How to connect your HP DeskJet 2700 to WiFi

The HP DeskJet 2700 connects to WiFi through the printer's control panel and your home network settings. The process takes about five minutes and requires your WiFi network name and password. Once connected, you can print from any device on your network without plugging in a USB cable.

The printer has a small screen and physical buttons that guide you through setup. If you have already plugged in the printer and installed ink cartridges, you are ready to start the WiFi connection process.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the WiFi button on the printer's control panel to start the connection process, which triggers a search for available networks.
  • Your WiFi network name and password are the only information the printer needs to join your home network.
  • The printer's small screen shows available networks; select yours and enter your password using the arrow buttons and OK button.
  • Once connected, the WiFi icon on the printer's screen stays lit, confirming the printer is ready to receive print jobs from your devices.
  • If the connection fails, restart both the printer and your WiFi router, then try again.

Step 1: Press the WiFi button on the printer

Locate the WiFi button on the front of the HP DeskJet 2700. It is marked with a WiFi symbol (curved lines) and sits on the control panel near the power button. Press and hold this button for about three seconds until the WiFi icon on the screen begins to blink.

The printer will now search for available WiFi networks in your area. This search takes about 30 seconds. You will see a list of network names appear on the printer's small display screen.

Step 2: Select your WiFi network from the list

Use the arrow buttons on the control panel to scroll through the list of available networks. Find your home WiFi network name (also called the SSID) and highlight it on the screen.

Once your network is highlighted, press the OK button to select it. The printer will then prompt you to enter your WiFi password.

Step 3: Enter your WiFi password

The printer's screen will show a password entry field with a cursor. Use the arrow buttons to navigate through the alphabet and number options. Press OK to select each character of your password one at a time.

Take your time entering the password — it must be exact, including capital letters and special characters. If you make a mistake, use the back arrow to delete characters and re-enter them. Once the full password is entered, press OK to confirm.

Step 4: Wait for the connection to complete

After you press OK, the printer will attempt to connect to your WiFi network. The screen will show a connecting message for 10 to 30 seconds. Do not turn off the printer during this time.

When the connection succeeds, the WiFi icon on the printer's screen will stop blinking and stay lit solid. This confirms the printer is now connected to your home network and ready to receive print jobs.

Step 5: Print a test page to confirm the connection

From any device on your home network — a computer, tablet, or phone — open a document or image and select print. Choose the HP DeskJet 2700 from the list of available printers. Send a test page to confirm the printer receives the job and prints it.

If the test page prints successfully, your WiFi setup is complete. You can now print wirelessly from any device connected to the same network without using a USB cable.

What to do if the connection fails

If the printer cannot find your network or the password is rejected, first check that you entered the password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so verify that capital letters and numbers match exactly what you use to log into WiFi on your phone or computer.

If the password is correct but the connection still fails, restart 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, repeat the WiFi connection steps from the beginning.

If your router is far from the printer or separated by thick walls, the signal may be too weak. Move the printer closer to the router temporarily to complete the connection, then move it back to your preferred location once it is connected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect the HP DeskJet 2700 to a 5GHz WiFi network?

The HP DeskJet 2700 works with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, but it performs better on 2.4GHz. If your router broadcasts both bands, select the 2.4GHz network name from the printer's list. Many routers label these as "NetworkName-2.4G" and "NetworkName-5G" to make them straightforward to tell apart.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can find your WiFi password on the router itself — it is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If you cannot locate it, log into your router's settings from a computer or phone using the router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1) and your router admin password, then look for the WiFi password in the wireless settings.

Do I need to use the HP Smart app to connect to WiFi?

No. The HP DeskJet 2700 connects to WiFi directly through the printer's control panel buttons and screen. The HP Smart app is optional and only needed if you want to print from your phone or manage printer settings remotely. The printer works on your home network without the app.

Will the printer stay connected if I restart my router?

Yes. Once the printer is connected to your WiFi network, it remembers those settings. If your router restarts, the printer will automatically reconnect when the network comes back online. You only need to manually reconnect if you change your WiFi password or network name.

Can I connect the printer to a guest WiFi network?

Yes, the printer can connect to a guest network the same way it connects to your main network. Select the guest network name from the list on the printer's screen and enter the guest network password. Keep in mind that devices on the guest network may have limited access to the printer depending on your router settings.