HP printers are a great choice for anyone that needs reliable, quality prints. Whether you're printing out travel documents, homework, or just some family photos, they get the job done with no fuss. Most new HP printers can connect to Wi-Fi, which means you can print wirelessly from just about anywhere in your home or office, without needing to worrying about messy cables.
In this article, we'll show you all the different way to connect your HP printer to Wi-Fi. These HP Smart app, the printer’s control panel, and the WPS button. By the end, you’ll have all the printing know-how you need…
Check that your printer is Wi-Fi ready
Before diving into the Wi-Fi setup, let’s make sure your printer is ready for the job. Most new HP printers come with Wi-Fi capabilities, but if you have an older model, it’s worth checking whether it supports wireless printing. You’ll find this info in the product manual, or you can just ask Google. If it does… great!
Now make sure your network is ready to go. You’ll need a stable Wi-Fi connection, and your printer should be within range of the router. Also, make sure you have your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password handy to complete the setup.
How to connect an HP printer to Wi-Fi using the HP smart app
The HP Smart app is by far the easiest way to get your printer online, and it’s available for both desktop and mobile devices. Here’s how to use it:
Download the HP Smart app: Head over to the App Store or Google Play Store on your mobile or laptop, or go to the HP Smart webpage and download it onto your computer.
Open the app. When you’ve got the app, go ahead and launch it. You’ll then be guided through a few simple steps to set up your printer.
Add your printer: Tap "Add Printer," and the app will search for available printers on your network. Choose your printer from the list.
Connect to Wi-Fi: You’ll now be prompted you to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
Finish setup: Now agree and complete the remaining steps in the app, and you’re all set to start printing wirelessly.
How to connect an HP printer to Wi-Fi manually (without an app)
If you’re not keen on using the HP Smart app or you’ve got an older printer, don’t worry -you can still set up Wi-Fi manually. Here’s how to do it through the printer’s control panel:
Access the wireless settings: On the printer’s control panel, go to the wireless settings menu. You should see options for Wi-Fi or network setup.
Select Wi-Fi setup wizard: Choose the “Wi-Fi Setup Wizard” option, and your printer will start searching for available networks.
Pick your network: Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password.
Connect: The printer will then connect to your network, and you’ll be good to go.
How to connect an HP printer to a new Wi-Fi network
If your Wi-Fi network changes or you’ve moved to a new place, you’ll need to reconnect your printer. It’s easy as 1-2-3:
Reset network settings: Go to the wireless settings on your printer and look for the option to reset the network settings. This clears out any previous connections.
Reconnect: After the reset, follow the same steps you used for the initial setup -either using the HP Smart App or the manual control panel method. Then select your new Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
Confirm the connection: Once connected, your printer will let you know that you’re back in business.
How to connect an HP printer to Wi-Fi using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
If your router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you’ve got a quick and easy way to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network. Here’s how it works:
Locate the WPS button on your router: Find the WPS button on your router. It’s usually located on the back or side.
Start WPS on the printer: On your printer’s control panel, go to the wireless settings and select “WPS.”
Press the WPS button on the router: Now press the WPS button on your router. Your printer will automatically connect to the network.
Confirmation: Your printer will notify you once the connection is successful. Job done.
How to use a phone or tablet to print over Wi-Fi
There are a few ways of printing directly from your phone or tablet. Let’s run through the options.
AirPrint (Apple devices):
Make sure your printer and iPhone (or iPad) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open the document or photo you want to print, then tap the “Share” icon.
Select “Print,” and choose your HP printer from the list.
Google Cloud Print (Android devices):
Check that both your printer and Android device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Open the document or photo to print, then tap the three dots (menu) icon.
Select “Print,” and choose your HP printer.
HP Smart app:
Open the HP Smart app on your mobile device.
Select your printer and tap “Print” to start the job.
Need more help?
Looking for more advice? We’ve got handy articles on why is my printer not printing, why is my printer offline, and the ultimate guide to HP instant ink. If you’re thinking of buying a new printer, our printer buying guide is packed with useful info. And don’t forget, you can always pop in-store and chat to one of our colleagues.
