How to move your HP printer to a different network
To change your HP printer's WiFi network, you need to clear the old connection first, then tell the printer about the new network. The fastest way is through the printer's touchscreen menu if it has one — look for Settings, Network, or Wireless, then find an option to "Forget Network" or "Remove Network". After that, the printer will show available networks and let you type in your new password.
If your printer has no screen, or if the menu method doesn't work, you can use the HP Smart app on your phone or computer. The app walks you through connecting to a new network without needing to touch the printer itself. A third option — resetting the printer to factory settings — erases all networks and returns it to the state it shipped in, which takes longer but works when the other methods fail.
Key Takeaways
- Most HP printers let you change networks through the Settings or Network menu on the printer's touchscreen, where you can forget the old network and select a new one.
- The HP Smart app on your phone or computer can connect your printer to a new network without using the printer's menu at all.
- If you forget your WiFi password or the printer won't connect, a factory reset clears all stored networks, but you will need to set up the printer from the beginning.
- After changing networks, print a test page or a network configuration page to confirm the printer is connected to the correct WiFi.
Using the printer's menu to switch networks
On the printer's touchscreen or control panel, look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) or a button labeled Settings, Wireless, or Network. Tap or press it, then navigate to Wireless Settings or Network Setup. You should see a list of networks the printer has connected to before, or a list of available networks nearby.
Find the old network name in the list and select it. Look for an option that says "Forget This Network", "Remove", or "Delete". Confirm the action. The printer will no longer try to connect to that network. Now go back to the network list, find your new network name, select it, and enter the password when prompted. The printer will attempt to connect and should show a confirmation message.
If you do not see your network name in the list, it may be hidden. Some routers broadcast their name (SSID) openly, while others keep it private. If your network is hidden, look for an option in the menu called "Add Network Manually" or "Other Network", where you can type the network name and password by hand.
Changing networks with the HP Smart app
read the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Microsoft Store, depending on whether you use a phone, tablet, or Windows computer. Open the app and sign in with your HP account, or create one if you do not have one yet. The app will search for printers on your current network.
When the app finds your printer, tap or click on it to open its settings. Look for a section called Network, Wireless, or WiFi Settings. The app will show the network the printer is currently connected to and give you the option to change it. Select your new network from the list, enter the password, and let the app complete the connection. This method works well if your printer's touchscreen is small or hard to read, or if the menu system is confusing.
The HP Smart app also lets you print from your phone or computer to the printer once it is on the new network, so it serves double duty as a setup tool and a printing tool.
Factory reset when other methods do not work
If the printer's menu is unresponsive, the HP Smart app cannot find the printer, or you have forgotten the old network password, a factory reset may be necessary. This erases all stored networks, passwords, and custom settings, returning the printer to how it came from the factory.
To reset an HP printer, look for a small Reset button on the back or bottom of the machine — it is often recessed so you need a paperclip or ballpoint pen to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds until the printer's lights blink or the screen goes dark. The printer will restart and forget all previous networks. Some HP models also let you reset through the menu: go to Settings, look for Restore Defaults or Factory Reset, and confirm.
After a factory reset, set up the printer as if it were new. Use either the touchscreen menu or the HP Smart app to connect to your new network. This process takes longer than the other methods, but it solves problems that nothing else will fix.
Printing a network configuration page to verify the connection
Once the printer shows it is connected to the new network, print a test page or network configuration page to make sure the connection is actually working. On the printer's menu, look for a section called Reports, Information, or Diagnostics. Select "Print Network Configuration" or "Network Status Page". The printer will print a page showing the network name it is connected to, its IP address, and whether the connection is stable.
If the page prints successfully, the printer is on the new network and ready to use. If nothing prints, or if the page shows the old network name, the connection did not stick. Go back to the network settings and try again, making sure you entered the password correctly. A common mistake is typing the password wrong — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter.
Troubleshooting when the printer will not connect
If the printer finds your network but will not connect, the password is the most common culprit. Make sure you are typing it exactly as it appears — check for capital letters, numbers, and special characters. If you are not sure of the password, log into your router's settings page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser) and look for the WiFi password there, or reset the router to see the default password.
Another common issue is that the printer and router are too far apart or blocked by walls. WiFi signals weaken over distance and through obstacles. Try moving the printer closer to the router temporarily to see if it connects. If it does, the distance was the problem — you may need to move the router, add a WiFi extender, or accept that the printer will print slowly from its current location.
If the printer connects but then disconnects after a few minutes, the router may be dropping the connection. Some routers have a setting that disconnects devices that are idle. Check your router's settings for an option like "Idle Timeout" or "Device Timeout" and increase it or turn it off. You can also try restarting both the printer and the router — turn them off, wait 30 seconds, and turn them back on.
Moving a printer between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks
Many modern routers broadcast two networks at once: one at 2.4 GHz and one at 5 GHz. The 5 GHz network is faster but has shorter range. The 2.4 GHz network is slower but reaches farther. Most HP printers work on both, but some older models only work on 2.4 GHz.
If your router broadcasts both frequencies under the same network name, the printer will usually pick the one with the stronger signal. If you want to force the printer onto a specific frequency, you can log into your router and either split the networks into two separate names (one for 2.4 GHz, one for 5 GHz) or disable one frequency temporarily while you set up the printer.
Check your printer's manual or the HP support website to see which frequencies your model supports. If the printer keeps dropping the connection on 5 GHz, switch it to 2.4 GHz — the slower speed is better than no connection at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to unplug the printer to change its WiFi network?
No. You can change the network while the printer is powered on and plugged in. Unplugging is only necessary if the printer is frozen or unresponsive, or if you are doing a factory reset. For a normal network change, just use the menu or the app.
What if I do not know my new WiFi password?
Log into your router's settings page on a computer or phone. The address is usually printed on a sticker on the router itself, or you can search for your router model online. Once you are logged in, look for WiFi Settings or Wireless Settings to find the password. If you have forgotten the router password too, you will need to reset the router itself, which erases all its settings.
Can I change the printer's network from my phone if I am away from home?
No, not directly. The HP Smart app only works when your phone is on the same network as the printer. If you are away from home, you cannot change the printer's network unless you use a VPN to connect to your home network first, which is complicated. It is easier to change the network when you are physically near the printer.
Will changing networks erase my printer settings or saved documents?
Changing the network through the menu or app will not erase any settings or documents. Only a factory reset erases everything. After a normal network change, your print quality settings, paper size preferences, and any stored documents will remain exactly as they were.
How often should I change my printer's network?
You only need to change it when you switch routers, move to a new home, or change your WiFi password. If your network name and password stay the same, the printer will reconnect automatically whenever it is turned on, and you do not need to do anything.