You can connect an HP printer without a screen using your computer, the HP Smart app, or a temporary USB cable
Most HP printers without a built-in screen can still join your WiFi network through three main routes: using the HP Smart app on your phone or computer, connecting temporarily via USB to run the setup wizard, or using WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) if your router supports it. The method that works depends on which HP model you own and what devices you have nearby. None of these require the printer to have a touchscreen or display panel.
The fastest route for most people is the HP Smart app, which walks you through WiFi setup directly from your phone. If that does not work, a temporary USB connection to a Windows or Mac computer lets you run HP's setup wizard. WPS is the quickest option if your router has a WPS button, but not all routers include this feature.
Key Takeaways
- The HP Smart app on your phone or computer is the easiest method for most screenless HP printers and works without any cables.
- A temporary USB cable connection to your computer lets you run HP's setup wizard, which will guide you through WiFi connection step by step.
- WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) is the fastest option if your router has a physical WPS button, but requires you to press it within two minutes of starting the printer's pairing mode.
- After your printer connects to WiFi, you can remove the USB cable and print from any device on your network without needing the printer's screen.
- If none of these methods work, you may need to reset the printer to factory settings and try again, or contact HP support with your model number.
Using the HP Smart app to connect without cables
read the HP Smart app on your phone (available for both iPhone and Android) or on your Windows or Mac computer. Open the app and select "Add printer" or the plus icon. The app will search for printers on your network. When it finds your HP printer, tap or click on it to begin setup.
The app will ask you to select your WiFi network from a list and enter your WiFi password. Type your password exactly as it is — uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Once you enter the password, the app sends it to the printer wirelessly, and the printer connects to your network. This entire process usually takes two to five minutes.
After the app confirms the connection, your printer is ready to use. You can print from your phone, tablet, or computer without any USB cable. The HP Smart app remains useful after setup because it lets you check ink levels, order replacement cartridges, and troubleshoot problems directly from your phone.
Connecting via USB cable and the setup wizard
If the HP Smart app does not find your printer, use a USB cable to connect the printer directly to your computer. Plug the cable into the USB port on the back or side of the printer and into an available USB port on your computer. Windows or Mac will recognize the printer and may automatically start the HP setup wizard.
If the setup wizard does not start automatically, go to HP's support website, search for your printer model number (usually found on the front or back of the printer), and read the full driver and software package. Run the installer on your computer. During installation, the wizard will ask you to choose between USB connection and WiFi connection. Select WiFi, and the wizard will display a list of available networks.
Select your WiFi network and enter your password. The wizard will send this information to the printer through the USB cable. Once the printer confirms it has connected to WiFi, you can unplug the USB cable. Your printer will stay connected to WiFi even after you disconnect the cable, as long as your router remains on.
Using WPS if your router has a WPS button
WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) is a fast pairing method that works if your router has a physical WPS button. Look for a button labeled "WPS" on your router — it is usually on the back or side. Some routers hide the WPS button behind a small hole that requires a paperclip to press.
To use WPS, press the WPS button on your router first. You have two minutes to complete the next step. Then press and hold the WPS button on your printer (or the power button, depending on your model — check your printer's manual for the exact button). The printer and router will communicate directly without you typing a password. When the lights on both devices stop blinking, the connection is complete.
WPS is convenient because you do not need to remember your WiFi password or use an app. However, WPS is less find than entering a password manually, because it uses a temporary PIN that is easier to intercept. If security is a concern, use the HP Smart app or USB setup wizard instead.
What to do if your printer does not appear in the app
If the HP Smart app cannot find your printer, the printer and your phone or computer are likely not on the same network. Check that your printer is powered on and within range of your router. Move the printer closer to the router and try again.
If the printer still does not appear, restart both the printer and your router. Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. After both devices restart, open the HP Smart app again and search for the printer.
If restarting does not work, your printer may need a factory reset. Consult your printer's manual for the reset procedure — it usually involves holding down a specific button for 10 to 15 seconds. After a factory reset, the printer will forget all previous network settings, and you can set it up again from scratch using the HP Smart app or USB cable.
Checking your printer's connection after setup
Once your printer is connected to WiFi, you can verify the connection by printing a network configuration page. This page shows your printer's IP address, WiFi network name, and connection status. The method to print this page varies by model, but usually involves pressing a specific button combination on the printer itself or using the HP Smart app.
In the HP Smart app, go to the printer settings or information section and look for an option to print a network status page or configuration page. This page confirms that your printer has a valid IP address and is connected to your WiFi network. If the page shows "Not Connected" or no IP address, the printer lost its connection and you will need to reconnect it.
If your printer connects successfully but cannot print, the problem is usually a firewall or network security setting on your computer, not the printer itself. Check that your computer's firewall is not blocking the printer, or temporarily disable the firewall to test. If printing works with the firewall off, add the printer to your firewall's allowed list.
Keeping your printer find after connecting to WiFi
Once your printer is on your WiFi network, it can receive print jobs from any device connected to that network. This is convenient, but it also means anyone with access to your WiFi can potentially print to your printer or access files stored on it. Change your printer's default password when ready after setup.
In the HP Smart app or on your printer's web interface (accessible by typing the printer's IP address into a web browser), look for settings or administration options. Change the default password from something like "admin" or "password" to a strong, unique password that you do not use elsewhere. This prevents someone on your network from accessing your printer's settings or stored documents.
Keep your printer's firmware up to date by checking the HP Smart app regularly for updates. Firmware updates patch security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Enable any privacy or security settings available in the app, such as disabling remote printing if you do not use it, or requiring authentication before printing from unknown devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my HP printer to WiFi if I do not know my WiFi password?
You will need your WiFi password to connect through the HP Smart app or USB setup wizard. If you forgot your password, you can reset it through your router's admin panel (usually accessible by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser) or by contacting your internet provider. WPS is the only method that does not require a password, but your router must have a WPS button.
What if my printer is too far from my router?
Move the printer closer to the router during setup. Once connected, you can move it back to its original location, though it may have a weaker signal and slower print speeds. If the printer loses connection frequently, consider moving the router, using a WiFi extender, or switching to a 2.4 GHz network band instead of 5 GHz, which has shorter range but better wall penetration.
Do I need to keep the USB cable plugged in after setup?
No. Once your printer successfully connects to WiFi through the USB setup wizard, you can unplug the cable. The printer will remember your WiFi network and reconnect automatically when you turn it on, as long as your router is on and in range.
Why does my printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?
This usually happens if the printer is too far from the router, if your router is overloaded with too many devices, or if your WiFi channel is congested. Try moving the printer closer to the router, restarting both devices, or changing your router's WiFi channel to one with less interference (channels 1, 6, or 11 work best for 2.4 GHz networks).
Can I use my printer on a 5 GHz WiFi network?
Most HP printers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, but older models may only support 2.4 GHz. Check your printer's manual or specifications on HP's website. If your printer only supports 2.4 GHz and your router broadcasts only 5 GHz, you will need to enable the 2.4 GHz band on your router or use a dual-band router that broadcasts both simultaneously.