Connecting a new device to a wireless network, but losing or forgetting the password, is one of the most common problems in home IT infrastructure. This is especially true for HP printers, which require a stable connection to print documents and photos from mobile devices. Users often wonder how to quickly restore access to device settings without resorting to complex computer manipulation or reinstalling drivers.
Fortunately, modern technology allows you to find out the necessary data directly from your smartphone, using the built-in functions of the operating system or special applications from the manufacturer. Android And iOS offer various tools for managing network equipment, significantly simplifying the diagnostic process. In this article, we'll cover in detail all the working methods for obtaining a password, including methods using WPS, a web interface, and a utility. HP Smart.
It's worth keeping in mind that the procedure may vary slightly depending on your device model and operating system version. Some older models may not support new security protocols, while modern ones MFP have advanced data protection features. Therefore, it is important to carefully follow the instructions that are appropriate for your specific situation.
Checking saved passwords in your smartphone settings
The easiest and most often forgotten method is to check whether your phone has automatically saved the password the last time you connected. If you've ever connected your phone to the printer's Wi-Fi network, or if the printer is connected to the same network, the password may still be available in the system. In modern versions Android (starting with version 10) and iOS (starting with version 16) the function of viewing saved access keys has been implemented.
For owners Android You need to go to the wireless network settings section. There you can find a list of all the networks the device has ever connected to. By clicking the gear icon next to the desired network, you can often see the "Show password" option or a QR code with encrypted login information. This allows you to quickly find out security key without using third-party software.
- 📱 Open "Settings" and go to the "Wi-Fi" or "Connections" section.
- 🔍 Find your printer's network in the list (usually starts with "HP-Setup" or the model name).
- 👁️ Click on the eye or gear icon to reveal the hidden password.
Users iPhone You can also use iCloud Keychain. If your devices are synced, the password for the Wi-Fi network the printer is connected to may be displayed in the settings. However, if the printer creates its own access point (Wi-Fi Direct mode), the password may not be saved in the shared list, as this is a temporary connection.
⚠️ Note: If you see a network with a name like "HP-Setup-xx," this is setup mode, not full Wi-Fi. The password for this mode is often default (e.g., 12345678) and is listed on the printer's case sticker. However, for regular printing, you need to connect the printer to your main router.
Using the HP Smart app to manage access
Official app HP Smart is the primary tool for managing this brand's printing devices. It not only allows you to print documents but also diagnose network connections. If your phone is already connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer, the app can display the connection status and, in some cases, help you reconfigure the network if the password has been changed.
After installing the app and adding the printer, go to the device settings. The printer's local network IP address is often displayed there. Knowing this address allows you to proceed to the next step—using the web interface. The app also allows you to launch a wireless network setup wizard, which can automatically transfer Wi-Fi information stored on your phone to the printer, eliminating the need for manual entry.
It's important to note that all app features require geolocation and local network permissions. Without these permissions, HP Smart The printer won't be able to detect it or retrieve its network settings. Make sure Bluetooth is also enabled on your phone, as modern models use it for initial device discovery.
☑️ HP Smart Pre-Setup Check
If the app requests a firmware update before setup, we recommend agreeing. New software versions often contain fixes for security bugs that could block password-based connections. Furthermore, updated firmware ensures better compatibility with new encryption standards used in modern routers.
Receiving data via EWS (Printer Web Interface)
The most reliable technical way to find out your current security settings and IP address is to log in to Embedded Web Server (EWS)This is a web interface built directly into the printer's operating system. To access it, you'll need the device's IP address, which can be found by printing a configuration report or viewing it on the MFP's screen (if it has a display).
Enter the received IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.45) into the address bar of any browser on your phone (Chrome, Safari). This will open the printer management page. Here, in the "Networking" or "Wireless" section, all connection parameters are displayed. If the printer is connected to a router, the network name (SSID) will be listed here, but the router password itself is not listed here for security reasons. However, if you need to know the connection password, Wi-Fi Direct, it can be displayed in the corresponding tab.
| Parameter | Where to find it in EWS | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | Home / Network | 192.168.x.x |
| SSID (Network Name) | Wireless / Wireless Menu | Name of your network |
| Wi-Fi Direct Name | Wireless Direct | HP-Print-xx-Model |
| Wi-Fi Direct Password | Wireless Direct Settings | 8-digit code |
⚠️ Note: The EWS interface may not open if your phone is connected to a mobile data connection (4G/5G) and not to the printer's or router's Wi-Fi network. Make sure the devices are on the same local network.
What to do if EWS does not open?
If the page isn't loading, try clearing your browser's cache or using incognito mode. Also, check if your phone's antivirus software is blocking access to local IP addresses. Sometimes temporarily disabling your mobile data connection can help.
WPS method: connection without entering a password
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect devices to a wireless network without having to manually enter a complex password. This is ideal if you've forgotten the access key but have physical access to the router. Many HP printers support this protocol, making it easy to find the password—you simply don't need to know it.
To use this method, press the WPS button on your router (often labeled with the appropriate abbreviation or depicted by an icon of two arrows). Then, you'll need to activate WPS mode on the printer within 2 minutes. This can be done through the device's menu or by pressing a button combination on the control panel. The printer will automatically request and receive the necessary connection information.
- 🔘 Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for 3-5 seconds.
- 🖨️ On the printer control panel, press the Wireless button or select WPS from the menu.
- ⏳ Wait for the Wi-Fi indicator to blink and then turn solid when the connection is successful.
It is worth noting that the WPS method is considered less secure than using a complex password. WPA2/WPA3, as it is vulnerable to certain types of brute-force attacks. If the security of your home network is a priority, use this method only for initial setup and then disable WPS on your router.
Printing a network configuration report
If your phone's screen is too small to easily navigate the settings, or the app doesn't detect the device, the most reliable "analog" method is printing a report. Most HP models (DeskJet, Envy, LaserJet) allow you to print a network configuration page by simply pressing a specific key combination. Typically, this is the "Wireless" button along with the "Information" or "Cancel" button.
The printed sheet will contain complete information about the current connection status, including the IP address, MAC address, and security type. In the section Wi-Fi Direct Often, a default password is listed, which is valid unless you manually change it. This document is also useful for diagnostics: if the report says "Off" or "Disconnected," it means the printer isn't connected to the network, and the password issue is secondary—you'll need to reconfigure the connection.
For models without a display, the button combination may differ. For example, on some DeskJet series, you need to press the power button and the wireless button simultaneously. It's recommended to refer to the quick start guide, which is often located inside the device, to find the exact combination for your model. MFP.
Resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults
If none of these methods work, or the previous owner changed the password and didn't share it with you, there's a radical but effective solution: resetting the network settings. This will reset the wireless module to factory defaults, including the default Wi-Fi Direct password. It's important to understand that this won't remove your documents from the print queue, but it will disconnect the current connection to the router.
To reset the module, you typically need to hold down the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 5-10 seconds until the power light starts flashing. After the module resets, the printer will be visible again in the app. HP SmartYou can reconnect using your Wi-Fi router's password, which you now know for sure (or have changed).
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings does not affect fax settings or contacts stored in your phone's memory if they are synced via the cloud. However, all saved Wi-Fi profiles in the printer's memory will be deleted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I find the WPS PIN code on an HP printer?
The WPS PIN code is usually displayed on the device's screen when you select the WPS connection method in the wireless network menu. It can also be found on the printed network configuration report in the Wireless section. This 8-digit code is entered into the router settings to authorize the device.
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi router using a printer?
No, the printer only stores a hash of the connection password, but does not display the password itself in plaintext in its interface or reports. For network security, manufacturers block the ability to view the main network password through connected devices.
What should I do if my phone can't see the printer via Wi-Fi?
Make sure both devices are connected to the same network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Check if AP Isolation is enabled in the router settings, which prevents devices from seeing each other. Also, try rebooting the router and printer.
What is the default password for HP Wi-Fi Direct?
There's no standard password. Each model, or even each device, has its own unique password, printed on a sticker on the back or under the cartridge cover. It's often listed as "Wi-Fi Direct Password" and consists of 8 characters.