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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:
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:
Select:
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:
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:
Power on the printer and ensure the wireless light is blinking or active.
Step 3: Open HP Smart and Add Printer
In HP Smart:
HP Smart will guide us through:
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
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:
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:
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:
Print a Network Configuration Page:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Fix 2: Ensure We’re Using 2.4GHz WiFi
Many HP printers struggle with 5GHz-only networks.
We should confirm:
Fix 3: Reset HP Printer Network Settings
Resetting the printer’s network restores WiFi setup mode.
Fix 4: Update HP Printer Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause wireless dropouts and connection errors.
We can update using:
Fix 5: Printer Connected but Still Offline
If the printer is connected but Windows shows it offline:
Windows Quick Fix
Fix 6: Reinstall HP Smart and Remove Old Printers
Sometimes multiple old printer entries cause conflicts.
We should:
Best Tips to Keep HP Printer Connected to WiFi
To avoid repeated disconnects, we recommend:
Final Checklist: HP Printer WiFi Setup Done Right
Before finishing, we should confirm:
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)
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
Select:
- Wireless Setup Wizard
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”
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
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
HP Smart will guide us through:
- Connecting the printer to the correct WiFi
- Installing the correct drivers
- Completing the printer setup
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
- Turn on the printer.
- Press and hold the Wireless button for about 5 seconds until the wireless light starts blinking.
- Open HP Smart on our phone or computer.
- Choose Add Printer and complete setup.
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
- Network Settings
- WiFi Protected Setup
- Push Button Method
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)
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
Print a Network Configuration Page:
- Press Information (i) button
or - Press Wireless + Information together (varies by model)
- 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
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
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:
- Turn off the printer.
- Unplug the router for 30 seconds.
- Restart the computer or phone.
- Turn the router on.
- Turn the printer on.
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)
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)
- 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
- Open Control Panel
- Go to Devices and Printers
- Right-click the HP printer
- Click See what’s printing
- Uncheck Use Printer Offline
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
- Windows and Mac
- iPhone and Android
- Tablets and Chromebooks (model-dependent)