How to Enable Wi-Fi on an HP Printer: 4 Working Methods + Troubleshooting

Wireless printing saves time and eliminates cable clutter, but many users experience difficulties when connecting a printer for the first time. HP to the Wi-Fi network. Even modern models with support Wi-Fi Direct or Dual Band Sometimes they require manual configuration—especially when it comes to office MFPs or budget devices without a touchscreen. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for enabling Wi-Fi on printers. HP, from the classical DeskJet And OfficeJet to professional LaserJet, and we'll also tell you how to diagnose typical connection errors.

It's important to understand that the setup algorithm depends not only on the printer model, but also on the firmware version, router type, and even the operating system of the device from which you manage printing. For example, printers HP with support HP Auto Wireless Connect Connect to the network automatically upon first startup, while older models may require manual SSID entry through the menu. We've compiled general instructions that cover 90% of cases, but if your model was released before 2018, Check the technical documentation for compatibility with modern Wi-Fi standards (802.11n/ac/ax) - some devices do not support encryption WPA3.

1. Preparing your HP printer for Wi-Fi connection

Before setting up your wireless network, make sure your printer is ready to use. This will eliminate most "no network" or "unable to connect" errors.

• 🔌 Connect the printer to the power supply and turn it on using the power button. Wait until initialization is complete (there should be no error message flashing on the screen or indicators).
• 📄 Install the cartridges and load paper - some models HP block access to network settings if consumables are missing.
• 📡 Check your router: It must be turned on, distributing Wi-Fi (the wireless network indicator is green/blue) and not be in "access point" mode (AP Mode).
• 🔄 Reset network settings on the printer if it was previously connected to a different network. To do this, hold down the button Wi-Fi (or Wireless) for 10 seconds.

If your printer HP equipped with a touch screen, on the main screen find the icon Settings (gear) → Net → Wireless communicationFor models without a display (e.g. HP DeskJet 2700) use a combination of buttons: usually it's pressing them simultaneously Wi-Fi And Information (or Cancel) for 3 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: Printers HP with support HP+ (cloud printing) may require account registration HP For full Wi-Fi functionality. If you see an authorization request, you can't skip it—this is a requirement of the manufacturer.

2. Method 1: Connecting via the printer control panel

The most reliable method is to configure Wi-Fi directly on the printer. This method works for most models released after 2015, including HP Envy 6000, OfficeJet Pro 9010 And LaserJet MFP.

Instructions for printers with a touch screen:

1. On the home screen, tap the icon Settings (or Setup).
2. Select Net → Wireless communication → Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.
3. The printer will begin searching for available networks. Select your network from the list.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard. Use the button Change of register, if the password contains capital letters.
5. Confirm the connection. Wait for a check mark or message to appear. Connected.

Instructions for printers with buttons (without a screen):

For models of type HP DeskJet 2700 or Neverstop Laser:

1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (or Wireless) for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
2. Click the button WPS on the router for 2 minutes. The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer should light up steadily.
3. If your router does not support WPS, use an alternative method (see section 3).

Make sure the printer is turned on and ready to print|

The router is distributing Wi-Fi (the indicator is green/blue)|

The network password has been entered correctly (case sensitive!)|

The printer is within range of the router (no further than 10 meters)-->

If the printer does not find your network, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the router (turn it off for 30 seconds).
• 📶 Move the printer closer to the router (walls and metal objects weaken the signal).
• 🔒 Make sure the network is not hidden (the checkbox should be unchecked in the router settings) Hide SSID).

3. Method 2: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) technology

WPS is a standard for quickly connecting devices to Wi-Fi without entering a password. Most printers HP support this method, but it only works if:

• 📡 The router has a physical WPS button (usually on the back panel).
• 🔒 WPS is not disabled in the router settings (check in the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• ⏳ You have time to press a button on the printer and router within 2 minutes.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and located near the router.
2. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi (or WPS) until the indicator starts flashing quickly (usually 3–5 seconds).
3. Press the button within 2 minutes WPS on the router. The printer's indicator light should be on steadily.
4. Wait until a test page with connection confirmation is printed (if the function is enabled in the settings).

⚠️ Attention: Some router models (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) require you to hold the WPS button for up to 10 seconds. If the connection fails, repeat the process or use an alternative method.

If WPS does not work:

• 🔄 Restart your router and printer.
• 🔧 Check in the router settings whether WPS is enabled (section Wireless → WPS).
• 📱 Try connecting through the app HP Smart (see section 4).

Why might WPS not work?

WPS is disabled in the router settings by default (especially on newer models).

The router uses an incompatible encryption standard (for example, only WPA3, but the printer supports WPA2).

The WPS button on your router is slow to respond—try holding it down longer.

The printer is too far from the router (the maximum distance for WPS is 5 meters).

4. Method 3: Set up Wi-Fi via the HP Smart app

Application HP Smart (available for Windows, macOS, Android And iOS) simplifies connecting a printer to a network, especially if it doesn't have a screen. The program automatically detects the printer model and suggests the optimal setup method.

Instructions for mobile devices (Android/iOS):

1. Download HP Smart from App Store or Google Play.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and bring it close to the printer (no further than 50 cm).
3. Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
4. Once connected, the printer will appear in the list of available devices.

Instructions for PC (Windows/macOS):

1. Download HP Smart With official HP website.
2. Connect the printer to the computer via USB (temporary connection).
3. Launch HP Smart and select Add a printer.
4. Follow the setup wizard: the program will automatically detect the printer and offer to switch it to Wi-Fi mode.

The advantages of this method:

• ✅ Automatic model and firmware detection.
• ✅ Possibility of printing from cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• ✅ Real-time connection problem diagnostics.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer is not detected through HP Smart, check if Bluetooth is enabled on your device. Some models HP (For example, Envy 6400e) require initial Bluetooth pairing to transfer Wi-Fi data.

5. Method 4: Connecting via USB (for older models)

If your printer HP released before 2016 (for example, LaserJet P1102 or DeskJet 1000), it may not support modern Wi-Fi standards. In this case, a temporary USB connection and subsequent network setup via a computer will help.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect the printer to your PC or laptop using a USB cable (usually included).
2. Download and install drivers from official HP website, specifying the exact model.
3. Open Control Panel → Devices and printers (For Windows) or System Preferences → Printers and scanners (For macOS).
4. Find your printer in the list, right click and select Printer properties → Ports.
5. Add a new port type Standard TCP/IP Port and enter the printer's IP address (can be found in the network menu on the printer itself).
6. In the printer settings, select Wireless communication and follow the setup wizard.

Once the connection is successful, disconnect the USB cable - the printer should remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.

⚠️ Attention: Printers HP with index w in the title (for example, LaserJet M28w) support only Wi-Fi, and models without this index (for example, LaserJet M28a) - USB only.

6. Typical mistakes and their solutions

Even after proper setup, your printer may not connect to Wi-Fi. Let's look at the most common issues and how to fix them.

Error: "No network" or "Unable to connect"

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 The printer is not within the router's range. → Move it closer or use a Wi-Fi repeater.
• 🔒 Incorrect password → Check the case of the characters (password) Password And password - different!).
• 📡 The router operates in 5 GHz mode, but the printer only supports 2.4 GHz. → In the router settings, enable the mode 2.4 GHz or set mixed mode b/g/n.
• 🔄 Printer firmware failure → Perform a factory reset (press and hold the button Cancel And Wi-Fi for 10 seconds).

Error: "Limited connection" or "No internet access"

This issue occurs when the printer is connected to the network but cannot obtain an IP address:

• 🔧 Check the DHCP settings on your router (it must be enabled).
• 📱 Restart your router and printer.
• 🖥️ Assign a static IP address to the printer in the router settings (section LAN or DHCP Reservation).

Error: "Wi-Fi is disabled" after firmware update

Sometimes after an automatic update, the printer resets its network settings. To restore the connection:

1. Go to the printer menu: Settings → Net → Restore network settings.
2. Repeat the Wi-Fi setup using any of the methods described above.
3. Disable automatic firmware updates (if the problem persists).

7. Additional Wi-Fi features on HP printers

Modern printers HP support not only basic network printing, but also advanced features that make your work easier:

• 📱 HP Smart App: printing from mobile devices, scanning to the cloud, ordering ink.
• 🌐 Wi-Fi Direct: connecting to a printer without a router (for example, to print from a laptop on the road).
• ☁️ Cloud printing: Send documents to print with Google Drive, Dropbox or by email.
• 🔒 Guest network: some models (eg OfficeJet Pro 9020) allow you to create a separate network for guest devices.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on an HP printer:

1. On the printer control panel, go to Settings → Wireless communication → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Turn on the function and write down the network name and password (they are shown on the screen or printed on the test page).
3. Connect to this network from your laptop or smartphone and print without a router.

Wi-Fi Direct limitations:

• ❌ Only one device can be connected at a time.
• ❌ Data transfer speed is lower than when connected via a router.
• ❌ Some features (such as scanning to the cloud) may not be available.

8. Wireless Printing Security

Printers HP Wi-Fi-enabled devices are vulnerable to attacks if security isn't configured. Follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Change the administration password printer (by default it is often empty or 12345678).
• 📡 Disable WPS, if you do not use it (in the router settings).
• 🔄 Update your firmware printer through HP Smart or support site.
• 🚫 Block access to the printer from the Internet (disable it in your router settings) DMZ And Port forwarding for the printer).

To check who is connected to your printer:

1. Go to the printer's web interface (enter its IP address in the browser).
2. Go to the section Net → Wireless communication → Connected devices.
3. If you see unfamiliar devices, change the Wi-Fi password and reconnect the printer.

⚠️ Attention: Printers HP with function HP ePrint Have a unique email address for online printing. Disable this feature if you're not using it to prevent unauthorized printing.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi on HP Printers

My HP printer can't detect the 5 GHz network. What should I do?

Most printers HP (except for flagship models) work only in the range 2.4 GHzTo connect such a printer:

1. Go to your router settings (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Turn on the mode 2.4 GHz or set mixed mode b/g/n.
3. Disable the feature Smart Connect (if any), which automatically switches devices between 2.4 and 5 GHz.

If your router does not support split-band, you will have to buy a printer that does. Dual Band (For example, HP OfficeJet Pro 9020).

How do I find the IP address of my HP printer for manual setup?

There are three ways:

1. Via the control panel: Settings → Net → Network Configuration Report (a sheet with IP will be printed).
2. Via router: Go to the router's web interface and look at the list of connected devices (section DHCP or LAN).
3. Through HP Smart: Open the app, select the printer and go to Printer Information.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my phone. What's wrong?

The problem may be in the settings of your mobile device or printer:

• 📱 Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
• 🔄 Restart the app HP Smart or reinstall it.
• 📄 Check if your printer settings restrict printing from mobile devices (Settings → Security).
• 🔧 Update your printer firmware via HP Smart.

Is it possible to connect an HP printer to Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, if your printer supports it. Wi-Fi DirectTo do this:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct in the printer settings.
2. Connect to the printer's network from your smartphone or laptop (the network name and password are indicated on the printer screen or on the printed page).
3. Start printing via HP Smart or standard OS tools.

Limitation: In this mode, the printer does not have access to the Internet, so features like cloud printing will not work.

How do I reset Wi-Fi settings on an HP printer?

The method depends on the model:

• With touch screen: Settings → Net → Restore network settings.
• With buttons: Press and hold the button Wi-Fi And Cancel simultaneously for 10–15 seconds.
• Through HP Smart: Select a printer → Settings → Network reset.

After the reset, the printer will return to the factory Wi-Fi settings and will need to be configured again.