How to Connect an HP Printer to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

  • How to connect your HP printer to Wi-Fi and what you can do if you've lost the Wi-Fi credentials or are seeing poor network performance.

2. Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

  • Wireless Network Name (SSID)
  • Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers or gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, check the documentation that came with your device.

Default Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on router / gateway sticker.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

3. Determine Best Connection Method

There are two basic methods used for wireless printer connection setup:

  • Wireless Setup Wizard - You will need access to the printer's display screen.
  • USB Setup - Requires a PC or Mac and printer software.

4. Connect to Wi-Fi via Panel

Depending on which model HP printer you have, the options you see or have access to may differ slightly from what these steps depict.

  1. Tap your printer's control panel.
  2. Tap Setup or Settings.
HP printer screen showing setup highlighted

  1. Tap Network Setup.
HP printer setup menu with network setup highlighted

  1. Select Wireless Settings.
HP printer network setup screen with wireless settings highlighted

  1. Tap Wireless Setup Wizard.
HP printer wireless settings with wireless setup wizard highlighted

  1. Select your wireless network name in the list.
HP printer network name list
  1. A prompt for the password will appear. Use the onscreen or physical keyboard to enter your Wi-Fi password.
HP printer wireless password field

5. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

6. Retry Network and Password

Retry the network using the confirmed wireless network name and password.

7. Incompatible Routers

At this time, HP has not indicated that there are any compatibility issues with specific models of networking equipment on the market. To ensure that your specific networking equipment and all settings will work properly with your HP Printer, please reach out to the manufacturer directly for further assistance.

Some wireless routers broadcast a dual-band wireless signal and provide both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks. Your device may not see the 5GHz network, which is completely normal. Not all devices contain the antenna to communicate on the 5GHz band. Also, some routers broadcast guest networks that your device may not be able to connect to depending on your router's settings.

8. What's next?

9. Download Drivers

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to support.hp.com
URL for hp support
  1. Click on Software and Drivers.
Website for hp support showing software and driver highlighted
  1. Type your product name, number, or serial number and click Find.
HP product name search field
  1. The latest drivers are usually marked Important. Select the latest one to Download.
HP printer download showing Important and download highlighted
  1. Your download should begin. Depending on what browser you've used, you may have to click Run or Save to continue, or simply click the file that's downloaded to launch the installer.
Google chrome download popup

10. Connect to Wi-Fi via Computer

Before starting the USB to Wi-Fi setup process, be sure to unplug the USB cable from the computer and printer. You will be asked to connect it later during the setup process.

  1. Once your file is downloaded and the installer open, click Continue.
HP Printer installation with continue button highlighted.
  1. Click Next.
HP Printer installation with next button highlighted.
  1. Check the Terms of Service box and then click Next.
HP Printer installation highlighting the service agreement checkbox and next button.
  1. Software will begin installing.
  2. Select USB and then Next.
HP Printer installation highlighting the USB radio button and next button.
  1. Connect the printer and your computer using the USB cable.
  2. Once connected, select Yes, access the computer or router.
HP Printer installation highlighting the yes radio button and next button.
  1. Type in your wireless password, select Yes, and click Next.
HP Printer installation highlighting the wireless password field, yes radio button, and next button.
  1. When prompted, unplug the USB from your printer.
  2. Your printer is now installed on your Wireless Network.

11. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

12. Retry Network and Password

Retry the network using the confirmed wireless network name and password.

13. What's next?

14. What's next?

15. What's next?