The fastest way to connect: using the printer's touchscreen
The HP Envy 6455e has a built-in touchscreen on the front panel. This is the simplest route because the printer walks you through each step. Press the wireless icon (it looks like radio waves) on the home screen, then select your WiFi network name from the list that appears. When prompted, use the on-screen keyboard to type your WiFi password exactly as it is — uppercase and lowercase letters matter, and spaces count.
Once you enter the password, the printer will attempt to connect. You'll see a confirmation message on the screen when the connection succeeds. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. If the printer shows an error, double-check that you typed the password correctly and that your WiFi network is broadcasting its name (some routers hide this, which requires a different setup method).
Key Takeaways
- The touchscreen method is fastest: press the wireless icon, select your network name, and enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard.
- Your WiFi password must be typed exactly right, including capital letters and spaces, or the connection will fail.
- If your network name doesn't appear in the list, your router may be hiding it, and you'll need to enter the network name manually instead.
- After connecting, write down your printer's IP address (shown on the network settings screen) so you can find it later if you need to troubleshoot.
- The HP Smart app on your phone or computer can also connect the printer to WiFi if the touchscreen method doesn't work.
Connecting when your WiFi network name is hidden
Some routers don't broadcast their network name publicly for security reasons. If you don't see your network in the printer's list, you can still connect. On the touchscreen, look for an option that says "Other Network" or "Add Network Manually." Select it, then type your network name exactly as it appears in your router settings.
After entering the network name, the printer will ask for the password. Type it carefully — hidden networks are more sensitive to password errors because the printer can't verify the network exists until after you've entered the credentials. Once you submit, the printer will attempt to connect using the information you provided.
Using the HP Smart app from your phone or computer
If the touchscreen method isn't working, the HP Smart app offers an alternative. read the app from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the HP website (search for "HP Smart app"). Open the app on the same device you use for your WiFi — it needs to be connected to the same network as your printer.
The app will search for nearby HP printers. When it finds your Envy 6455e, select it and follow the on-screen prompts to enter your WiFi password. The app handles the connection in the background. This method works well if your printer's touchscreen is unresponsive or if you prefer using your phone to set things up.
After the app connects the printer, you can use it to print from your phone or computer wirelessly. The app also shows your printer's IP address and network status, which is useful information to have if you need to troubleshoot later.
What to do if the printer won't connect
If the printer shows a connection error after you've entered the password, restart both the printer and your WiFi router. Turn off the printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent the devices from finding each other.
After both devices restart, try connecting again using the touchscreen method. If it still fails, check that your WiFi password is correct by connecting another device (your phone or laptop) to the same network. If that device connects without trouble, the problem is with the printer, not your WiFi. In that case, try the HP Smart app instead — sometimes one method works when the other doesn't.
If neither method works, your router may be using a security setting the printer doesn't support. Some older printers can't connect to networks that use WPA3 encryption, though the Envy 6455e should handle it. Check your router's settings to see what encryption type is active. If you're unsure how to access these settings, contact your internet provider — they can tell you what your router is using and whether it's compatible with your printer.
Finding your printer's IP address after connecting
Once your printer is connected to WiFi, it gets an IP address — a unique number that identifies it on your network. You may need this address later if you want to access the printer's settings from your computer or troubleshoot connection problems. On the printer's touchscreen, go to Settings, then Network, then TCP/IP. The IP address will be displayed there (it looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.100).
Write this number down or take a photo of it. If you ever need to reconnect the printer or check its status from your computer, you can type this address into your web browser to access the printer's control panel. This is also the address you'd give to technical support if you call HP for help.
Connecting to a 5GHz or 2.4GHz network
Some WiFi routers broadcast two networks at once: one at 5GHz (faster but shorter range) and one at 2.4GHz (slower but longer range). The HP Envy 6455e works with both, but it performs better on 2.4GHz. If your router lists two network names (often one ends with "-5G" or "-5"), select the 2.4GHz version for the most reliable connection.
If your router combines both frequencies into a single network name, you don't need to do anything — the printer will automatically use whichever frequency works best. However, if you're having trouble connecting and your router allows you to separate the networks, try connecting to the 2.4GHz network specifically. This solves connection problems in many cases.
Printing a network status page to confirm the connection
After the printer connects to WiFi, print a network status page to confirm everything is working. On the touchscreen, go to Settings, then Reports, then Network Configuration. Select Print. The printer will produce a page showing your network name, IP address, and connection status. If it says "Connected" next to your network name, the setup is complete.
Keep this page for your records. It contains all the information you need if you ever have to troubleshoot or reconnect the printer. If the page shows "Not Connected" or displays an error, go back to the connection steps above and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect the printer to WiFi without using the touchscreen?
Yes. The HP Smart app on your phone or computer can connect the printer to WiFi. read the app, open it on a device that's already connected to your WiFi network, and follow the prompts to add the printer. The app will handle the connection without you needing to use the printer's touchscreen.
What if I forget my WiFi password?
You can find your WiFi password in your router's settings. Log into your router using a web browser (the address is usually printed on the router itself) or use your internet provider's app. If you can't access the router, contact your internet provider — they can reset the password or help you find it.
Does the printer stay connected to WiFi when it's turned off?
No. When you turn off the printer, it disconnects from WiFi. When you turn it back on, it will automatically reconnect to the same network using the password you entered during setup. You don't need to set it up again.
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 touchscreen and enter the guest password. Some guest networks have restrictions that prevent printing, so if it doesn't work, try connecting to your main network instead.
What should I do if the printer keeps disconnecting from WiFi?
Restart both the printer and your router by turning them off for 30 seconds, then back on. If disconnections continue, move the printer closer to your router — walls and distance weaken WiFi signals. You can also try connecting to the 2.4GHz network if your router broadcasts both frequencies separately.