Many users face a situation where they urgently need to print a document, but the printer won't connect to the wireless network or refuses to accept print jobs from their phone. Often, the problem stems from incorrectly entered credentials or a lost password. Wi-Fi DirectKnowing where to find this data and how to change it can save you a lot of time and frustration when setting up your office equipment.
Unlike a home router, where the password is often written on a sticker on the bottom, HP printers The situation is a bit more complicated. The default access code may be hidden, changed by a previous user, or dependent on the specific device model. You don't need to be an IT professional to figure this out; knowing a few proven algorithms is enough.
In this article, we'll cover all the methods for restoring access in detail. You'll learn how to find the factory password, how to reset network settings to factory defaults, and what to do if standard methods don't work. It's important to understand that the security of your local network directly depends on the complexity of these passwords.
Factory passwords and default values
When first turned on or after a complete reset of network settings, many models HP LaserJet And HP DeskJet They use universal combinations. Most often, this is the word "password" or "12345678." However, you shouldn't rely on luck, as modern devices generate unique codes for each unit during production.
The most reliable way to find out the default password is to look at the technical information sticker. It may be located on the back panel, under the removable cartridge cover, or even on the inside of the paper tray. Look for the line Wi-Fi Direct Password.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, try entering a blank line or a combination of eight units. Some older models HP OfficeJet They don't require a key to be entered upon initial connection if the security feature was disabled at the factory. However, newer models have a stricter security policy.
- 🔑 Try entering the word "password" (without quotes) in lowercase.
- 🔑 Check the combination "12345678" - it is often used in budget series.
- 🔑 Look for the unique combination of letters and numbers on the device's factory sticker.
- 🔑 For some models, the serial number located on the back panel may be suitable.
⚠️ Attention: Don't try to guess the password endlessly. After 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the printer may temporarily block Wi-Fi Direct connection for 1-2 minutes for security reasons.
Laser (LaserJet)
Inkjet (DeskJet/Envy)
MFP (OfficeJet)
I don't know the model
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How to print a network configuration report
If a visual search for stickers yields no results, the most reliable way to obtain information is to print a service report. This document contains all technical information, including the current IP address, MAC address, and current password. Wi-Fi Direct.
The procedure for printing a report depends on whether the device has a display. For models with a display, go to the settings menu, select "Reports," and tap "Configuration Report." For models without a display, use a combination of buttons.
After printing, carefully examine the second page of the report. You're looking for the "Wi-Fi Direct" section. It will list the network name (usually starting with HP-Print...) and the current password. If this field is blank, Wi-Fi Direct is disabled.
| Device type | Action to print a report | Where to find the password |
|---|---|---|
| With touch screen | Settings → Reports → Configuration | Wi-Fi Direct section |
| With buttons (LaserJet series) | Press the "i" or "Wireless" button | Second page of the report |
| Inkjet (without screen) | Hold the Wireless button for 3 seconds | Network Information Block |
| Old models | Press "Copy" + "Cancel" simultaneously | At the bottom of the page |
What to do if the printer does not print the report?
If the indicators blink but paper doesn't feed when you try to print a report, check the paper and toner levels. A paper jam may also be the problem. In rare cases, resetting the non-volatile memory may be necessary.
Turn off the printer, unplug the power cable for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
If the previous owner set a complex password and you don't know it, or if the settings were lost due to a power surge, a full reset of the network settings can help. This action will restore Wi-Fi Direct to the "out of the box" state, and the password will again become the default one (indicated on the sticker).
It's important to understand that resetting the network won't delete your personal files from your computer, but the printer will "forget" your home network name and router password. You'll need to reconnect the device to Wi-Fi.
To perform a reset on most models HP You need to simultaneously press and hold two buttons on the control panel. Typically, these are the "Wireless" button (the antenna icon) and the "Cancel" button (the cross). Hold them for about 3-5 seconds until the power and network indicators start flashing.
Make sure the printer is turned on.
Check that there is paper in the tray.
Write down the current IP address (if needed for static configuration)
Be prepared to reconnect the printer to the router.
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After the reset, the device will create a new hotspot. You can now connect to it from your phone or computer using the standard code on the sticker, or through the app. HP Smart retransmit the printer's connection data to your main router.
Using the HP Smart app to manage access
Modern HP printers designed to work through a mobile application HP SmartThis isn't just a printing tool, but also a powerful security management center. It lets you easily change your Wi-Fi Direct password to one that's easy to remember.
To get started, make sure your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer (or its access point). Open the app, select your device, and go to "Printer Settings" or "Advanced Settings."
Find "Wi-Fi Direct" or "Wireless Printing." Here you'll see the current status and the option to edit the password. Changing the password in the app will apply immediately, and all devices will need to reconnect with the new code.
- 📱 Download the official HP Smart app from the AppStore or Google Play.
- 📱 Register your printer in the app (HP account required).
- 📱 Go to the wireless network settings inside the device card.
- 📱 Enter a new password and save changes.
⚠️ Attention: The HP Smart app interface may vary depending on your operating system version and printer model. If you don't see the option you need, update the app to the latest version or check the "Advanced Settings" section in the web interface.
Configuration via the web interface (EWS)
A more advanced management method is to use the built-in web server. EWS (Embedded Web Server)This method allows you to access all hidden printer settings through a computer browser. This is especially useful if the mobile app is unstable.
To log in, you'll need the printer's IP address. You can find it by printing a configuration report (as described above) or by looking at the device's screen. Enter this address (e.g., 192.168.1.45) into the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
After clicking the address, a control page will open. If the browser warns you about an insecure connection, ignore it; this is normal for local devices. Go to the "Network" tab and find the menu. Wi-Fi Direct.
Approximate path in the EWS menu:
Network → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct → Settings
Here you can not only change the password but also change the network name (SSID) to easily identify your printer in the list of available devices. You can also completely disable Wi-Fi Direct in this section if you only use a wired connection or a regular Wi-Fi network.
Connection problems and their solutions
Even with the correct password, users sometimes encounter connection errors. The device may display "Unable to connect" or endlessly search for the network. Frequently, the problem lies in the frequency range: many older printers HP work only in the range 2.4 GHz and do not see 5 GHz networks.
Another common issue is an IP address conflict or a temporary failure in the printer's wireless module. In this case, rebooting both the router and the printer itself can help. Unplug both devices for 30 seconds, turn on the router, wait until it fully boots up, and only then turn on the printer.
If the printer sees the network but doesn't accept the password, check your keyboard layout. Make sure CapsLock is not enabled and the correct language is selected. Passwords are case-sensitive: the letters "A" and "a" are different characters for the system.
- 💻 Make sure your printer drivers are updated to the latest version.
- 💻 Try temporarily disabling the VPN on your computer or phone.
- 💻 Check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled.
- 💻 For printers with WPS, try connecting them using the button on the router.
⚠️ Attention: Wireless module specifications and supported encryption standards (WPA2/WPA3) vary by model and year. Always consult the official user manual for your printer series, as manufacturers can change the hardware platform without changing the model name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I find the password if the sticker on my HP printer has come off?
If the sticker is damaged, the only reliable way is to print a network configuration report (settings page). If this is not possible due to access loss, you will need to perform a full network reset using the buttons to restore the factory password, which is provided in the model's documentation online.
Is it possible to remove the password from Wi-Fi Direct on a printer?
Yes, most models allow you to change the security mode from WPA2 to "No Security" (Open) via the web interface (EWS) or the HP Smart app. However, this is not recommended, as anyone within range will be able to print to your printer or view transmitted data.
Why can't my HP printer see my 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most HP office and home printers are equipped with Wi-Fi modules that operate only in the 2.4 GHz band. Make sure your router broadcasts a network in this range and try connecting to it. Some routers group frequencies under a single name; in this case, it's best to separate them in the router settings.
What should I do if I forgot the password for the printer's web interface?
The EWS (Embedded Web Server) login password is often the same as the Wi-Fi Direct password or is set separately. If you've changed it and forgotten it, the only solution is to reset all printer settings to factory defaults (Cold Reset), which will delete all user-defined network configurations.