Connect the printer to your network in three ways

The HP DeskJet 4255e connects to the internet through WiFi, USB, or Ethernet. For a home network, WiFi is the most common choice because it lets you print from any device on your network without running a cable across the room. The printer has a built-in WiFi radio and can join your existing network during setup.

You have three paths: use the printer's touchscreen to find and join your network directly, use the HP Smart app on your phone or computer to guide the connection, or connect via USB first and then add WiFi afterward. The touchscreen method is fastest if your printer is already powered on and near your router.

Key Takeaways

  • The DeskJet 4255e connects to WiFi through its touchscreen menu, the HP Smart app, or a USB cable followed by WiFi setup.
  • Your WiFi network name and password are required for any wireless connection method.
  • The printer and router should be within 30 feet of each other and in the same room or adjacent rooms for reliable connection.
  • After connecting, test the network by printing a configuration page from the printer's settings menu.

Using the printer's touchscreen to join WiFi

Press the WiFi icon on the DeskJet 4255e's touchscreen — it looks like a curved signal symbol and is usually on the home screen. The printer will search for available networks and display a list. Find your network name (SSID) in the list and tap it.

When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. The printer will attempt to connect. A checkmark or "Connected" message means the connection succeeded. If you see an error, double-check that you typed the password correctly — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter.

Once connected, the WiFi icon on the home screen should show a solid signal indicator rather than an X or dashed lines. You can now print from any device on the same network without plugging in a USB cable.

Using the HP Smart app to set up WiFi

read the HP Smart app on your phone or computer from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or HP's website. Open the app and tap "Add printer" or the plus icon. The app will search for nearby printers and should find your DeskJet 4255e by name.

Tap the printer name to begin setup. The app will guide you through connecting to your WiFi network. When it asks for your network name and password, enter them exactly as they appear — spaces, numbers, and special characters all matter. The app will send this information to the printer wirelessly.

Once the app shows "Connected" or displays your printer's IP address, the setup is complete. The HP Smart app also lets you print documents and photos directly from your phone, check ink levels, and order replacement cartridges.

Connecting via USB first, then adding WiFi

If the touchscreen or app methods do not work, connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable. Install the HP DeskJet 4255e driver from HP's support website if you have not already — search for "HP DeskJet 4255e drivers" and select your operating system (Windows or Mac).

Once the driver is installed and the printer appears in your computer's printer list, open the printer's settings or properties. Look for a "Network" or "WiFi" tab. Select "Add wireless connection" or similar, and follow the prompts to enter your network name and password. The printer will connect to WiFi while still plugged in via USB.

After the connection succeeds, you can disconnect the USB cable. The printer will remain connected to your WiFi network. This method is useful if your printer is far from your router or if the wireless setup screens are not responding.

Positioning your printer for the strongest signal

Place the DeskJet 4255e within 30 feet of your router, ideally in the same room or an adjacent room. Walls, metal objects, and microwave ovens can weaken the WiFi signal, so avoid placing the printer in a closet, basement, or behind large metal appliances.

If your printer connects but frequently drops the connection, move it closer to the router or move the router to a more central location in your home. Raising the router off the floor and away from walls also improves signal strength throughout your house.

Troubleshooting a failed WiFi connection

If the printer cannot find your network, restart both the printer and your router. Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent the devices from finding each other.

If the printer finds your network but rejects the password, verify that you are entering the correct WiFi password. Check your router's label or your phone's WiFi settings to confirm the exact spelling and capitalization. Some routers have a default password printed on the device itself.

If the printer connects but cannot print, check that your computer or phone is also connected to the same WiFi network. Devices on different networks cannot communicate with the printer. Open your device's WiFi settings and confirm you are joined to the same network name as the printer.

Verifying the connection with a test page

After the printer connects to WiFi, print a configuration page to confirm the connection is working. On the printer's touchscreen, go to Settings or Setup, then look for "Reports" or "Print Reports." Select "Configuration Page" or "Network Configuration Page" and press Print.

The page will show your printer's IP address, MAC address, and WiFi network name. If this information appears, the printer is connected to your network and can receive print jobs from other devices. If the page shows "Not Connected" or blank fields, the connection failed and you should repeat the setup steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect the DeskJet 4255e to a 5GHz WiFi network?

The DeskJet 4255e supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both bands, the printer will typically connect to 2.4GHz automatically because it has better range. If you want to use 5GHz, check your router's settings to see if you can disable the 2.4GHz band temporarily during setup, then re-enable it afterward.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check your router's label — many routers print the default password on the bottom or back. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase all your custom settings. Alternatively, connect the printer via USB and use the HP Smart app to set up WiFi without needing to type the password manually.

Can I print to the DeskJet 4255e from my phone without WiFi?

No, the printer requires either a WiFi connection or a USB cable to receive print jobs. If you are away from home, the printer must be connected to your home WiFi network so your phone can reach it over the internet through HP's cloud printing service, which requires an HP account.

How do I know if the printer is actually connected to WiFi?

Look at the WiFi icon on the printer's touchscreen home page. A solid signal indicator (curved lines) means it is connected. An X or dashed lines mean it is not. You can also print a configuration page from the Settings menu — if it shows your network name and IP address, the connection is active.

Do I need to reconnect the printer to WiFi every time I turn it on?

No. Once you connect the DeskJet 4255e to your WiFi network, it remembers that network and reconnects automatically when you power it on. You only need to set it up once unless you change your WiFi password or move to a different network.