How to Change Your HP Printer's WiFi Password

Access the HP Printer's Web Interface

The fastest way to change your HP printer's WiFi password is through the printer's built-in web interface — a settings page you reach from any computer or phone on the same network. You do not need to install software or touch the printer itself.

First, find your printer's IP address. On the printer's control panel (the screen on the front), look for a Settings, Network, or Information menu. Navigate to Network Settings or TCP/IP and write down the four-number address you see — it will look like 192.168.1.100. If your printer has no screen, check the network configuration page: press and hold the Information or Settings button until the printer prints a page, then look for "IP Address" on that page.

Open a web browser on your computer or phone and type that IP address into the address bar (for example, http://192.168.1.100). Press Enter. The HP printer's home page will load — you should see the printer model name and a menu of options.

Log In to the Printer Settings

The web interface will ask for a username and password. For most HP printers, the default username is admin and the password is either blank (just press Enter) or admin. If neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of the printer — HP sometimes prints the default credentials there.

Once you are logged in, look for a menu option called Network, Wireless, WiFi, or Security. Click it. You should see a section labeled Wireless Settings or WiFi Settings.

Key Takeaways

Find your printer's IP address in the Network Settings menu on the printer's control panel or on the network configuration page it prints.
Type that IP address into a web browser to reach the printer's settings page, then log in with the default username admin and a blank password or admin.
Navigate to Wireless Settings and look for a field labeled WiFi Password, Pre-Shared Key, or WPA Passphrase to enter your new password.
Save your changes and wait 30 seconds for the printer to restart before testing the connection from your computer or phone.
If the printer loses connection after you change the password, reconnect it manually by selecting your network name and entering the new password on the printer's control panel.

Enter and Save the New WiFi Password

In the Wireless Settings section, find the field for the WiFi password. It may be labeled Pre-Shared Key, WPA Passphrase, WiFi Password, or Network Key. Click in that field and clear the old password, then type your new one.

Make sure the password is at least 8 characters long — HP printers typically require this. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if possible, though it is not always required. Write down the new password before you save it, because you will need it to reconnect the printer to your network.

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button and click it. The printer will process the change and may restart — this usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. Do not unplug the printer during this time.

Reconnect the Printer to Your Network

After the printer restarts, it will no longer be connected to your WiFi network because the password has changed. You need to reconnect it manually. On the printer's control panel, press the Settings or Network button and navigate to Wireless Settings or WiFi Setup.

The printer will show a list of available networks. Select your network name (SSID) from the list. When prompted, enter the new WiFi password you just set. The printer will attempt to connect and should show a confirmation message within 10 to 20 seconds.

Once the printer shows it is connected, test the connection by printing a network configuration page again (hold the Information button until it prints). The page should show "Connected" or "Associated" next to the network name, and the IP address should remain the same.

What to Do If You Cannot Access the Web Interface

If typing the IP address into your browser does not load the printer's page, the printer and your computer may not be on the same network. Check that your computer is connected to the same WiFi network the printer is trying to use. If the printer is not yet connected to WiFi, it may be in setup mode and broadcasting its own temporary network — check your available networks list for one named something like "HP-Print-Setup" and connect to that instead.

If you still cannot reach the web interface, try restarting the printer by turning it off, waiting 10 seconds, and turning it back on. Then wait another 30 seconds before trying the IP address again. If the printer has a USB cable, you can also connect it directly to your computer with USB and try the IP address — some HP printers allow web access over USB even when not on WiFi.

Change the Default Login Password

While you are in the web interface, consider changing the default admin password so that anyone on your network cannot access the printer's settings. Look for a Security, Administration, or Users section in the menu. Find the option to change the admin password and enter a new one — this is separate from the WiFi password and protects the printer's settings page itself.

Write this password down as well and store it somewhere safe. If you forget it, you may need to reset the printer to factory settings, which erases all custom settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the WiFi password from the printer's control panel instead of the web interface?

Yes. On the printer's control panel, go to Settings or Network Settings, then Wireless Settings or WiFi Setup. You should see an option to change the password or edit the network. The steps are the same — select your network and enter the new password. This method works if you do not have a computer nearby, though the web interface is usually faster.

What if the printer was already connected and now will not reconnect after I changed the password?

The printer is trying to connect with the old password and failing. Go to the printer's control panel, find Wireless Settings, and select your network again. When prompted for the password, enter the new one you just set. The printer should connect within 20 seconds. If it does not, double-check that you typed the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive.

Do I need to change the WiFi password on my router too, or just on the printer?

You change the password on your router (through your router's settings page), and then you update the printer to use that new password. The printer stores the password you give it and uses it to connect to the router. If you change only the router's password without updating the printer, the printer will lose connection and you will need to reconnect it manually.

What if I forgot the new WiFi password I just set on the printer?

You cannot see the password once it is saved in the printer's settings — it is hidden for security. If you forgot it, go back into the web interface (using the IP address), log in as admin, navigate to Wireless Settings, and look at the password field. It will be masked with dots, but you can clear it and type a new one, then save again.

Will changing the WiFi password affect my computer or phone's connection?

No. Changing the password on the printer only affects the printer. Your computer and phone will continue to use the old password to connect to the router unless you also change the router's password. If you change the router's password, then your computer and phone will need to reconnect to the WiFi network with the new password — but the printer will not automatically know about it and will need to be reconnected separately.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.