How to Connect HP Printer to Wi-Fi | Printer Tales

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Mathew Jones
Nov 24, 2022
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Wireless printers have indeed made our printing process easier. However, connecting it to the Wi-Fi connection can be done using various methods, such as WPS, Auto Wireless Setup Connect, or Wireless Setup Wizard. All of these methods are explained with step-by-step instructions in this guide. Go through the article and learn to perform them.

Before attempting to connect the HP printer to a wireless connection, you will need to prepare the print system. Here are the two things to do:

Restore Wi-Fi Setup Mode
Install HP Smart

Below are the directions on how to do it.

Step 1: Restore Wi-Fi Setup Mode

Restore the Wi-Fi setup mode on your print system to perform the methods. Once the settings are done, it enters the wireless setup mode for approx. two hours. Also, the process makes the device discoverable during the software installation.

For a Touchscreen Model: Go to the Wireless or Setup menu and choose Network Setup or Settings. Then, you need to select Restore Network Settings.
For Inkjet Models Without a Touchscreen: Tap and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons until the Power LED blinks. After that, wait for the wireless LED to flash.
Laser Models without a touchscreen or control panel: Tap and hold the Wireless button until the Attention and Power LED blinks. You can also tap and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons until the Wireless LED blinks.
LaserJet models without a touchscreen: Tap and hold the Wireless button until the Attention LED blinks. Then, wait for the Wireless LED to flash.

If you need additional details about the connection, check the manual.

Step 2: Install HP Smart App

The second step would be installing an HP Smart app. Here are the steps to do that.

Set the Wi-Fi router close to the printer and command devices.
Connect Wi-Fi to your computer or mobile device.
Use the wireless connection during setup and disconnect the Ethernet cable.
a. So that HP Smart can identify the printer during the setup.
b. Turn on Bluetooth on the PC or mobile device.
Install HP Smart for iOS and Android and enable the mobile device location.
Then, allow the app to use your location to find the print system.
It will now provide setup guidance.
Install the HP Smart app from the official website.
a. HP Smart - Microsoft Store (Windows).
b. HP Smart - Mac App Store (macOS).
Now, you require to sign in with your Microsoft account to use the app on all devices.
You can sign in or choose “No, thanks” to proceed.
If this is your first time setting up the app, create or sign in to an HP account.
It will allow you to access all printer functions.
Go to the HP Smart and press Add Printer.
You can also tap the (+) icon to locate the device.
Then, follow the instructions to finalize the setup.

Once you have completed these, you can choose any of the methods for the connection.

3 Ways to Connect HP Printer to the Wireless Connection

Use these methods to connect a printer. You can also opt for these if you have changed your router or ISP or when a local network is unavailable.

Method 1: Wireless Setup Wizard

The Wireless Setup Wizard on your printer's control panel allows you to connect your HP printer to Wi-Fi. Only the HP printer with a graphical display may use this technique.

First, power up your printer.
Then, unplug the Ethernet and USB cables.
Tap the Wi-Fi icon on the Control Panel or navigate to the Network menu.
After that, choose Wireless Settings, and click Wireless Setup Wizard.
Locate your network and tap OK.
Now, provide the WEP or WPA key.

Note: If your wireless network name is not on the list, just enter a new network name manually.

Method 2: Wi-Fi Protected Setup

Use the WPS method on your router to connect the printer to the wireless network.

First, set the print system close to the Wi-Fi router.
Then, change the connection mode to WPS.
a. Models without a touchscreen display: Press and hold the Wireless button for five seconds or until the wireless LED starts to blink.
b. For models like Tango, ENVY, and Deskjet 6000 and 6400 models: Press and hold the Power and Wi-Fi buttons on the back. Release the buttons when a blue bar blinks.
Click and hold the WPS button on the router for two minutes.

Now, you need to check the wireless LED or bar to stop flashing. Once it does, the network connection is finalized.

Method 3: HP Auto Wireless Connect

You may automatically connect the print system to the wireless network using the HP Auto Wireless Connect. Here, you don't have to enter the configuration, such as the network name or password, or connect any cables.

Enter your model name on the HP official software download page.
Download the driver compatible with your Operating System.
Then, follow the steps prompted on the screen.
Launch the software and turn on your printer.
A Network Connection type screen will appear; select Wireless.
After that, tap on “Yes, send my wireless settings to the printer.”
Wait till the connection is established.

The process could take a while. Simply click Finish when it's finished.

How to Print Using Wi-Fi Direct on HP Printer?

If you are using HP wireless printers introduced in 2014 and later, you can easily use Wi-Fi Direct as a connection option. Even if a nearby wireless network is down, use Wi-Fi Direct.

Via HP Print Service Plugin (Android)

On your device, download the HP Print Service Plugin.
Load the main tray with paper, then power on the printer.
Open the file you want to print and tap Print.
On the print preview screen, select DIRECT, followed by your model.
If prompted, enter the Wi-Fi Direct password.
Go to the print system and press OK.
Wait for the connection to finalize, then click Print on the print preview.

Via Wi-Fi Direct (iPadOS/ iOS)

Load the main tray with paper and power up the print system.
Open the item to print, such as an email or cloud-based document.
Open the Wi-Fi network menu on your mobile device.
After that, choose DIRECT and your model.
Provide the wireless network password if asked, then tap Join.
Open the item you wish to print and press Print.
If prompted, choose AirPrint.
Now, you have to select your model and tap Print.
Go back to the Wi-Fi network menu and reconnect the network.

Via Wi-Fi Direct (Windows)

Load the main tray with paper and power up the print system.
Find and open Printers and Scanners in Windows.
Click the Add a printer or scanner option.
Then, tap on Show Wi-Fi Direct printers.
Choose DIRECT, followed by your model name.
In the next step, press Add device.
The WPS PIN prompt will appear now.
Here, look for a PIN on the control panel or the setup instruction sheet.
To complete the connection, enter the PIN within 90 seconds.
After that, you have to click on Next.
If a “Driver is unavailable” message appears, download the print driver.
a. You can navigate to the HP official website.
Open the file to print and press File, then Print.
Select your model from the list and click Print.

Via Wi-Fi Direct (Mac)

Load the main tray with paper and power up the print system.
Before proceeding, open the item, such as an email or cloud-based document.
Click the wireless icon on the PC, then choose DIRECT.
Enter the Wi-Fi Direct password if asked, then tap Join.
Open the file to print and press File, then Print.
Select the model you are using and press Print.
If you were using a network, go back to the Wi-Fi network menu to reconnect.

Via Wi-Fi Direct (Chromebook)

Load the main tray with paper and power up the print system.
Open the item to print, such as an email or cloud-based document.
Click the Wi-Fi icon on your PC and choose DIRECT.
Enter the Wi-Fi Direct password when prompted, then click Connect.
Go back to the main settings panel and tap Settings.
Now, you have to scroll down and press Advanced.

What are the Potential Wi-Fi Problems on the HP Printer?

When working with a wireless network or printer, you will encounter several errors. In that case, you can use some of these quick solutions.

Place your printer and computer closer to the router.
It will prevent a weak or inconsistent Wi-Fi signal.
Verify that the password hasn't changed and that all network settings are correct.
Restart the process by power cycling all the connected devices (turning them off and on again).
Verify that you have the correct and compatible driver installed.

It is a complete guide that can help you connect the print system to the Wi-Fi network. In addition, we have explained how you can print from Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chromebook to an HP printer. In case you have to deal with errors during the setup, you can perform the instant solution provided here.

However, if you require an expert’s help or need to resolve an issue, connect with Printer Tales. We can help you with the printer installation or resolve a query within minutes. You can contact us at +1-877-469-0297 or +44-800-054-8150 and info@printertales.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the connection between my HP printer and Wi-Fi?

Here is how:

Navigate to the Control Panel of your print system.
Tap on the Settings option and choose the Wireless button.
Click the WPS button after that.
Follow the steps on the screen and check the details.

How do I know the difference between a wireless and a Wi-Fi printer?

The wireless printer can be connected to devices like mobile without being connected to the Wi-Fi network. However, it all depends on the settings. Wi-Fi printers are required to be connected for the computer to send the print job to the same address.

Do I need to plug the wireless printer into the router?

As the name suggests, a wireless printer doesn't require connections other than a power supply to function effectively. Depending on the model, a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection is made to the computer or network to establish communication.

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