Modern office multifunctional devices HP printers are often equipped with a built-in wireless module, allowing you to print documents directly from a smartphone or laptop without cables. However, during initial setup or after a factory reset, users often encounter a problem: the system requests a security key, but standard methods don't accept it. Finding the password for the HP Wi-Fi router built into the printer becomes a critical step in restoring the printer's functionality.
Unlike regular home routers, routers in printing equipment have their own specific configuration and data protection features. HP Jetdirect and other proprietary modules may use different default key generation algorithms. In this article, we'll cover the physical locations of the information, software methods for gaining access, and the nuances of resetting security settings to restore the connection.
It is worth understanding that the term "router on a printer" is often used incorrectly, implying a built-in Wi-Fi adapter The device itself, which operates in client or access point mode. This module is required to provide a password to connect to your home or office network. Let's find out where to find this information and what to do if the sticker wears off.
Physical inspection of the device and factory stickers
The fastest and most reliable way to find the factory password or PIN is to visually inspect the printer's body. HP engineers place service information in accessible but discreet locations. Typically, this is on the rear panel, the side edge, or the area under the removable paper tray. You'll need a good light source, as the font on the labels is often small.
Look for a sticker with the following inscriptions: Wireless PIN, WPS PIN or simply Password. In some models, especially the series HP LaserJet And DeskJet, an eight-digit numeric code is used, which must be entered in the HP Smart app or on the printer's screen during pairing. If it is a password for the access point created by the printer (Wi-Fi Direct), it can be specified as Direct-xx-HP with the corresponding key below.
Please note that labels may fade, wear off, or peel off over time, especially if the printer was stored in a dusty area or exposed to direct sunlight. In such cases, the data becomes unreadable. It's also important to distinguish between the MAC address and the required key: the former is used for filtering in the router, while the latter is used specifically for authentication.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the back of the device near the Ethernet and USB ports.
- 📄 Check the space under the front paper tray by folding it back.
- 🏷️ Look for the "WPS PIN" or "Wireless Password" lines on the factory nameplate.
- 📱 Take a photo of the sticker with your phone to zoom in and read the erased symbols.
⚠️ Attention: Never use harsh chemical solvents to clean a sticker in the hopes of making the text legible. You risk permanently removing the paint or damaging the device's plastic casing.
Using the Printer Menu Screen to View Settings
If physical access to the sticker is difficult and the device has already been partially configured, the information can be found through the built-in interface. Models with touch screen Allows you to display the network configuration on the screen. To do this, go to the wireless settings section, which is usually indicated by an antenna or globe icon.
On devices without a full display, equipped only with buttons and indicators, the procedure is more complex. Printing a network configuration report can help. Pressing a combination of buttons (often the "Wireless" button along with the "Cancel" or "Information" button) prints a page listing all current settings, including security status and encryption type.
In the navigation menu, follow the path: Settings → Network → Wireless → Wi-Fi DirectThis section may display the network name and password if the direct connection feature is active. However, it's important to remember that the password displayed here is specific to the mode. Wi-Fi Direct, and not the password from your home router, which the printer uses to access the Internet.
- Tap the wireless icon on the home screen.
- Select "Settings" or "Network Settings".
- Go to the "Wi-Fi Direct" or "Network Summary" section.
- Read the password from the screen or printed report.
☑️ Checking settings via the menu
Printing a Wireless Configuration Report
A universal method for all HP printers, regardless of whether they have a display, is to print a service report. This document contains comprehensive technical information about the network module's status. JetdirectThe report will show you the IP address, MAC address, connection status, and, most importantly, Wi-Fi Direct security settings, including the current password.
The printing procedure may vary depending on the device series. For models with a "Wireless" button (antenna icon), it's often sufficient to press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator light flashes. In other cases, you may need to simultaneously press the "Wireless" button and the "Cancel" button (the cross). The printer will immediately begin printing the technical data sheet.
Examine the printed sheet. You're looking for the "Wi-Fi Direct" section. It will list the network name (SSID) and password (Password). If the password field is empty or says "Disabled," then direct connections are disabled and you'll need to enable it through the menu or setup utility.
| Printer model | Button combination | Indicator | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro | Wireless + Cancel | Flashing blue | Print report |
| HP DeskJet | Wireless connection (3 sec) | Flashing blue | Activating Wi-Fi Direct |
| HP OfficeJet | Settings (gear) → Report | The screen lights up | Reports menu |
| HP Smart Tank | Information (i) + Wireless | Flashing green | Network Summary |
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and button combinations may vary depending on your device's firmware version. If the default combinations don't work, consult the user manual for your specific model.
What to do if the report does not print?
If the printer is silent when you try to print a report, check the paper tray and ink levels. It's also possible that the network module is in sleep mode. Try rebooting the device by unplugging it from the power outlet for 30 seconds.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
If the password was changed by the previous owner or administrator and you don't know the new key, the only solution is to completely reset the network settings. This will return the wireless module to its out-of-the-box state, restoring the factory password indicated on the sticker. It's important to understand that this will not affect print settings or page counters, only the network configuration block will be reset.
To reset most HP models, press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" buttons simultaneously for 5-10 seconds. The power light may flash, confirming the reset was successful. After this, the printer will reboot the network module and become discoverable by new devices under its default name.
After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure the printer's connection to your Wi-Fi router. This can be done through the app. HP Smart On your smartphone or through the web interface, connecting to the printer via a USB cable. The setup process will again request the password for your home Wi-Fi network to which you want to connect the printer.
- 🔄 Make sure your printer is turned on and in ready mode.
- 👆 Press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" buttons at the same time.
- ⏳ Wait about 5-10 seconds until the indicators flash.
- 📡 Wait until the wireless indicator starts flashing blue (setup mode).
Setup via HP Smart app and web interface
The modern and most convenient way to manage network settings is to use the official application HP Smart For iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS. The app automatically detects printers on your local network and lets you manage their settings without having to print reports or fiddle with buttons.
If your printer is already connected to the network (even if you don't know its Wi-Fi Direct password), you can access its built-in web interface (EWS). To do this, enter the printer's IP address (which you can find by printing a report or checking your router) into your browser's address bar. In the window that opens, go to "Network" -> "Wireless" -> "Wi-Fi Direct." Here, you can not only view the current password but also create a custom one that's more complex and memorable.
The HP Smart app makes the process even simpler: select your printer, go to the device settings, and find the "Wi-Fi Direct Settings" section. There you'll find a "Show Password" button or the option to change it. This is especially useful for office printers where printing access needs to be restricted.
Example IP address for logging into EWS:http://192.168.1.45
http://10.0.0.12
⚠️ Attention: To access the web interface (EWS), your device (computer or phone) and the printer must be on the same subnet. If you're connected to a guest Wi-Fi network, access to the printer settings may be blocked by client isolation rules.
Connection Issues and WPS Security
Often users look for a password when trying to connect a printer through the function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to connect devices without entering long keys, simply by pressing a button on the router and printer. However, if your router doesn't support WPS or the feature is disabled in its settings, this method won't work, and you'll need to manually enter the password.
The security of the built-in router (Wi-Fi Direct) also plays a role. By default, it uses WPA2 encryption, but older models may use the outdated WEP or an open network. If you can't find the device in the list of available networks, the SSID may be hidden or the broadcast channel may have been changed. In such cases, the only solution is to reset the router, as described above.
Keep in mind that constantly activating Wi-Fi Direct mode on your printer can interfere with the primary communication channel if they operate on similar frequencies. It's recommended to use this mode only temporarily, for quick printing from a guest smartphone, and to configure the printer as a client on the primary network for permanent operation.
- 🔒 A WPS connection only works if the corresponding indicator on the router is lit or blinking.
- 📶 Make sure the printer is not too far from the router during setup.
- 🛡️ Change the factory Wi-Fi Direct passwords to complex ones if the printer is located in a public place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I find the PIN if there is no sticker on my HP printer?
If the sticker is missing or illegible, try printing a wireless configuration report (usually by pressing "Wireless" + "Cancel"). The report will list the WPS PIN. If this doesn't help, your only option is to reset the network settings, which will reset the device to the factory password, which you can find in the documentation or on the box.
What's the difference between a Wi-Fi Direct password and a home network password?
These are two different keys. The printer needs the home network password to connect to the internet and your router. The Wi-Fi Direct password is a key generated by the printer itself so you can connect to it directly from your smartphone without the router. This article describes how to find the Direct password.
Is it possible to remove the Wi-Fi Direct password on an HP printer?
On most modern HP models, you can change the Wi-Fi Direct security mode to "Open" via the web interface (EWS) or the HP Smart app, which removes the password requirement. However, this reduces security, as anyone within range can print documents.
Why can't my HP printer see my Wi-Fi network?
There could be several reasons: the printer only supports the 2.4 GHz band, and your router only broadcasts 5 GHz; the network's SSID is hidden; or MAC address filtering is enabled on the router. Make sure you're trying to connect the device to a 2.4 GHz network.
How do I reset network settings on an HP printer without a screen?
On models without a display, a button combination is typically used: press and hold the "Wireless" button and the "Cancel" button (the cross) simultaneously for 5-10 seconds until the power indicator flashes. This will reset the network settings to factory defaults.