How to Connect Your HP DeskJet Printer to WiFi – Step-by-Step Guide
- Daiwik hayden
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Wireless printing is convenient, freeing you from cables and giving you the flexibility to print from mobile devices, laptops, or tablets. If you own a HP DeskJet printer, this article will walk you step by step through how to connect it to your WiFi network, what methods you can use, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
1. Why connect your DeskJet to WiFi?
Before diving into the steps, it’s useful to understand the benefits of having your printer wirelessly connected:
No USB cable needed; you can place the printer anywhere within WiFi range.
Multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) can access the printer without physically plugging in.
Enables features like scanning from a phone, mobile printing, and remote printing in some cases.
Clean and flexible setup: you can move the printer or router without being restricted by wires.
2. What you’ll need before you start
Make sure you have the following in place before starting the connection process:
Your WiFi network (router) is powered on and working, and your computer or mobile device is already connected to it.
Know your WiFi network’s SSID (network name) and password (security key) for the router.
The printer is turned on and in “ready” state (no errors, no blinking lights).
The printer is within a reasonable distance to the router: avoid too far or many walls interfering.
For best results, stop all other heavy downloads or tasks on the router so the connection doesn’t get interrupted.
3. Three common methods to connect your HP DeskJet to WiFi
There are three main ways to establish the wireless connection. Depending on your model and equipment you have (router with WPS, mobile device, etc.), you can pick the one that works best.
Method A: Use the HP Smart app (Recommended)
This is often the easiest method, especially if you have a mobile device.
Download and install the HP Smart app on your smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS) or on your computer. Asurion+2HP Support+2
Turn on the DeskJet printer, and make sure it’s near the router. HP Support+1
On the printer: Put it into wireless setup mode. For many DeskJet models, this involves pressing and holding the Cancel button and the Wireless button simultaneously for 3 seconds until the wireless light begins to blink. HP Support Community+1
Open HP Smart on your device. Tap Add Printer (or the “+” icon) and wait for your printer to appear in the list. HP Support+1
Select your printer, then follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, enter your WiFi network name and password. The app will guide you through. Asurion
When the printer’s wireless light goes solid (or according to your model’s indicator), the connection is successful. HP Support
From that point you can add the printer to your computer or device, and begin printing wirelessly.
Method B: Use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
If your router supports WPS and your printer also supports it, this is a quick way without typing passwords.
On the router, locate the WPS button (often labelled “WPS” or has the symbol of two arrows in a circle).
On the printer, press and hold the Wireless button (or combination as specified for your model) for about 3–5 seconds until the wireless light begins blinking. HP Support+2RouterCtrl+2
Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The printer will attempt to connect automatically. Guiding Tech+1
When the wireless light remains solid (not blinking), the printer is connected to the network. HP Support
Now add the printer to your computer or mobile device as usual.
Method C: Using the printer’s control panel or Embedded Web Server (for models with advanced menus)
If your printer has a touchscreen or more advanced menu buttons, you can set up via the control panel:
On the printer panel: Go to Setup > Network > Wireless Setup Wizard (or similar) and select your WiFi network from the list. HP Support
Enter your WiFi password via the keyboard on the printer panel.
Confirm and wait for the connection to complete. When done, the wireless indicator will show “connected”.
Finally, add the printer to your computer or mobile device.
4. Step-by-step: A full walkthrough using the HP Smart app (DeskJet typical scenario)
Here’s how it typically goes, in detail:
Place the DeskJet printer near the router during setup (within a few metres, with no heavy obstructions).
Load paper into the input tray and ensure ink cartridges are installed. (This ensures the printer is ready and not in error mode.) HP Support
Turn on the printer and wait until it shows it’s in “ready” state (no blinking error lights).
On your mobile device (or computer) – ensure it is connected to the same WiFi network you intend the printer to join.
Open HP Smart app, and if required sign in or create an account.
Tap “Add Printer” or the “+” icon. The app will search for nearby HP printers.
On the printer: Press the Cancel + Wireless buttons for about 3 seconds until the wireless light starts blinking (indicating setup mode). HP Support Community
In the app, select your printer when it appears (e.g., something like “HP=Setup <DeskJet 2700 series>”). HP Support
Follow onscreen prompts: the app will display your WiFi network list; select your network, enter the password (WEP or WPA key).
Wait for the app to indicate the connection succeeded. On the printer, the wireless light should become solid.
Once connected, you may be prompted to install drivers or set up features like mobile printing, scanning, or cloud services.
On each computer or device from which you want to print, open “Add Printer” and choose the HP DeskJet on your network.
Test by printing a “Printer Configuration Page” or simply print a small document to verify wireless printing works.
5. FAQs & Troubleshooting
Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go smoothly. Here are common issues and how to resolve them:
Issue: Printer not found by HP Smart app
Ensure your mobile device/computer is on the same WiFi network (same SSID) as the printer should connect to.
Make sure the printer is in setup mode (wireless light blinking) and isn’t already connected to another network.
Restart the printer and your mobile device, then retry the setup.
Check for interference: move the printer closer to the router.
Issue: No WPS button on router
If your router doesn’t have a WPS button, don’t worry — use the HP Smart app method or Wireless Setup Wizard method. Reddit+1
Issue: Wireless light keeps blinking or fails to stay solid
The WiFi password may have been entered incorrectly — re-enter it carefully (check capitalization, special characters).
The router may be out of range or signal weak: move printer closer.
The printer may still be connected to an old network: consider restoring network settings to default and start fresh. HP Support Community+1
Ensure your router’s wireless network is 2.4GHz if the printer only supports 2.4GHz (some models do not support 5GHz). Alza
Issue: After connection, printing fails or printer appears offline
On your computer, open “Printers & Scanners” and ensure the correct HP DeskJet device is selected and marked “Default”.
Reinstall drivers: visit 123.hp.com and download latest software for your model.
Check firewall or router settings: sometimes devices are isolated on “guest” networks and cannot communicate.
For mobile devices: ensure you print using “HP Smart” or the correct printer, and not via a generic driver.
Some users report network channel compatibility issues: if your router is set to a crowded channel, switch to a less-used channel (e.g., from channel 6 to channel 11). Reddit
Issue: Changed WiFi network or router
If you’ve replaced your router or changed the WiFi name/password:
Use the printer’s control panel or HP Smart app to restore network settings or enter a new network. HP Support+1
Then reconnect using the same steps as initial setup.
6. Tips for a smoother setup
Disable VPN or firewall temporarily on your mobile device/computer during setup – sometimes they interfere with detection.
Keep your printer firmware up to date (check HP website) — firmware updates often fix connection stability.
Use a stable power supply: avoid plugging printer into surge protectors that might interfere during initial setup.
If setting up multiple devices to use the printer, add the printer on the first device first, then the rest.
Use HP Smart app even after setup – you can check ink status, print from cloud, and manage the printer easily.
Label your WiFi network name and password somewhere safe to avoid mistyping.
If possible, choose a router location with fewer obstacles (walls, metal, other electronics) between printer and router.
7. Summary
Connecting your HP DeskJet printer to WiFi unlocks the full flexibility of wireless printing. Whether you use the HP Smart app, WPS, or the printer’s menu, you’ll want to:
Ensure your printer and network are ready.
Choose the method that suits your router and device setup.
Follow the steps carefully (put the printer into setup mode, enter the network credentials, wait for the success indicator).
Troubleshoot any hiccups by verifying password, distance, network compatibility, or resetting the network connection.
Once connected, you’ll be free to print from anywhere in range, avoid cables and enjoy the convenience of wireless printing. If any step seems confusing or your model is slightly different, consult the official HP Support page for your exact model. HP Support+1
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