How to Hook up HP Printer to WiFi (Easy Guide): Step-by-Step Setup for Any HP Model



 Connecting an HP printer to WiFi is one of the fastest ways to print from laptops, phones, tablets, and desktops without cables. Whether we’re setting up a brand-new printer or reconnecting after a router change, the process is simple when we follow the correct steps for the printer type.

In this guide, we’ll walk through every reliable method to hook up an HP printer to wireless internet, including touchscreen models, printers without a display, HP Smart app setup, WPS connection, and troubleshooting fixes if WiFi won’t connect.

Before We Start: What We Need to Connect an HP Printer to WiFi

Before we begin the setup, we should confirm these basics:

  • Our WiFi network name (SSID) and WiFi password

  • A stable 2.4GHz WiFi network (most HP printers prefer 2.4GHz)

  • The printer placed close to the router for the initial setup

  • A phone or computer to install HP Smart (recommended)

Important: Many printers do not support 5GHz-only networks, so if our router is using a combined network, we may need to enable 2.4GHz.

How to Hook Up HP Printer to WiFi Using the Touchscreen (Most Common Method)

If our HP printer has a touchscreen or control panel display, this is typically the easiest setup.

Step 1: Open Wireless Settings

On the printer screen, go to:

  • Setup or Settings

  • Tap Network Setup

  • Tap Wireless Settings

Step 2: Run the Wireless Setup Wizard

Select:

  • Wireless Setup Wizard

The printer will search for nearby networks.

Step 3: Choose Our WiFi Network

From the list, select the correct WiFi network name (SSID).

Step 4: Enter the WiFi Password

Type the password carefully using the on-screen keyboard, then confirm.

Step 5: Confirm Connection

Once connected, we should see a wireless icon or a confirmation message such as:

  • “Connected”

  • “Wireless Setup Successful”

Tip: If the printer asks for a WEP/WPA type, choose WPA2 if available.

How to Connect HP Printer to WiFi Using HP Smart App (Best for Most Users)

The HP Smart app is the most reliable method because it automatically detects the printer and configures the connection.

Step 1: Install HP Smart

Download HP Smart on:

  • Windows

  • macOS

  • Android

  • iPhone/iPad

Step 2: Turn On the Printer and Enable WiFi

Power on the printer and ensure the wireless light is blinking or active.

Step 3: Open HP Smart and Add Printer

In HP Smart:

  • Tap Add Printer

  • Select our HP printer when it appears

Step 4: Follow the Guided Setup

HP Smart will guide us through:

  • Connecting the printer to the correct WiFi

  • Installing the correct drivers

  • Completing the printer setup

Step 5: Print a Test Page

Once finished, we should run a quick print test to confirm everything works.

Best practice: Keep HP Smart installed—it helps with firmware updates, scanning, ink levels, and reconnections.

How to Hook Up HP Printer to WiFi Without a Touchscreen (Button-Only Models)

If our HP printer does not have a screen, we can still connect it using Wireless Button Mode or the HP Smart app.

Option A: Use Wireless Button + HP Smart Setup

  1. Turn on the printer.

  2. Press and hold the Wireless button for about 5 seconds until the wireless light starts blinking.

  3. Open HP Smart on our phone or computer.

  4. Choose Add Printer and complete setup.

This is one of the fastest ways to connect an HP DeskJet, ENVY, or LaserJet without a touchscreen.

How to Connect HP Printer to WiFi Using WPS (WiFi Protected Setup)

WPS is a quick method that connects the printer to WiFi without entering a password—if our router supports it.

Step 1: Put the Printer in WPS Mode

On most HP printers:

  • Press and hold the Wireless button for 3–5 seconds

  • The wireless light will start blinking

Some touchscreen models may show:

  • Network Settings

  • WiFi Protected Setup

  • Push Button Method

Step 2: Press the WPS Button on the Router

Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on our WiFi router.

Step 3: Wait for Connection

After a minute, the printer should connect automatically. The wireless light should become solid.

Note: WPS is not available on all routers, and many modern networks disable it for security reasons.

How to Hook Up HP Printer to New WiFi (After Router Change)?

When we replace our router or change the WiFi name/password, the printer must be reconnected.

Step 1: Restore Wireless Setup Mode

Depending on the printer model, we can reset WiFi like this:

  • Touchscreen models:
    Go to Settings > Network > Restore Network Settings

  • Button models:
    Press and hold Wireless + Cancel buttons for 5 seconds (common on many DeskJet models)

The wireless light should blink, indicating setup mode is active.

Step 2: Reconnect Using HP Smart

Open HP Smart and repeat the connection steps to add the printer to the new WiFi.

How to Find the HP Printer IP Address (Helpful for Setup and Fixes)?

If we need the printer IP address for troubleshooting or adding it manually:

Touchscreen Printers

Go to:

  • Wireless icon

  • Tap Settings

  • View IP Address

Button-Only Printers

Print a Network Configuration Page:

  • Press Information (i) button
    or

  • Press Wireless + Information together (varies by model)

The report will show:

  • IP Address

  • SSID

  • Signal strength

  • Connection status

How to Add HP Printer to WiFi on Windows 11 / Windows 10?

Once the printer is connected to WiFi, we can add it to Windows easily.

Step 1: Open Printer Settings

Go to:

  • Settings

  • Bluetooth & devices

  • Printers & scanners

  • Click Add device

Step 2: Select the HP Printer

Windows will detect it automatically if it’s on the same network.

Step 3: Install Drivers

Windows installs drivers automatically, but we can also use:

  • HP Smart

  • HP driver package (if needed)

How to Connect HP Printer to WiFi on Mac (macOS)?

Mac setup is straightforward once the printer is on the same wireless network.

Step 1: Open Printers & Scanners

Go to:

  • System Settings

  • Printers & Scanners

  • Click Add Printer

Step 2: Choose the HP Printer

Select the printer from the list.

Step 3: Confirm AirPrint or HP Driver

macOS may use AirPrint automatically, which is ideal for most users.

Common HP Printer WiFi Problems and Fast Fixes

If the printer won’t connect, disconnects, or shows offline, these solutions fix most issues quickly.

Fix 1: Restart Printer, Router, and Device

We should power cycle everything:

  1. Turn off the printer.

  2. Unplug the router for 30 seconds.

  3. Restart the computer or phone.

  4. Turn the router on.

  5. Turn the printer on.

This refreshes network assignments and clears temporary errors.

Fix 2: Ensure We’re Using 2.4GHz WiFi

Many HP printers struggle with 5GHz-only networks.

We should confirm:

  • Our router is broadcasting 2.4GHz

  • Our phone/computer is on the same WiFi band during setup

Fix 3: Reset HP Printer Network Settings

Resetting the printer’s network restores WiFi setup mode.

  • Touchscreen: Restore Network Defaults

  • Button-only: Wireless + Cancel (hold for 5 seconds)

Then reconnect using HP Smart.

Fix 4: Update HP Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause wireless dropouts and connection errors.

We can update using:

  • HP Smart app

  • Printer control panel (if supported)

Firmware updates improve:

  • WiFi stability

  • Network compatibility

  • Security

Fix 5: Printer Connected but Still Offline

If the printer is connected but Windows shows it offline:

Windows Quick Fix

  1. Open Control Panel

  2. Go to Devices and Printers

  3. Right-click the HP printer

  4. Click See what’s printing

  5. Uncheck Use Printer Offline

Also ensure the printer is set as Default Printer.

Fix 6: Reinstall HP Smart and Remove Old Printers

Sometimes multiple old printer entries cause conflicts.

We should:

  • Remove duplicate printer listings

  • Re-add the printer through HP Smart

  • Print a test page

Best Tips to Keep HP Printer Connected to WiFi

To avoid repeated disconnects, we recommend:

  • Keep the printer within strong WiFi range

  • Avoid placing the printer near microwaves or thick walls

  • Use a stable router channel (auto channel is fine)

  • Assign a static IP address (advanced users)

  • Keep HP Smart installed for quick reconnection

Final Checklist: HP Printer WiFi Setup Done Right

Before finishing, we should confirm:

  • Wireless icon is solid (not blinking)

  • Printer shows the correct WiFi name (SSID)

  • Our phone/computer is on the same WiFi network

  • Test print works successfully

Once connected, we can print wirelessly from:

  • Windows and Mac

  • iPhone and Android

  • Tablets and Chromebooks (model-dependent)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How To Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error Code 6000 80?

Image
  Fix QuickBooks Error 6000 80 - Company file Error QuickBooks error 6000 80 arises when a user tries to open, restore, or backup a company file and fails for a few reasons. The error typically occurs when QuickBooks fails to a conversation with an organization file located on the network. Error 6000 80 falls under the 6000 series of errors within the application which is usually associated with the company file issues within the application. When the error takes place, it ceases the task ongoing with QuickBooks error message_6000 80. The error code suggests that a mistake has occurred while opening the corporate file, and therefore the software has required to be closed. Various reasons can evoke the QuickBooks error_6000 80 , we'll discuss this blog and their troubleshooting solutions. What Evokes the QuickBooks Desktop Error 6000 80? Error code 6000 80 in QuickBooks may be triggered by several reasons while accessing a corporation file. When the installation of QuickBooks is ...
Read more

How to Reset Your Password for QuickBooks Desktop – Intuit

Image
  Managing accounting data securely is essential for every business. QuickBooks Desktop , developed by Intuit , provides advanced security controls, including password protection for both users and administrators. However, when a password is forgotten or access is restricted, restoring entry quickly and safely becomes a priority. This comprehensive guide explains how to reset your password for QuickBooks Desktop using proven, official methods. We outline step-by-step instructions, best practices, troubleshooting scenarios, and security recommendations to ensure uninterrupted access to your financial data. Understanding Password Types in QuickBooks Desktop Before proceeding, it is critical to distinguish between the two primary password categories in QuickBooks Desktop : Admin Password – Controls full access to company files and user management. User Password – Applies to individual users with restricted permissions. Each requires a different reset process. Identifying which pass...
Read more

How to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Unrecoverable Error?

Image
  Common causes of an unrecoverable error include missing Windows or QuickBooks updates, damaged data, computer issues, and the need for program code repairs. Mentioned below are top 7 solutions in a step-by-step format to fix QuickBooks Desktop Unrecoverable Error ? The QuickBooks Unrecoverable Error usually occurs when QuickBooks Desktop tries to execute multiple tasks at once or when there are data integrity problems within the company file. These errors typically show up with unique numeric error codes, formatted as 10 digits in a “5-digits space 5-digits” sequence (e.g., 19740 43064). The list that is linked below is not all-inclusive; instead, you may run into other errors that are not like the ones stated above. Common causes of an unrecoverable error include missing Windows or QuickBooks updates, damaged data, computer issues, and the need for program code repairs. Mentioned below are top 7 solutions in a step-by-step format to fix QuickBooks Desktop Unrecoverable Error ? ...
Read more