must be reset manually through the service menu. We'll show you how to do this without calling a service center, even if you have no experience working with network equipment.
Before you begin setup, make sure your new Wi-Fi network meets the printer's requirements. Most models HP only support networks 2.4 GHz (even if the router is dual-band). If your router is operating in dual-band mode 5 GHz or uses non-standard channels (for example, 12-14 (In Russia, the printer may simply not see the network.) Also, check that the MAC address filter is disabled in your router settings—it often blocks new devices.
1. Preparing to change Wi-Fi: what you need to do before setting up
The first step isn't pressing buttons on the printer, but setting up the network itself. Skipping this step can lead to hours of wasted connection attempts. Let's start with the router:
- 📶 Check your Wi-Fi range: printers HP (with rare exceptions) work only in the range
2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts two networks (for example,MyWiFiAndMyWiFi_5G), choose the one without a prefix5G. - 🔒 Make sure your password is correct: The printer is case-sensitive and contains special characters. If the password contains
!,@or Cyrillic, it is better to temporarily change it to simple Latin (for example,12345678) during setup. - 🔄 Disable your router's smart features: some modern routers (for example, Keenetic or ASUS RT-AX88U) automatically switch devices between ranges or use Band SteeringThis feature may interfere with a stable printer connection.
- 📡 Check the signal strength: If the printer is located far from the router (more than 10 meters with obstacles), the signal may be too weak. A temporary solution is to move the printer closer to the router during setup.
Now about the printer itself. If it was previously connected to a different network, the old settings may conflict with the new ones. To avoid problems:
- ⚡ Turn off the printer for 30 seconds: This will reset the temporary data in RAM. Don't just put it into sleep mode, but completely disconnect it from the power supply.
- 📄 Check ink/toner levels: some models HP block network functions when consumables are low (especially relevant for HP Instant Ink).
- 🔌 Connect the printer to the network via USB (optional): If you have a cable, a temporary wired connection to your computer will help reset your network settings via HP Smart or control panel.
⚠️ Attention: If your printer is connected to the service HP Instant InkChanging your Wi-Fi network may temporarily suspend your subscription. After successfully connecting to the new network, check your subscription status in your account—sometimes reactivation is required.
2. Method 1: Changing Wi-Fi via the printer control panel
This is the most universal method that works on most models. HP, including DeskJet, OfficeJet And EnvyThe interface may differ slightly, but the general logic is the same.
Step 1: Turn on the printer and wait until it is fully loaded (until the Ready light stops blinking). On most models, the button Wi-Fi (or the wireless network icon) is located on the front panel. Press and hold it for 5-10 seconds, until the blue indicator flashes.
Step 2: The printer screen (or a combination of flashing lights) will prompt you to select a network. Use the arrows or touchscreen to find your network. 2.4 GHzIf the network is not in the list:
- 🔍 Check that the router does not hide the SSID (the mode must be disabled in the router settings)
Hide Network). - 📶 Try refreshing the list of networks (usually the button
"Refresh"orScan). - 🔄 Restart your router—sometimes it doesn't immediately display a list of connected devices.
Step 3. After selecting the network, enter the password. There are a few nuances here:
- 🔠 Use virtual keyboard on the printer screen. On models without a screen (for example, HP DeskJet 2600) the password will have to be entered through the blinking lights according to the symbol table in the instructions.
- 🔄 If your password is long, break it into parts. For example, enter the first 8 characters first, then the next 8.
- ❌ If the printer displays an error
"Incorrect password", check the keyboard layout (English/Russian) and character case.
Step 4. After successful connection, print network settings report (usually on the menu Settings → Network Report). It will show the printer's current IP address and connection status. If the report says "Connected to: [your network name]", then everything went well.
The router is turned on and broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network|
The Wi-Fi password is written down on paper (without errors)|
The printer has been unplugged for 30 seconds|
There are no other HP printers in the network coverage area (they may conflict)-->
⚠️ Attention: On some models (eg, HP LaserJet Pro M404nAfter changing the Wi-Fi connection, you must manually reboot the printer—otherwise, the new settings will not apply. If the printer doesn't print after the configuration, turn it off for 1 minute and then turn it on again.
3. Method 2: Using the WPS button (fastest method)
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can connect your printer to a new network in just two clicks. This method works on most modern models. HP, including OfficeJet Pro 9015 And Envy 6055.
Step 1: Make sure WPS is enabled on your router. This is usually done through the router's web interface (enter [WPS] in your browser). 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, login/password — admin/admin or see the router sticker). The wireless network settings must be enabled. "WPS" or "QSS".
Step 2: Find the button on your printer WPS (sometimes it is combined with the Wi-Fi button and is activated by a long press). On models without a screen (for example, HP DeskJet 2700) hold down the Wi-Fi button until the indicator starts flashing quickly.
Step 3. During 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (usually it's labeled or marked with a 🔄 icon). If there's no physical button on the router, activate WPS through the web interface (section "WPS" → "Add device").
Step 4: Wait for the Wi-Fi light on the printer to turn on. blue (or green, depending on the model). This means the connection is successful. If the indicator continues to flash or remains orange, repeat the process or check your router settings.
| Printer model | Does it support WPS? | Where is the WPS button? | Holding time (sec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2700/2600 | Yes | Wi-Fi button (hold) | 5-7 |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9015/9025 | Yes | Dedicated WPS button on the rear panel | 3 |
| HP Envy 6055/6455 | Yes | On the menu Settings → Wireless → WPS |
— |
| HP LaserJet Pro M404n | No | — | — |
| HP Tango X | Yes (via app only) | Through HP Smart | — |
If WPS does not work, check:
- 🔌 Is WPS enabled on your router (some providers disable it by default).
- ⏱️ Has the printer timed out (you only have 2 minutes after pressing the button on the printer).
- 📡 Is the printer too far from the router (the maximum distance for WPS is 5 meters).
4. Method 3: Change Wi-Fi via the HP Smart app
Application HP Smart (available for Windows, macOS, Android And iOS) significantly simplifies setup, especially if the printer has already been connected to a computer or smartphone before. This method is suitable for models that support HP ePrint (most printers released after 2018).
Step 1: Install HP Smart from the official website (hp.com) or from the app store. Connect the printer to your computer or smartphone via USB (if it is not connected to the network).
Step 2: Launch the app and select your printer from the list. If your printer isn't displayed:
- 🔌 Check your USB connection (try a different cable or port).
- 🔄 Restart the application.
- 📥 Update HP Smart to the latest version (older versions may not support new printer models).
Step 3. Go to the section Printer Settings → Wireless NetworkThe app will automatically prompt you to change your network. Select the new network. 2.4 GHz from the list and enter the password.
Step 4. Once connected, the app will prompt you to print a test page. Do this to ensure the printer has connected correctly to the new network.
What should I do if HP Smart doesn't see my printer?
If the printer is not showing up in HP Smart even via USB, try the following:
1. Remove the printer from the list of devices in the application and add it again.
2. Check if your firewall or antivirus is blocking the connection (temporarily disable them).
3. On Windows, reinstall the printer driver via Devices and printers → Uninstall the current driver and reinstall it from the HP website.
4. If the printer was previously connected to a different network, reset its network settings (see section 5 of this article).
The advantages of this method:
- ✅ No need to enter a password on the printer's small screen.
- ✅ The app automatically checks network compatibility.
- ✅ You can save settings to your account HP for quick recovery.
Flaws:
- ❌ A temporary USB connection is required (if the printer is not on the network).
- ❌ On older models (before 2016) HP Smart may not support changing Wi-Fi.
5. Method 4: Reset the printer's network settings (if nothing helps)
If the printer stubbornly refuses to connect to the new network despite all attempts, it most likely has conflicting settings stored in its memory. In this case, complete reset of network settingsThis method works on all models, but you'll need to reconfigure the printer afterwards.
Step 1: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. 30 secondsThen turn it on, but do not connect it to the network.
Step 2: Press and hold the reset button combination. This combination varies depending on the model:
- 🖨️ HP DeskJet/Envy: hold Wi-Fi button And cancel button (X) simultaneously during
10-15 seconds, until all indicators flash. - 🖨️ HP OfficeJet Pro: hold the "Cancel" button And "Color copy" button.
- 🖨️ HP LaserJet: clamp down Power button And the "Cancel" button on
20 seconds.
Step 3. After the reset, the printer will automatically reboot. Now you can set it up as new (see methods 1-3).
⚠️ Attention: Resetting network settings does not affect other printer settings (such as print preferences or cartridge counters). However, if you are using HP Instant Ink, after resetting, you may need to reactivate your subscription.
6. Troubleshooting common Wi-Fi issues
Even after proper setup, your printer may exhibit unexpected behavior. Here are the most common issues and their solutions:
| Error | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The printer doesn't see the new network. | The network operates in the range 5 GHz or hidden |
Switch the router to 2.4 GHz, disable the "Hide SSID" mode |
| "Incorrect password" error | Incorrect character case or layout | Enter your password using the English keyboard layout, and check the CAPS LOCK. |
| The printer connects but does not print. | IP conflict or firewall blocking | Assign a static IP to the printer in the router or disable the firewall. |
| The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking orange | Weak signal or incompatible security settings | Move the printer closer to the router, change the encryption type to WPA2-PSK |
| The HP Smart app doesn't detect the printer. | Outdated driver or conflict with antivirus software | Update HP Smart, temporarily disable your antivirus |
If the printer connects to the network, but the computer does not see it:
- 🖥️ Check that the printer and computer are on the same network.
- 🔧 Reinstall the printer driver (download the latest version from
support.hp.com). - 🌐 Disable the protocol in Windows temporary settings
IPv6for the network adapter.
If after changing Wi-Fi the printer stops scanning to the computer:
- 📡 Check that it is enabled in your router settings
Multicast(required for scanning function). - 📄 Reinstall the program HP Scan or use the built-in Windows software (
Windows Scan).
7. Additional settings for stable operation
To avoid problems in the future, configure your printer and network optimally:
- 📶 Reserve an IP address for the printer in the router: This will prevent conflicts if the router assigns a different IP address to the printer. In the router settings, find the section
DHCP → Address Reservationand bind the printer's MAC address to a fixed IP. - 🔄 Disable power saving mode on your printer: in the printer settings (
Energy Saving) set the time to go into sleep mode"Never"- this will prevent connection breaks. - 🛡️ Update your printer firmware: Outdated software may cause connection issues. An update is available through HP Smart or the official website HP.
- 📡 Configure Quality of Service (QoS) on your router: If you have a lot of devices on your network, prioritize printer traffic to avoid printing delays.
For models with support HP ePrint (For example, OfficeJet Pro 9025) you can set up remote printing via the Internet:
- 🌍 Register your printer with the service HP ePrint - it will assign a unique email address to the device.
- 📧 Send documents for printing by simply sending an email to this address.
- 🔒 For security, set up a "whitelist" of allowed email addresses.
8. Frequently asked questions and answers
My HP printer isn't detecting the new Wi-Fi network. What should I do?
First, check that the router is broadcasting the network in the range 2.4 GHz (HP printers usually do not support 5 GHz). If the network is hidden (the mode is enabled in the router settings) Hide SSID), temporarily disable this option. Also try:
- Reboot the router and printer.
- Move the printer closer to the router (less than 3 meters).
- Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (for example, from
13on6).
If nothing helps, reset the printer's network settings (see section 5).
Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing Wi-Fi?
In most cases, reinstalling drivers is not necessary, as they are tied to the printer model, not the network. However, if the computer no longer sees the printer after changing the Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:
- Remove the current printer in the section
Devices and printers(Windows) orSystem Preferences → Printers & Scanners(macOS). - Restart your computer.
- Reconnect the printer via HP Smart or the standard printer installation wizard.
If you use HP Instant Ink, after reinstalling the drivers, you may need to reactivate your subscription.
How do I find out which network my HP printer is connected to?
There are three ways:
- Via the control panel: on the printer, go to
Settings → Network Report → PrintThe printed report will indicate the current network. - Via HP Smart: open the app, select the printer and go to
Settings → Wireless Network. - Via the printer's web interface: Find the printer's IP address (in the network report), enter it in the browser and log in (login/password is usually
adminor empty).
Is it possible to connect an HP printer to two Wi-Fi networks at the same time?
No, printers HP do not support simultaneous connections to multiple networks. However, you can:
- Use guest network mode on the router, if you need to restrict access.
- Tune VPN on a routerto make the printer accessible from another network.
- Manually switch the network in the printer settings (but this is inconvenient for permanent use).
Some models (eg HP OfficeJet Pro 9025) support wired connection (Ethernet) simultaneously with Wi-Fi, but this is not the same as two Wi-Fi networks.
After changing Wi-Fi, my printer is printing very slowly. How can I speed it up?
Slow printing after changing networks is usually due to:
- Low connection speed: Check the Wi-Fi signal (there should be at least 3 bars on the printer indicator).
- Router overload: Disconnect other devices from the network while printing.
- Suboptimal printer settings: In the print driver, select the mode
Quick Printor"Draft". - IP address conflict: Assign a static IP to the printer in your router settings.
Also try updating the printer firmware via HP Smart — network protocols are often optimized in new versions.