Modern office and home printing devices from the company Hewlett-Packard offer a variety of wireless connection methods, but users often face the need to enter a security code. A situation where you urgently need to print a document from your phone or tablet, and the device requires authentication, can be confusing. Not all device owners know where to find this code and how it differs from your home network password.
In most cases we are talking about the regime Wi-Fi Direct, which allows gadgets to connect directly to the printer, bypassing the router. This is especially important if the main router is temporarily unavailable or you are outside its coverage area. Understanding the difference between the router's network key and the printer's access code is critical for successful setup.
There are several proven methods for recovering or viewing lost data, depending on your device model and whether it has a screen. We'll cover all options, from using the built-in display to software utilities. The key is to proceed consistently and carefully check the stickers on the device.
Finding the password on the device's case and stickers
The fastest and most reliable way to find factory data is a physical inspection of the printer itself. Engineers HP The necessary information is usually placed on a special label that is attached to the back, front, or side panel of the case. Look for the inscription Wi-Fi Direct or Wireless Direct, next to which the network name (SSID) and digital code will be indicated.
This code is often a combination of 8-12 characters and may be printed in small font. If the sticker is worn or damaged, try using a flashlight to better see the text. On some models of the series LaserJet The information is duplicated under the removable paper tray or inside the cartridge compartment.
⚠️ Caution: Do not attempt to remove the label completely if it covers the ventilation holes, as this may disrupt the device's thermal regulation during intensive printing.
If you found the code but it doesn't work, someone may have previously changed the security settings via the web interface. In this case, the factory data on the sticker will no longer be valid, and you'll need to reset the network settings. Always check if the information is up-to-date if the device was previously used on a different network.
Using the control panel on the printer
Many modern models such as HP OfficeJet Pro or Envoy, equipped with a color touchscreen or a user-friendly push-button interface. The device's menu allows you to not only view the current connection status but also find out or change the password for direct connectionThis is the most convenient method, as it does not require a connected computer.
To access this information, you need to go to the wireless settings section. The interface may differ slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. If your device has a button with an antenna or an icon Wi-Fi, click on it for quick access to the network menu.
- 📱 Tap the Wireless icon or the antenna button on the home screen.
- 🔍 Select "Settings" or "Network Settings" from the menu that appears.
- 📡 Find the "Wi-Fi Direct" section and tap on it to view details.
- 👁️ Activate the "Show password" option or simply look at the security key field.
In some cases, especially on models with a monochrome display, the password may not be displayed in full, but rather hidden by asterisks. In this case, the screen will instruct you to press a specific key combination to print the report. This is a standard security procedure for devices without a full graphical interface.
Printing a network configuration report
If the screen is missing or too small, the most informative source of data is a special report that the printer can print on command. This document contains complete technical information: IP address, MAC address, connection status and, most importantly, the current Wi-Fi Direct password.
The procedure for printing a report is universal for most series. DeskJet And LaserJetThis is usually accomplished by holding down a specific button or key combination for a few seconds. It's best to check the user manual for the exact sequence of actions, but there are standard algorithms.
☑️ Print configuration report
After receiving the sheet, find the section Wi-Fi Direct. It will list the SSID (network name) and Passphrase (password). Note that the report will also show whether security mode is enabled. If the value is Off or Disabled, then connection is possible without entering a code, however, this reduces the security of your data.
⚠️ Warning: The Configuration Report contains information about your network, so do not leave the printed sheet in public places and dispose of it after use.
Checking settings via the EWS web interface
If the printer is already connected to the local network (via an Ethernet cable or previously configured Wi-Fi), you can access its internal settings through a browser. This method allows you to not only find out the password but also change it to a more convenient one. This technology is called Embedded Web Server (EWS).
First, you'll need to find the device's IP address. You can find it by printing a network report (as described above) or by viewing the connected printer's properties in the operating system. Windows or macOSEntering this address into your browser's address bar will take you to the printer's management page.
The EWS interface provides deep access to configuration. You'll need the "Network" or "Wireless" tab. Here, in the Wi-Fi Direct security section, you can view the current key or generate a new one. This is especially useful if the default code is too complex to remember.
http://192.168.1.15 (example address)If you are using a guest Wi-Fi network or a VLAN with client isolation, access to the web interface may be blocked by your router settings.
What to do if a web page won't open?
If your browser says "Unable to connect," check that you've entered the IP address correctly. Also, try disabling your VPN on your computer, as it can reroute traffic and block access to local devices. Clearing your browser's cache or using incognito mode can sometimes help.
Using the HP Smart app to recover
Mobile application HP Smart is the central hub for managing printers of this brand. It is available for iOS And Android, as well as for desktop systems. If your phone has ever been connected to a printer, the app can store device profile data, although the password is often hidden for security reasons.
However, the app can help you reconfigure your network. If you re-add the printer via Bluetooth or USB (for supported models), the app will automatically transfer the new Wi-Fi settings. This is an effective way to bypass the need to manually enter the old password by creating a new connection with the new key.
- 📲 Launch the HP Smart app and tap Add Printer.
- 🔌 Follow the on-screen instructions to pair via Bluetooth.
- 📶 Select your home Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the router password.
- ✅ Wait for confirmation of successful setup and printing of a test page.
The application also allows you to control the mode Wi-Fi Direct: turn it on, off, or change the network name. This is a convenient tool if physical access to the printer's control panel is difficult (for example, if it's located in a niche or high on a shelf).
Reset network settings to factory defaults
If none of these methods work, or you bought a used device and don't know the passwords, there's a radical but effective solution: resetting the network settings. This will restore all wireless settings to their default settings, including restoring the factory password found on the sticker.
The reset procedure varies. On models with a display, it's done through the menu "Settings" → "Network" → "Restore network settings." On models without a display, it's usually necessary to press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (or "Power") buttons simultaneously for 10-20 seconds until the lights flash.
⚠️ Note: Resetting the network does not delete your personal files or scan settings, but it will disconnect all current connections. You will need to reconnect the printer to your computers and mobile devices.
After resetting, the printer will create a new access point with the factory name and password. This ensures that no old, unknown configurations will interfere with operation. Be sure to wait until the device has fully rebooted before attempting a new connection.
Table: Typical passwords and methods for HP series
Different printer lines may have their own unique data retrieval procedures. Below is a summary table to help you navigate the process depending on your model. Please note that software updates may change menu items.
| Printer series | Where to find the password | Network reset method | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet | Sticker inside the tray or on the back | Wi-Fi button + Cancel (5 sec) | Often there is no screen, only indicators |
| HP LaserJet Pro | Menu: Network -> Wi-Fi Direct | Menu: Settings -> Network -> Reset | There is a full-fledged EWS interface |
| HP OfficeJet | Screen: Wireless | Settings -> Restore | HP Smart and Cloud Support |
| HP Envy | On the back panel of the case | Info button (i) + Wireless | Touch control of settings |
Usage factory PIN code After a reset, this is the safest option if you don't plan to change connection devices frequently. This code is unique to each device and cannot be brute-forced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if the password sticker is illegible?
If the text has faded, try using the macro function on your smartphone with a bright flash—sometimes ink residue becomes visible at certain angles. If this doesn't help, your only option is to reset the network settings to activate the default factory code, which can be found online for your printer model, or use WPS.
Is it possible to connect a printer without a password?
Yes, if your router and printer support the technology. WPSTo do this, press the WPS button on the router and then start a network search on the printer. You can also temporarily disable encryption in the Wi-Fi Direct settings via the web interface, but this is unsafe for an office environment.
Why doesn't my HP printer see my Wi-Fi network?
A common cause is operation in the 5 GHz band. Many older or budget printer models only operate in the 5 GHz band. 2.4 GHzMake sure your router broadcasts a network in this range and that the network name (SSID) does not contain special characters or Cyrillic letters that the device may interpret incorrectly.
How to change Wi-Fi Direct password to your own?
Access the printer's web interface (EWS) via a browser and go to the "Network" tab -> "Wi-Fi Direct." There you'll find a field for entering a new passphrase. Create a complex passphrase, write it down, and save your changes. The printer may reboot to apply the new security settings.