How to get your HP printer on your WiFi network
Most HP printers connect to WiFi through a setup menu on the printer itself or through the HP Smart app on your computer or phone. The exact steps depend on whether your printer has a touchscreen, but the process takes about five minutes. You will need your WiFi network name and password before you start.
If your printer is already plugged in and turned on, you are ready to begin. If you have not set it up yet, unpack it, install the ink cartridges, load paper into the tray, and turn it on before following these steps.
Key Takeaways
- HP printers with a touchscreen can connect to WiFi directly from the printer's menu without needing a computer.
- Printers without a screen need the HP Smart app or a USB cable to your computer to set up the WiFi connection.
- You must have your WiFi network name and password ready before you start the connection process.
- After the printer connects, you may need to download and install the HP Smart app or printer drivers on your computer to print wirelessly.
- If the connection fails, restarting the printer and moving it closer to your router usually solves the problem.
Connecting a printer with a touchscreen display
If your HP printer has a screen on the front, follow these steps. Look for a home button or menu icon on the screen — this is usually at the bottom or side of the display.
- Press the home or menu button on the printer screen.
- Look for an option called "Settings," "Network," or "Wireless" and select it.
- Choose "WiFi Setup" or "Wireless Setup."
- Select "Connect to Network" or a similar option.
- The printer will show a list of available WiFi networks. Find your network name in the list and select it.
- When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the printer's keypad or touchscreen. Be careful with capital letters and special characters — they must match exactly.
- The printer will attempt to connect. When you see a confirmation message, the connection is complete.
Write down the IP address the printer displays after connecting successfully. You will need this later if you have trouble printing from your computer.
Connecting a printer without a touchscreen
If your HP printer has only buttons and no screen, you will need either the HP Smart app or a USB cable to set up the WiFi connection. The app method is faster if you have a smartphone or tablet.
Using the HP Smart app: Download the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone or tablet. Open the app, select "Add Printer," and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will guide you through selecting your WiFi network and entering your password. Once the app confirms the connection, your printer is ready to use.
Using a USB cable: If you do not have a smartphone, connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable. Visit hp.com/support on your computer, search for your printer model, and download the full software package. Run the installer and select "Wireless Setup" when prompted. The installer will walk you through connecting to your WiFi network. Once complete, you can disconnect the USB cable.
What to do after the printer connects
After your printer successfully connects to WiFi, you need to set up your computer or phone to print to it. This is a separate step from connecting the printer to the network.
On a Windows computer, go to Settings, then Printers and Scanners, and select "Add a Printer." Windows will search for your HP printer on the network. When it appears, select it and click "Add Device." On a Mac, go to System Preferences, then Printers and Scanners, click the plus button, and select your HP printer from the list.
On an iPhone or iPad, most apps will detect your printer automatically once it is on the same WiFi network. When you go to print, select your HP printer from the printer list. On Android, download the HP Smart app and use it to print — not all Android apps have built-in printer detection.
Troubleshooting a failed WiFi connection
If your printer does not connect to WiFi on the first try, the most common causes are a typo in the password, the printer being too far from the router, or the printer using an older WiFi standard that your router does not support.
Start by restarting both the printer and your WiFi router. Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once both devices have restarted, try the WiFi setup again. This fixes most connection problems.
If the printer still will not connect, move it closer to the router — at least in the same room — and try again. If it connects when close but not from your desired location, the printer is too far away. You may need to move the router, use a WiFi extender, or accept that the printer works best in a certain part of your home.
If the printer connects but then immediately disconnects, check that your WiFi password is correct. Go back into the printer's network settings and re-enter the password, paying close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. If you are unsure of your password, check your router or log into your router's admin page from a computer.
When to use a wired USB connection instead
WiFi is convenient, but a USB cable is more reliable if your printer is in the same room as your computer and you do not need to print from your phone. A USB connection will not drop out or require you to troubleshoot network problems.
If you decide to use USB instead of WiFi, plug the printer into your computer with a USB cable, download the printer drivers from hp.com/support, and run the installer. You will not need to set up any network settings. The printer will work as long as the cable is connected and the printer is turned on.
You can also use both at the same time — connect the printer to WiFi and keep the USB cable plugged in. Your computer will use whichever connection is available, and you can print from your phone over WiFi while also printing from your computer over USB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install software on my computer to print wirelessly?
You do not need software to print wirelessly, but installing the HP Smart app or full printer drivers makes printing easier and gives you access to scanning and other features. Without any software, you can still print by adding the printer through your computer's built-in printer settings, though some advanced features will not work.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
Check the back or bottom of your WiFi router — many routers have the default password printed on a sticker. If that does not work, log into your router's admin page from a computer by typing the router's IP address into a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). You can then view or change your WiFi password from there.
Can I print to my HP printer from my phone without WiFi?
No, your phone and printer must be on the same WiFi network to print wirelessly. If you do not have WiFi, you can use HP's cloud printing service if your printer supports it, but this requires an internet connection on your phone and registration with HP.
Why does my printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?
This usually happens because the printer is too far from the router, the router is overloaded with too many devices, or the printer's WiFi radio is failing. Try moving the printer closer to the router, restarting both devices, or reducing the number of other devices connected to your WiFi. If the problem continues, the printer may need repair.
Can I connect my HP printer to a 5GHz WiFi network?
Older HP printers only support 2.4GHz WiFi and cannot connect to 5GHz networks. Check your printer's manual or the HP support website for your model to see which WiFi standards it supports. If your router broadcasts both bands, make sure the 2.4GHz band is turned on.