How to Connect an HP DeskJet 2720 Printer to Wi-Fi: 3 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Wireless printer connection HP DeskJet 2720 Connecting to a Wi-Fi network opens up printing capabilities from any device—smartphone, tablet, or laptop—without the need to connect cables. However, many users encounter difficulties during initial setup: the printer doesn't detect the network, constantly asks for a password, or refuses to connect altogether. In this article, we'll look into three official connection methods (via WPS, app HP Smart and the printer control panel), as well as typical errors and their solutions.

Model DeskJet 2720 belongs to the budget segment, but supports all modern wireless printing standards, including AirPrint (for iPhone/iPad) and Mopria (for Android). The key is to complete the initial setup correctly. If you've previously connected other devices to Wi-Fi, the process will seem familiar, but there are some nuances related to the network security protocol and the printer's firmware version.

Before you begin, make sure that:

  • 📶 Your router is turned on and broadcasting a network in the range 2.4 GHz (the printer does not support 5 GHz).
  • 🔑 You have a Wi-Fi password (if the network is secured).
  • 📱 The app is installed on your smartphone or computer HP Smart (you can download it in Google Play or App Store).
  • ⚡ The printer is plugged into a power outlet and is within range of the network (no further than 5–7 meters from the router).
📊 How do you usually connect printers to the network?
Via USB cable
Via Wi-Fi on your own
I use the manufacturer's app
I'm calling a repairman

1. Preparing the printer and network: what to check before connecting

Before you begin setup, you need to rule out any external issues that could interfere with the connection. Most often, users encounter a printer that HP DeskJet 2720 does not see the network due to incompatibility of Wi-Fi standards or errors in the router settings.

First, make sure your router is in wireless mode. 802.11b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHzPrinters of this level do not support the modern standard. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and networks 5 GHzIf your router broadcasts two networks (for example, MyWiFi_2.4G And MyWiFi_5G), connect only to the first one. To check or change the settings:

  1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  2. Go to the section Wireless network (Wi-Fi) or Wireless Settings.
  3. Make sure the network mode is set to 11b/g/n mixed or Legacy.
  4. If there is an option Channel width, select 20 MHz (and not 40 MHz).

Secondly, check if it is turned on on the router MAC address filter or guest networkThe printer won't be able to connect if its MAC address isn't on the list of allowed devices, or if you're trying to connect to a guest network (which often has printing restrictions). Also, temporarily disable "Hide SSID" function - this will simplify the connection process.

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses WPA3 as the primary security protocol, the printer may not connect. Switch to WPA2-PSK (AES) or mixed mode WPA2/WPA3 in the router settings.

Finally, make sure the printer HP DeskJet 2720 ready to configure:

  • 🔌 Plug it into a power outlet and turn it on using the power button (the indicator should be green).
  • 📄 Load paper into the tray (this is required to print a network test page).
  • 🔄 If you have already tried to connect the printer before, reset the network settings: hold down the button Wi-Fi (📶) and Cancel (❌) simultaneously for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect your printer to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This is the easiest method if your router supports WPS (most modern models from TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, and other manufacturers do).

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Make sure the router is turned on and the button is WPS available (usually it is signed or marked with a 🔄 icon).
  2. On the printer HP DeskJet 2720 press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue quickly.
  3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router. The printer's indicator light should stop blinking and turn solid blue—this indicates a successful connection.
  4. Print it out network settings report: press and hold the button Information (ⓘ) within 5 seconds. In the report, check the line Wi-Fi Status — must be specified Connected.

If the indicator continues to flash or remains orange, the connection has failed. Possible causes include:

  • ❌ The router does not support WPS (check the documentation).
  • ❌ The WPS function is disabled in the router settings (enable it in the web interface).
  • ❌ The time between pressing buttons on the printer and router exceeded 2 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Some routers (for example, from providers Rostelecom or Beeline) have hardware WPS button, which only works when held for 5-10 seconds. If a short press doesn't work, try holding the button longer.

If WPS doesn't work, move on to the next method - connecting via an app HP Smart.

3. Method 2: Connecting via the HP Smart app (for smartphones)

Application HP Smart Automates the connection process and allows you to control the printer from your phone. This method is suitable if you don't have access to the WPS button or your router doesn't support it. These instructions are valid for Android And iOS.

Steps to connect:

  1. Download and install the application HP Smart on your smartphone.
  2. Turn it on on your phone Wi-Fi And Bluetooth (both modules must be active).
  3. Launch the app and click Add a printer (Add Printer).
  4. Select Setting up a new printer (Set Up a New Printer).
  5. The app will prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network. Make sure it's the same network your phone is connected to.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will automatically find the printer. DeskJet 2720 and send connection data to it.
  7. Wait for the process to complete (this may take up to 2–3 minutes). Once complete, a test page will print.

If the printer is not detected:

  • 🔄 Restart the printer (turn the power off and on).
  • 📱 Restart the app HP Smart and try your search again.
  • 🔌 Make sure your phone and printer are on the same network (do not use mobile internet).

Sometimes the application asks you to enter Printer PIN code. It can be found:

  • On a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer (look for the line Wi-Fi Direct Password).
  • In the network settings report (print it by holding down the ⓘ button).

Phone is connected to Wi-Fi|Bluetooth is on|HP Smart app is up to date|Printer is on and ready to set up-->

4. Method 3: Manual setup via the printer control panel

If the first two methods don't work, you can connect the printer manually through its menu. This method requires entering the SSID and network password using the buttons on the control panel.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Press the button on the printer Wi-Fi (📶). The indicator will start flashing.
  2. Press and hold the button Cancel (❌) for 3 seconds until the menu appears Wi-Fi Setup.
  3. Using buttons / select an item Setting up a wireless network (Wireless Setup) and press OK.
  4. Select Manual setup (Manual Setup).
  5. Enter your network name (SSID) using the buttons. Use the button to switch between letters and numbers. OK.
  6. Select the security type (WPA2-PSK — the most common option).
  7. Enter your Wi-Fi password (case sensitive!).
  8. Confirm your entry and wait for the connection to complete. The Wi-Fi indicator should turn solid blue.

If the printer gives an error Failed to connect:

  • 🔤 Check that you entered the SSID and password correctly (especially upper/lower case characters).
  • 🔄 Restart your printer and router.
  • 📡 Try temporarily disabling it on your router protection against attacks (Firewall) or MAC address filtering.
⚠️ Attention: When entering the password manually, the printer HP DeskJet 2720 does not support special characters (eg !@#$%) in the network name or password. If your Wi-Fi uses such characters, temporarily change the password to a simpler one (e.g., 12345678) during setup.

5. Check the connection and print a test page

After a successful connection, you need to ensure that the printer is working correctly on the network. To do this:

  1. Print it out network settings report: hold the button Information (ⓘ) for 5 seconds.
  2. In the report, check the following parameters:
    • 📶 Wi-Fi Status — it should be Connected.
    • 🌐 SSID — the name of your network.
    • 🔒 Security — type of protection (for example, WPA2-PSK).
    • 📡 Signal Strength — signal level (optimal Excellent or Good).
  • Install the printer on your computer or phone:
    • On Windows: go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a Printer.
    • On Mac: open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Add (+).
    • On Android/iOS: use the app HP Smart or standard printing functions.

    If your printer does not appear in the list of available devices:

    • 🔄 Restart the printer and the device you are trying to print from.
    • 📡 Check that your computer/phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
    • 🔧 Update the printer drivers on your computer (download them from official HP website).
    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The printer does not see the network The network operates in the 5 GHz range. Switch your router to 2.4 GHz or create a separate network for the printer.
    "Incorrect password" error Typo or incorrect case Repeat your input using the button / to select symbols
    The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking orange The printer cannot obtain an IP address. Reboot your router or assign a static IP address to the printer in DHCP settings.
    The printer is connected but does not print. Firewall or antivirus is blocking printing Temporarily disable protection or add the printer to exceptions

    6. Troubleshooting common connection errors

    Even after a successful connection, problems may still arise. Let's look at common issues and how to resolve them.

    Problem 1: The printer connects to Wi-Fi but disconnects after a few minutes.

    • 🔌 Check it out power saving mode on the printer: go to Settings → Power Saving and disable the option Automatic shutdown.
    • 📡 Make sure your router isn't dropping the connection due to DHCP timeoutIn your router settings, increase the IP address lease time (for example, to 24 hours).

    Problem 2: The printer sees the network but does not connect ("Authentication error").

    • 🔑 Check that it is selected in the router settings WPA2-PSK (AES), and not TKIP or WPA3.
    • 🔄 Reset the network settings on the printer (hold Wi-Fi + Cancel 5 seconds) and try connecting again.

    Problem 3: The computer does not see the printer on the network.

    • 🖥️ Make sure the protocol is enabled on your computer SMB (for Windows 10/11: Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off → SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing support).
    • 🔧 Reinstall the printer drivers by downloading them from HP website (select model DeskJet 2720).

    Problem 4: The printer prints very slowly over Wi-Fi.

    • 📡 Check it out Wi-Fi channel in the router settings. Channels 1, 6 or 11 are usually less busy.
    • 📵 Reduce the number of devices connected to the network at the same time.
    • 🔄 Restart your printer and router.
    What should I do if the printer is connected, but printing freezes?

    If the document is printed, but the printer does not respond

    1. Open the print queue on your computer (Start → Devices and Printers → Right-click the printer → View print queue).

    2. Cancel all jobs and restart printing.

    3. Check if the "Ink Save" mode is enabled in the printer settings - it may slow down the process.

    7. Additional settings: printing from a phone and cloud services

    After connecting to Wi-Fi, the printer HP DeskJet 2720 You can use it not only from a computer, but also from a smartphone and through cloud services. Here's what you need:

    Printing from Android/iOS:

    • 📱 Install the application HP Smart (if you haven't done so yet).
    • 🖼️ Open a document or photo, click Share → Print and select your printer.
    • 🌐 For iPhone/iPad the standard function also works AirPrint (select Seal in any application).

    Cloud printing (Google Cloud Print, HP ePrint):

    • ☁️ Register your printer with the service HP ePrint via the app HP SmartAfter this, you will be able to send documents to print via email.
    • 📧 Your printer will receive a unique email address of the form printer12345@hpeprint.comSend emails with attachments (PDF, Word, JPEG) to it, and they will be printed automatically.

    Printing from multiple devices:

    • 🖥️📱 A printer connected to Wi-Fi is accessible to all devices on the network. To add it to another computer, use the Adding a printer via IP (You can find out the IP in the network settings report).
    • 🔒 If you need to restrict access, set up password for printing in the printer's web interface (open the printer's IP address in the browser).

    8. Reset settings and reconnect

    If all connection attempts fail, the final step is Complete reset of printer network settingsThis will reset your Wi-Fi settings to factory defaults, allowing you to start setup again.

    How to reset settings:

    1. Make sure the printer is turned on.
    2. Press and hold the buttons simultaneously Wi-Fi (📶) and Cancel (❌) during 10-15 secondsuntil all indicators start flashing.
    3. Release the buttons. The printer will reboot and return to factory settings.
    4. Repeat the connection process using one of the methods described above.

    After the reset, it is also recommended:

    • 🔄 Update printer firmware via HP Smart (chapter Printer Settings → Software Update).
    • 📡 Reboot the router (turn off the power for 30 seconds).
    • 🖥️ Reinstall the drivers on your computer.
    ⚠️ Attention: Resetting the printer's settings deletes all saved Wi-Fi networks, as well as custom print settings (such as quality or ink economy settings). After resetting, you may need to calibrate the cartridges—follow the on-screen instructions.

    FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I connect my HP DeskJet 2720 to Wi-Fi without a computer?

    Yes, all you need is a smartphone with an app. HP Smart or the WPS button on the router. A computer is not required.

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

    Please check the following points:

    1. The phone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
    2. In the appendix HP Smart The printer is displayed as "Connected".
    3. Bluetooth is enabled on the phone (needed for some app functions).
    4. Update the application HP Smart to the latest version.

    If the problem persists, restart your printer and phone.

    How do I find the Wi-Fi Direct password on my printer?

    Password for Wi-Fi Direct specified:

    • On the sticker on the back or bottom of the printer (line Wi-Fi Direct Password).
    • In the network settings report (hold the ⓘ button for 5 seconds to print the report).

    By default, the password usually consists of 8 digits.

    Does the HP DeskJet 2720 printer support 5GHz?

    No, this model only works in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts two networks (2.4 and 5 GHz), connect the printer only to the network marked 2.4G or 2.4 GHz.

    Is it possible to connect the printer to a public network (for example, in a cafe)?

    Technically yes, but there are limitations:

    • The network must use WPA2-PSK (Many public networks use portal authentication, which the printer does not support).
    • You will need to know the network password (if there is one).
    • Some networks block printing due to security protocol.

    For stable operation, it is better to use a home or office network.