The basic steps to get your HP printer on your network
Most HP printers connect to WiFi through a menu on the printer itself or through the HP Smart app on your computer or phone. The exact steps depend on whether your printer has a touchscreen, but the goal is the same: you tell the printer your WiFi network name and password, and it joins your home network. Once connected, any device on that same network can print to it without a cable.
The fastest way is usually the printer's built-in menu if it has a screen. If your printer has no screen, or if the menu method stalls, the HP Smart app can walk you through it from your phone or computer instead. Both methods take about five minutes once you have your WiFi password ready.
Key Takeaways
- HP printers with a touchscreen can connect to WiFi directly through the Settings or Network menu without needing a computer.
- The HP Smart app on your phone or computer is the backup method if the printer menu does not work, and it can also print remotely once set up.
- You will need your WiFi network name and password before you start, and the printer must be within range of your router.
- After the printer connects, you may need to install the printer driver on your computer so Windows or Mac recognizes it as a printing option.
Connecting through the printer's touchscreen menu
If your HP printer has a display screen on the front, look for a Settings, Network, or Wireless icon. On most models, this is a gear icon or a WiFi symbol. Tap it, then look for "Wireless" or "WiFi" in the menu that appears.
Select your WiFi network name from the list the printer shows you. The printer will ask for your password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter. Once you enter the password, the printer will attempt to connect. You should see a confirmation message on the screen within 30 seconds. If the connection fails, double-check that you typed the password correctly and that your router is powered on.
Some HP printers also have a WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) button on the router itself. If your router has a WPS button, you can press it on the router, then press the WiFi button on the printer within two minutes. The devices will pair automatically without needing to type the password. This method works only if your router has a physical WPS button.
Using the HP Smart app if the printer menu does not work
read the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Microsoft Store, depending on your device. Open the app and select "Add a printer." The app will search for HP printers on your network.
If the app finds your printer, tap it to select it. The app will then guide you through connecting to WiFi. You will enter your network name and password into the app, and the app will send that information to the printer. This method works even if the printer has no touchscreen, because the app handles the WiFi setup for you.
If the app cannot find your printer, make sure the printer is powered on and within 30 feet of your router. If it still does not appear, restart both the printer and your phone or computer, then try again. Occasionally a printer needs to be restarted before it will show up in the app's search.
Installing the printer driver on your computer
Once the printer is connected to WiFi, your computer still needs to know how to send jobs to it. This requires a printer driver — software that translates print commands from your programs into instructions the printer understands.
On Windows, go to Settings, then Devices, then Printers and Scanners. Click "Add a printer or scanner." Windows will search for printers on your network and should find your HP printer. Click it and select "Add device." Windows will read and install the driver automatically.
On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Printers and Scanners. Click the plus sign to add a printer. Select your HP printer from the list and click "Add." Mac will install the driver on its own.
If your computer does not find the printer, visit hp.com/support, enter your printer model number, and read the driver manually. Run the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions. Restart your computer after installation is complete.
Troubleshooting a printer that will not connect
If your printer connects to WiFi but your computer cannot find it, restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully restart. Then try adding the printer to your computer again.
If the printer keeps dropping the WiFi connection, it may be too far from the router. Move the printer closer if possible, or move the router closer to the printer. Walls, metal objects, and other electronics can weaken the signal. If moving is not an option, a WiFi extender can boost the signal in that area of your home.
If the printer connects to WiFi but prints very slowly or not at all, check that your router is not overloaded. Disconnect other devices that are using a lot of bandwidth — streaming video, large downloads, or video calls. Once the network is less busy, try printing again.
What to do if your printer has no WiFi option
Older HP printers and some budget models do not have WiFi built in. If your printer has no wireless option in the menu and the HP Smart app cannot find it, your printer likely does not support WiFi.
You have two choices: connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable, or replace it with a WiFi-capable model. A USB connection works fine if the printer sits near your computer, but it means only that computer can print to it. If you want to print from multiple rooms or from your phone, you will need a WiFi printer.
Check your printer's model number on the back or bottom of the device. Search "HP [model number] WiFi" online to confirm whether your model supports wireless printing. If it does not, the HP support page will show you what connection options are available.
Printing from your phone after WiFi setup
Once your printer is on WiFi, you can print from your phone using the HP Smart app or through your phone's built-in print menu. Open the document or photo you want to print, tap Share or the menu icon, and look for Print or AirPrint (on iPhone) or Print (on Android). Select your HP printer from the list and adjust settings like paper size or number of copies, then tap Print.
The HP Smart app also lets you print remotely — meaning you can send a print job to your printer even when you are away from home, as long as your printer is powered on and connected to WiFi. This requires you to sign in with an HP account in the app, but the account is free to create.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to connect the printer to my computer with a USB cable first?
No. Most HP printers can connect to WiFi without ever touching a computer. Use the printer's menu or the HP Smart app on your phone. The USB cable is only needed if the WiFi setup fails and you want to use the printer with a wired connection instead.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
Log into your router's admin page by opening a web browser and typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, then entering your router's username and password. Look for a Wireless or WiFi section to find your network password. If you do not know the router password, check the sticker on the back of the router — it usually has the default login printed on it.
Can I connect the printer to a 5GHz WiFi network?
Most newer HP printers support 5GHz networks, but some older models only work on 2.4GHz. Check your printer's manual or the HP support page for your model. If your router broadcasts both bands, the printer should automatically pick the right one, or you can select it manually in the WiFi menu.
Will the printer stay connected if I restart my router?
Yes. Once the printer has your WiFi password saved, it will automatically reconnect whenever the router restarts. You do not need to set it up again.
Can multiple people print to the same WiFi printer?
Yes. Anyone on your home WiFi network can print to it from their computer or phone without needing a cable or password. The printer itself is the only thing that needs the WiFi password.