How to find the Wi-Fi Direct password on an HP printer: all working methods

Technology Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect to printers HP Directly, without the need for a router—convenient for printing from a phone, tablet, or laptop on the go. However, to use this feature, you need a password, which the printer generates automatically. The problem is that the manufacturer rarely displays it prominently, and the information in the instructions is often vague or outdated.

In this article we will look at all current methodsHow to find out the password Wi-Fi Direct for printers HP - from budget DeskJet 2700 to professional OfficeJet Pro 9025You will find step-by-step instructions for Windows, Android/iOS, as well as manual methods for finding the password on the device itself. We'll pay special attention to common errors that cause connection failures and provide security tips.

What is Wi-Fi Direct on HP printers and why is it needed?

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless communication standard that allows devices connect directly, bypassing the router. In the context of printers HP This technology solves two key problems:

• 📱 Printing from mobile devices without access to a local network (for example, in a cafe or hotel).
• 🖥️ Connecting laptops to the printer when the router is unavailable or broken.
• 🔒 Traffic isolation: Data is transferred only between the printer and your device, reducing the risk of interception.

It is important to understand that the Wi-Fi Direct password is different from your home Wi-Fi network password. It is generated automatically by the printer when the feature is first enabled and can be changed after a factory reset. The password length is typically 8 characters (for older models) or 12-16 characters (for new ones, for example, HP Smart Tank 700).

On some models (HP Envy 6000, HP TangoWi-Fi Direct can only be activated manually through the control panel. If the feature is enabled but you can't connect, the problem is most often an incorrect password or an IP address conflict.

Method 1: Find the password on the printer body or in the documentation

The easiest method is to check sticker on the back or bottom panel printer. On models HP DeskJet 2600/2700, HP OfficeJet 3830 and similar Wi-Fi Direct passwords are often listed next to:

• 📋 Serial number (Serial Number).
• 🔑 Password for the main Wi-Fi network (if the printer is already connected to the router).
• 📡 Wi-Fi Direct network SSID (usually starts with DIRECT-xx-HP-...).

If there is no sticker or the password has been erased, check complete documentation:

- IN user manual (section "Wireless Direct" or "Wi-Fi Direct").

- On warranty card (sometimes the password is duplicated there).

- IN box (on some models, for example, HP LaserJet Pro M426, the password is indicated on the inside of the package).

⚠️ Attention: On printers HP+ released after 2022The Wi-Fi Direct password may be updated after each reboot. In this case, looking for it on the sticker is pointless—use the methods in the following sections.

Method 2: Find out the password through the printer control panel

Most modern printers HP (starting from OfficeJet 200 and newer) allow you to view the Wi-Fi Direct password directly on the screen. Instructions vary depending on the panel type:

On printers with touch screen the password may be hidden behind an option Print Network Configuration (Print Network Configuration). After selecting this option, the printer will print a sheet of data, which will contain a line Wi-Fi Direct Password.

If the control panel does not respond or the menu is missing, try:

1. Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds and turn it on again.
2. Press and hold the button Wireless (or Wi-Fi) for 10 seconds to reset network settings.
3. Update printer firmware via HP Smart App (instructions in the next section).

What to do if the control panel is locked?

On some models (eg, HP PageWide Pro) The panel is locked after 3 unsuccessful password attempts. To unlock it, unplug the printer for 1 minute or perform a factory reset (hold Cancel + Wireless when turned on).

Method 3: Print a network configuration report

If your printer supports printing network settings, this method works. 90% of casesHere's how to do it:

1. On the printer control panel, locate the button Information (or Setup → Reports).
2. Select Network Configuration Page (or Wireless Test Report).
3. Wait for the printer to print the data sheet.

In the printout, look for the following sections:

• 📄 Wi-Fi Direct Password — the password itself.
• 📡 Wi-Fi Direct SSID — the name of the network to connect to.
• 🔧 Security Mode — encryption type (usually WPA2-PSK).

If there is no line with the Wi-Fi Direct password in the report, but there is WPS PIN, This not the sameThe WPS PIN is used to connect to the router, not for a direct connection. In this case, try the other methods in the article.

On printers of the series HP Neverstop The Wi-Fi Direct password may be hidden under the name Direct Print Password — don’t miss this line in the report!

Find the line "Wi-Fi Direct Password" | Make sure it is not a WPS PIN | Check the date/time of the printout (data relevance) | Save the sheet for future reference -->

Method 4: Use the HP Smart app (for Windows, Android, iOS)

Official app HP Smart Not only does it control the printer, but it can also display the Wi-Fi Direct password. Here's how it works:

For Windows/macOS:

1. Download HP Smart With official HP website (do not use third-party sources!).
2. Connect the printer to your computer via USB (if Wi-Fi is not configured).
3. Open the app, select your printer → Settings → Wireless communication → Wi-Fi Direct.
4. The password will be displayed in the section Password or Security Key.

For Android/iOS:

1. Install HP Smart from the App Store/Google Play.
2. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer (or via USB-OTG for Android).
3. In the main menu of the application, tap on the printer icon → Settings → Wi-Fi Direct.
4. The password will appear in the section Network details.

If the printer does not appear in the app:

• 🔄 Restart the printer and device.
• 📶 Make sure Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on your printer (on some models it turns off after 5 minutes of inactivity).
• 🔌 Plug the printer directly into a power outlet (without extension cords) - insufficient power can block wireless functions.

⚠️ Attention: In the appendix HP Smart For iOS, the Wi-Fi Direct password may not display on printers older than 2019. In this case, use the Windows version or print a configuration report.

Method 5: Connect to the printer via WPS (an alternative to Wi-Fi Direct)

If you couldn't find the Wi-Fi Direct password, but the printer supports it WPS, you can connect to it in an alternative way. This works for most models. HP, released after 2015.

Instructions for Windows:

1. On the printer, press and hold the button WPS (or Wi-Fi + Information) for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes.
2. On your computer, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select Connect to the network → find the printer network (starts with HP-...) → click Connect via WPS.
4. Enter the PIN code from the network configuration printout (line WPS PIN).

For Android:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi on your phone.
2. Press and hold the WPS button on the printer.
3. On your phone, select the printer network → enter the WPS PIN (if prompted).

The advantage of this method is that No Wi-Fi Direct password requiredHowever, WPS has limitations:

• ⏱️ The session is valid only 2 minutes — you need to have time to connect during this time.
• 🔒 Not all models support WPS (for example, HP Tango X (it doesn't have it).
• 📵 Connecting to an iPhone via WPS doesn't work — only via Wi-Fi Direct password.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even knowing the password, users often encounter connection problems. Here the most common mistakes and their solutions:

Another common problem is The printer "forgets" Wi-Fi Direct settings. after switching off. This is typical for models with energy-saving mode (for example, HP DeskJet 3700). To avoid this:

• 🔌 Disable the option Automatic shutdown in the printer settings.
• ⚡ Use the original power supply (not a universal one).
• 📵 Don't press the button Wireless unnecessarily - this may reset the connection.

If none of the methods worked, do the following: network reset:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press the buttons Wireless + Cancel (or Wireless + Start Copy Black for laser printers).
3. Turn on the printer without releasing the button for 10 seconds.
4. After rebooting, the Wi-Fi Direct password will be reset to the factory default (see sticker).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Direct on HP printers

Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi Direct password manually?

On most models HP Wi-Fi Direct password cannot be changed — it is generated automatically. Exceptions include certain business models (for example, HP LaserJet Enterprise), where this is done through the printer's web interface (http://[IP address]/networking).

If you need a permanent password, configure the printer to connect to your router—then you can use your home Wi-Fi network password.

Why isn't my printer visible in the Wi-Fi Direct network list?

There are several reasons:

• Wi-Fi Direct disabled on the printer (enable in settings).
• The Priter is located in sleep mode (wake him up by pressing any button).
• On your device Wi-Fi is disabled or the Airplane mode is enabled.
• Distance to the printer more than 5 meters (Wi-Fi Direct has a limited range.)

Also check if the printer is in the off mode. USB only (in some models, for example, HP OfficeJet 200, it blocks wireless connections).

How to connect to Wi-Fi Direct from iPhone?

On iPhone, connecting to Wi-Fi Direct works in the standard way:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find the printer network (starts with DIRECT-xx-HP-...).
3. Enter your Wi-Fi Direct password.

If the network is not showing, try:

• Restart the printer.
• Disable VPN on iPhone (it may block local connections).
• Use the app HP Smart for automatic connection.

Is it possible to use Wi-Fi Direct and regular Wi-Fi at the same time?

No, printers HP do not support simultaneous operation in two modes. When Wi-Fi Direct is activated, the printer turns off from your home network. To return to regular Wi-Fi, you must manually deactivate Wi-Fi Direct in the printer settings.

Exception: models with support Dual wireless connection (For example, HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e), but even in this case, IP address conflicts may arise.

How to reset Wi-Fi Direct password if you forgot it?

There are two ways:

1. Software reset:
   • Go to printer settings → Wireless communication → Wi-Fi Direct → Reset settings.
   • The password will return to the factory setting (indicated on the sticker).

Hard reset:

• Turn off the printer.
• Press the buttons Wireless + Cancel (or Wireless + Start Copy Color for color printers).
• Turn on the printer by holding the buttons for 10-15 seconds.

After the reset, all printer network settings will return to factory defaults, including the primary Wi-Fi network password.