HP printers have become the first priority of users to accomplish their printing tasks. Its compact design, distinctive features, and fast printing make it one of the best printers. HP printers even facilitate users to connect their printer to the computer using WiFi. Advanced technology has made printers smarter, providing a convenient and simple way to print documents. You can print anything at any time and from any place. Wireless connectivity enables users to print wirelessly without the necessity of USB cables. WiFi allows the printer to stay connected with any device such as a computer, mobile, laptop, or tablet over the Internet.
Although they offer exceptional printing solutions, sometimes you might come through the HP printer not connecting to WiFi issue. You may experience this issue when you do not follow the steps correctly. Moreover, you can also find this problem because of many other reasons. In order to resolve the WiFi issue, the user must know the root cause of this problem. You must understand the printer's inability to connect to WiFi or the Internet.
Reasons why HP printer not connecting to WiFi
The most evident cause of the HP printer's inability to connect to WiFi is a poor WiFi connection. Also. you might have kept the printer very far from the router facing difficulties connecting them. Additionally, the router may not be appropriately configured with the printer. An incorrect configuration does not allow the printer to connect to WiFi. There can also be the chance of an incorrect installation of the HP printer on the computer. The basic problem like sudden power failure can also lead to the loss of connectivity. The outdated printer drivers can also be one of the reasons why it does not connect to WiFi.
Solutions for HP Printer Not Connecting to WiFi
When the printer does not connect to WiFi, the first thing to do is to check the signal strength. Ensure the printer is not kept too far from the WiFi router. The placement of the printer and the router is critical, and far distance can result in poor WiFi signal. If the WiFi strength is low, it may be necessary to move the printer closer to the router.
If you're still facing the HP printer not connecting to WiFi issue, try performing the power cycle of the printer, router, and computer. When the printer does not connect to the wireless network and has never worked over the Internet after setting up the printer, the following procedures will assist in troubleshooting the issue if the above basic resolving methods do not work.
Solution 1: Try Printing the Test Report of the Wireless Network
Try printing the wireless network test report whenever the WiFi connection drops. The report provides information about the network connection of the printer. It further aids in troubleshooting the wireless connection problem. Confirm test printing via the control panel of the printer in order to get the report. Some printers offer wireless buttons to press and print WiFi network test reports.
On the network report, check for the following information:
- Inspect what is written in the Connectivity area of the Diagnostic Results. If the PASS is indicated under the Connected option, then the printer is not connected to any wireless network at this point. Ensure the WiFi router is switched On and working properly. Re-connect the HP printer to the network if required.
- Look over the message mentioned at the top of the network report. Follow the instructions specified to troubleshoot the printer connection problem.
- Check for SSID or the network name under the Current Configuration section. If the network name is not mentioned, re-connect the printer to the wireless network.
Solution 2: Check the Configuration Settings of the Wireless Router
First, open a web browser on the computer to access the wireless router settings. Type the IP address of the router and press the Return button. Check for the default IP address of the router. Check if you have not modified the router's default username and password. Examine the below router settings under the Wireless or the Security section. These settings options may differ with various models of the HP printer.
802.11n only mode:
If 802.11n only mode is selected in the router settings, try changing it with 802.11g. Other modes can also be available in the settings but make sure to add 802.11g mode along with them to fix the HP printer not connecting to WiFi error.
2.4GHz frequency:
Ensure the printer is not connected to the 5GHz frequency band. If connected, change it to 2.4GHz as HP printers are suitable with the 5GHz frequency. For the dual-band router also, you must select the 2.4GHz frequency band.
Wireless isolation:
If the wireless isolation option is enabled, try disabling it and again enable it. The wireless isolation option helps the printer and router to stay connected over the wireless network.
Enable DHCP:
Turn on the DHCP option if it is not enabled. A disabled DHCP setting does not allow the printer to obtain an IP address that helps the printer communicate over the wireless network.
Disable Guest mode:
If the router has a Guest mode, ensure both the computer and the printer are not connected as guests. The devices connected as guest gets isolated from other gadgets.
Set Channels:
In most routers, the default channel is set to Auto. Try setting the channel manually and using channels 1, 6, and 11, as they are good choices. Choose the channels less used by the other networks and ensure to keep at least five channels.
