It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but lose or forget the password. This is especially true for office equipment, where access to settings may be limited, or when changing the router requires reconfiguring all devices. Printer owners Hewlett-Packard People often wonder where exactly their device's security key is stored so they can broadcast it to their smartphones or laptops.
It's important to understand that the printer itself rarely creates its own complex Wi-Fi password. Most often, it uses the standard WPS PIN code found on the label or stores the password for your home network, which can be viewed through the web interface. In rare cases, if the device operates in Wi-Fi Direct mode, it may have its own unique code, which is also easy to find.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all possible methods for restoring access: from a simple inspection of the case to using specialized software. We'll also examine the differences between touchscreen and push-button models, as well as the menu sequence. EWS (embedded web server) may vary significantly.
Find the password on the case and factory label
The fastest and most reliable way to find out the connection details is a physical inspection of the device. Printing equipment manufacturers are required to prominently display information about factory settings. For models of the series HP DeskJet or HP ENVY This is usually the back or side panel, less often the area under the paper tray.
You need to find a sticker with barcodes and a serial number. Look for a field labeled Wi-Fi Direct or simply WPS PINIf your printer supports direct connection without a router, the password will be specified there, often as an 8-digit combination. For some older models, this code is static and cannot be changed without a complete network reset.
⚠️ Caution: If the sticker is worn or damaged, do not attempt to remove it completely for a better look. This could damage important sensors or void your warranty. In this case, proceed to software-based testing.
Please note that the Wi-Fi Direct password and the password for your home Wi-Fi network are different. The sticker will help if you want to connect directly to the printer. If you need the printer to connect to your router, you need the password for the router, which the printer has already memorized.
- 🔍 Inspect the back of the device in good lighting.
- 🔍 Look for the "PIN", "Password" or "Key" lines next to the Wi-Fi logo.
- 🔍 Check the cartridge compartment, sometimes the information is duplicated inside.
In some cases, especially in office models of the series LaserJetInformation may be hidden under a removable panel. Carefully open the accessible hatches, but do not use force. The factory password is often the same as the device's serial number, unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer.
Using the WPS button to connect automatically
If your goal is simply to connect the printer to the network, and not necessarily to see the password itself in text, then the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is the ideal solution. This method allows devices to exchange security keys automatically, without the need for manual character entry.
To implement this method, your router must have a physical WPS button or a corresponding function in the router's web interface. On an HP printer, the procedure is also simple: go to the wireless menu and select Wi-Fi Protected SetupThe device will enter signal standby mode.
Within two minutes of activating the printer's wireless handshake mode, press the WPS button on the router. The lights on both devices will begin flashing, indicating the handshake process. If successful, the wireless light on the printer will turn solid, indicating successful password acquisition and connection to the network.
☑️ WPS Readiness Check
There's also the PBC (Push Button Configuration) method, which is a variation of the one described above, and the PIN code method. In the latter case, the printer generates a code that must be entered into the router settings. This is less convenient, but it works in cases where a physical button on the router is missing or blocked by the ISP.
Printing a network configuration report
HP printing equipment has a useful self-diagnostic feature that displays the current status of all network parameters. This is the most "official" way to find out what data the device is currently storing in its memory.
For models without a touch screen (eg older HP LaserJet P1102w or basic DeskJet) The procedure is performed using a combination of buttons. Typically, you need to press and hold the wireless button or the "i" (information) button for 3-5 seconds until the indicators flash. The printer will automatically print one or two pages.
Look for the section in the report Wi-Fi Direct or Network ConfigurationThis will display the device's current IP address, connection status, and, in some cases, the WPS PIN. If the printer is already connected to the network, the network password won't be displayed in the report for security reasons, but you will see the IP address, which you'll need for the next step.
| Printer model | Action for printing | Where to look for data |
|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2700 | Press and hold the "i" button for 3 seconds | Wi-Fi Direct Info section |
| HP LaserJet Pro | Wireless button | Network Configuration Page |
| HP OfficeJet | Menu → Report → Network | IPv4 Address and Security |
| HP Smart Tank | i-button + Wireless | Wi-Fi Direct Settings |
Save this report; it's useful not only for finding the password but also for diagnosing connection issues. It contains information about signal strength, encryption type (WPA2/WPA3), and the channel the device is operating on. This will help you understand why the printer may be losing connection to the router.
Viewing your password via the web interface (EWS)
If your printer is already connected to your local network (even if you don't remember how), you can access its internal settings through a browser. Embedded web server EWS (Embedded Web Server) allows you to manage the device remotely and access hidden parameters.
First, find out the printer's IP address (see the previous section about the report). Enter this address (for example, 192.168.1.45) into the address bar of any browser on a computer on the same network. The printer settings page will open.
Go to the tab Networking (Network) or Wireless (Wireless Communications). In the section Security or Wi-Fi Direct The current settings may be displayed. However, modern firmware versions hide the Wi-Fi router password with asterisks for security reasons. But! Here you can see your Wi-Fi Direct password or change it to one you know.
What to do if EWS does not open?
If the page doesn't load, check whether your computer is connected to the same network as the printer. It's also possible that a firewall is blocking access. Try using incognito mode or a different browser. In rare cases, a printer firmware update may be required.
The web interface is also convenient for resetting network settings if you want to start with a clean slate. This is especially useful when changing providers or purchasing a new router, when the old password is no longer valid.
Resetting the HP Printer Network Settings
If none of these methods work, or you've changed your router and can't remember the printer's new password, there's a radical but effective solution: a full network reset. This will restore the device's network module to its factory settings.
For most models with a display, the path looks like this: Settings (gear icon) → Network → Restore network settingsConfirm the action. For models without a display, a common combination is to simultaneously press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (cross) buttons for 3-5 seconds until the power indicator flashes.
After the reset, the printer will enter setup mode. It will no longer attempt to connect to the old network. You can now restart the setup process through the app. HP Smart On your smartphone or via the setup wizard on your computer. The app will automatically detect the printer and prompt you to enter your current Wi-Fi password.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings does not affect your personal files or printing settings (such as the default paper size), but only resets Wi-Fi connection settings and static IP addresses if they were set manually.
This method is guaranteed to work, as it eliminates any software errors or address conflicts. After the reset, the device will behave like a new one, just purchased from the store, requiring initial configuration.
Using the HP Smart app to recover
HP's modern ecosystem is app-centric. HP Smart, available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It's the most convenient tool for managing your printer, often able to retrieve forgotten settings or help reconnect the device.
If the printer appears "Offline" in the app, click it. The app will offer troubleshooting options. It can often automatically transfer the Wi-Fi password stored in Windows or macOS back to the printer. This requires your computer to be connected to the network via cable or Wi-Fi.
The app also features an "Advanced Settings" section, which takes you to the EWS web interface discussed above. This eliminates the need to search for the IP address and enter it manually, significantly simplifying the process for inexperienced users.
The app also lets you create shortcuts for frequently used functions and monitor ink levels. Regular use of HP Smart helps keep your printer firmware up to date, which is important for the security and stability of your Wi-Fi connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I find the WPS PIN code if the sticker is worn off?
If the label is illegible, try printing a network configuration report (see the section above). On some models, the PIN can also be found in the printer menu under "Wireless Menu" → "Wi-Fi Protected Setup" → "PIN."
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi router by looking at the printer settings?
In plain text, no. For security reasons, modern HP printers don't display the connected Wi-Fi network password in plain text, either in the menu or in the web interface. They only store a hash of it for authentication. However, you can see the Wi-Fi Direct password.
What to do if the HP printer does not see the 5 GHz network?
Many older and budget HP printer models only support the 2.4 GHz band. Make sure your router broadcasts in this range and that the network names (SSIDs) for 2.4 and 5 GHz are different to avoid confusion with your printer.
How to reset network settings on an HP LaserJet without a display?
On models without a display, you typically need to press and hold the "Wireless" button and the "Cancel" button (the cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds. The lights should flash, confirming the reset.
Is it safe to use WPS to connect?
WPS technology is considered less secure than manually entering a complex password due to vulnerabilities in the PIN generation method. For a home network, the risk is minimal, but in offices with high security requirements, manual connection or corporate certificates are recommended.