The fastest way: use the printer's control panel

Most HP printers let you change the WiFi password directly from the buttons and screen on the printer itself, without touching a computer. This is the simplest route if your printer has a touchscreen or a small LCD display.

Press the Home or Menu button on your printer. Navigate to Settings or Network Settings (the exact name varies by model). Look for Wireless or WiFi, then find Change Password, Security, or Passphrase. Use the arrow buttons or touchscreen to enter your new password, then press OK or Confirm. The printer will restart and reconnect to your network with the new password.

If you cannot find these options, your printer model may not support password changes from the control panel. Move to the next section.

Key Takeaways

  • The control panel method works on most HP printers with a display and takes about two minutes with no computer needed.
  • HP's web interface (accessed by typing your printer's IP address into a browser) works on nearly all models and gives you more control over security settings.
  • You need your printer's current IP address to use the web interface; you can find it by printing a network configuration page from the printer menu.
  • After you change the password, any device that was connected to the printer will lose access and must reconnect using the new password.
  • If you forget the password you just set, you can reset the printer to factory defaults, but this erases all network settings and requires you to set them up again from scratch.

Using the HP web interface from your computer

If your printer does not have a touchscreen or the control panel method did not work, you can change the password through HP's web interface. This is a settings page you access from any computer or phone on the same network as the printer.

First, find your printer's IP address. On the printer, press Menu or Home, then navigate to Network Settings or Information. Look for TCP/IP or IPv4 Address. Write down the four numbers separated by dots (for example, 192.168.1.100). Alternatively, print a network configuration page: go to Menu > Reports or Information > Network Configuration or Print Network Settings. The IP address will be listed on the page.

Open a web browser on your computer and type the IP address into the address bar (for example, http://192.168.1.100). Press Enter. You should see the HP printer's settings page. If you see a login screen, the default username is usually admin and the default password is blank (leave it empty) or admin. Check your printer's manual if neither works.

Once logged in, look for Network, Wireless, or Security in the menu. Find WiFi Password, Passphrase, or WPA Password. Enter your new password and click explore or Save. The printer will restart and reconnect with the new password.

What happens to devices already connected to your printer

When you change the WiFi password, your printer keeps the same network name (SSID). Devices that were already connected will lose access because they still have the old password stored. You will need to reconnect each device using the new password.

On a computer, go to your WiFi settings, find your printer's network name, and select Forget or Remove. Then reconnect and enter the new password. On a phone or tablet, do the same through your WiFi settings. For devices that print wirelessly (like a smartphone), you may also need to update the password in the printer app itself if you have one installed.

If you cannot access the web interface

If typing the IP address into your browser does not load the printer's settings page, the printer and your computer may not be on the same network. Check that both are connected to the same WiFi network name. If they are, wait 30 seconds and try again — sometimes the printer takes time to fully connect.

If you still cannot reach the page, restart your printer by turning it off, waiting 10 seconds, and turning it back on. Then try the IP address again. If the page loads but asks for a password and you do not know it, you will need to reset the printer to factory settings (see the next section).

Resetting the printer if you forget the new password

If you change the WiFi password and then forget it, or if you cannot log into the web interface, you can reset the printer to its original factory settings. This erases all network settings, security settings, and stored passwords, so you will need to set up the WiFi connection again from the beginning.

The reset button is usually a small hole on the back or bottom of the printer. Use a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see lights flash or hear a beep. The printer will restart and return to factory defaults. You can then set up the WiFi connection again using the control panel method or the web interface with the default login (usually admin with no password).

Check your printer's manual or HP's support website for your specific model number to confirm the location of the reset button, as it varies by model.

Choosing a strong password for your printer

When you set a new password, use one that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password as your main WiFi network or any other account. A strong printer password prevents someone on your network from accessing the printer's settings or printing sensitive documents.

Write the password down in a safe place (like a password manager) so you do not forget it. If you do forget it later, you will have to reset the printer and start over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change the printer's WiFi password if I change my home WiFi password?

No. Your printer's WiFi password and your home network password are separate. If you change your home WiFi password, you will need to reconnect the printer to the network using the new home password, but the printer's own password (the one that controls access to its settings) stays the same unless you change it deliberately.

Can I change the WiFi password from my phone?

Yes, if your phone is on the same network as the printer. Open a web browser, type the printer's IP address into the address bar, and follow the same steps as you would on a computer. You can also use the HP Smart app (available on iOS and Android) if your printer model supports it — the app sometimes has a settings menu where you can change the password.

What if my printer does not have a network settings menu?

Older or very basic HP printer models may not have wireless capability or may not allow password changes through the control panel. Try the web interface method using the printer's IP address. If that does not work, your printer may only support the password that was set during the initial WiFi setup, and you would need to reset it to change the password.

Will changing the password affect printing from my computer or phone?

Only if your computer or phone was connected to the printer before the password change. After you change the password, those devices will lose the connection and will need to reconnect using the new password. Devices that were never connected will not be affected.

Is the printer's WiFi password the same as the login password for the web interface?

No. The WiFi password controls who can connect to the printer over the network. The web interface login (usually admin with no password by default) controls who can access the printer's settings page. You can change both, but they are separate. Some HP models let you set them together, but most treat them independently.