Find your printer's WiFi setup method

HP printers connect to WiFi in three main ways: through the printer's built-in touchscreen menu, through the HP Smart app on your phone or computer, or through a physical WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) button. Which method works depends on your printer model and what equipment you have nearby.

Check your printer's control panel first. If it has a touchscreen or LCD display with menu buttons, you can set up WiFi directly from there. If your printer is older or simpler, look for a small button labeled WPS or a WiFi symbol — this is the fastest route if your router also has a WPS button. If neither option is visible, you will need the HP Smart app, which works on phones, tablets, and computers running Windows or Mac.

You will need your new WiFi network name (SSID) and password before you start. If you do not know your WiFi password, you can find it in your router's settings or on a sticker attached to the router itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Most HP printers connect through their touchscreen menu by selecting your network name and entering the password.
  • If your printer has a WPS button and your router has WPS, you can connect both devices in seconds without typing a password.
  • The HP Smart app works on phones and computers and can set up WiFi even if your printer does not have a touchscreen.
  • After connecting, print a network configuration page from your printer's menu to confirm the connection is working.
  • If your printer stays connected to your old network, you may need to forget that network from the printer's memory before connecting to the new one.

Connect through your printer's menu (touchscreen or buttons)

On the printer's control panel, look for a menu button or home icon. Press it to open the main menu, then navigate to Settings, Network, or Wireless Setup — the exact wording varies by model. Select the option to connect to a wireless network or search for networks.

The printer will scan for available WiFi networks and display a list. Find your new network name in that list and select it. When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the printer's keypad or touchscreen. Take your time entering it — passwords are case-sensitive, and a single wrong character will prevent the connection.

Once you enter the password, the printer will attempt to connect. You should see a confirmation message within 10 to 30 seconds. If the connection fails, double-check that you entered the password correctly and that your router is powered on and broadcasting the network name.

Use WPS for a faster connection without typing

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you connect your printer to your router by pressing buttons on both devices, with no password entry needed. This works only if both your printer and router have WPS buttons — most routers made in the last 10 years do, but some older printers do not.

Look for a small button on your printer labeled WPS or showing a WiFi symbol. On your router, find the WPS button — it is often on the back or bottom, sometimes recessed so you need a pen to press it. Press the WPS button on your printer first, then press the WPS button on your router within two minutes. The devices will exchange information and connect automatically.

The printer's display should show a success message within 30 seconds. If nothing happens after two minutes, the connection timed out — try again, making sure to press the printer button first. WPS is the fastest method if both devices support it, but it offers less security than a password-protected connection.

Connect using the HP Smart app on your phone or computer

read the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the HP website, depending on whether you are using a phone, tablet, or computer. Open the app and sign in with your HP account, or create one if you do not have one yet — this account is free and lets you manage your printer from anywhere.

The app will search for your printer on the network. When it finds your printer, select it and choose the option to set up or change the wireless network. The app will guide you through selecting your new network name and entering your password. The app handles the typing, which is easier than using the printer's buttons.

After the app confirms the connection, your printer should appear in the app's device list. You can now print from your phone or computer to that printer over your new WiFi network. If the app cannot find your printer, make sure your phone or computer is connected to the same WiFi network as the printer, or that the printer is powered on and in setup mode.

Forget the old network if the printer keeps reconnecting

If your printer keeps trying to connect to your old WiFi network instead of the new one, it has stored that network in its memory. You need to remove it before the printer will reliably use the new network.

Go to the printer's Settings or Network menu and look for an option called Forget Network, Remove Network, or Wireless History. Select your old network name from the list and choose to forget or delete it. The printer will no longer attempt to connect to that network.

After removing the old network, go back to the WiFi setup menu and connect to your new network using one of the methods above. This time, the printer should stay connected to the new network without switching back.

Print a network configuration page to verify the connection

Once your printer shows a successful connection, print a network configuration page to confirm everything is working. This page displays your printer's IP address, MAC address, and which network it is currently connected to — useful information if you need to troubleshoot later.

From the printer's menu, go to Settings or Information, then look for Network Settings, Network Configuration, or Print Network Configuration. Select the option to print this page. The printer will print a detailed report showing your WiFi network name, signal strength, and connection status.

If the page shows your new network name and says "Connected" or "Associated", your printer is on the new WiFi. If it still shows your old network, go back and remove that network from the printer's memory, then reconnect to the new one.

Troubleshoot if the printer will not connect

If your printer cannot find your WiFi network, first check that your router is powered on and the network name is being broadcast. Some routers have a setting to hide the network name — if yours does, you may need to enter the network name manually instead of selecting it from a list. Check your router's settings or contact your internet provider if you are unsure.

If the printer finds the network but rejects your password, restart both the printer and router. Power off each device for 30 seconds, then power them back on. This clears temporary connection issues that sometimes prevent authentication. After both devices restart, try connecting again.

If the printer connects but cannot print, the printer and your computer or phone may not be on the same network. Check that all your devices are connected to the same WiFi network name. If you have a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), some older HP printers work only on the 2.4 GHz band — check your printer's manual or try connecting to the 2.4 GHz network specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my HP printer to WiFi without the HP Smart app?

Yes. If your printer has a touchscreen or menu buttons, you can connect directly through the printer's Settings menu without any app. If your printer and router both have WPS buttons, you can connect by pressing buttons on both devices. The app is optional and mainly useful for managing the printer from your phone.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can find your WiFi password in your router's settings by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), then logging in with your router's admin credentials. You can also look for a sticker on the router itself — many routers print the default password on a label. If neither works, contact your internet provider or reset the router to factory settings.

Why does my printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?

This usually happens if the printer is too far from the router or if something is blocking the signal. Move the printer closer to the router or remove obstacles between them. If the printer is still disconnecting, restart both devices and check that your router's firmware is up to date. Some older printers also struggle with newer routers — check HP's support site for your specific model to see if a firmware update is available.

Can I connect my printer to a 5 GHz WiFi network?

Some newer HP printers support 5 GHz, but many older models work only on 2.4 GHz networks. Check your printer's manual or specifications to see which bands it supports. If your router broadcasts both bands, try connecting to the 2.4 GHz network instead. You can usually split your network into separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz names in your router's settings.

Do I need to remove my printer from the old WiFi before connecting to a new one?

Not always, but it is a good idea. If your printer automatically reconnects to the old network, you will need to forget that network from the printer's memory. Go to the printer's Settings menu, find the option to forget or remove a network, and select your old network. Then connect to the new network.