How to Set Up an HP Printer to WiFi – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Setting up an HP printer to WiFi allows you to print from any device—Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Chromebook—without dealing with USB cables. Whether you just purchased a brand-new HP printer or you’re reconnecting an older model, this guide covers everything you need to know.

This comprehensive, beginner-friendly tutorial explains all the methods available: connecting your printer through the control panel, using the HP Smart app, using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), and resetting network settings if the printer won’t connect. By the end, your HP printer will be fully configured for wireless printing.

Why Connect an HP Printer to WiFi?

Connecting your HP printer to WiFi provides several advantages:

• Wireless convenience – print from anywhere in your home or office

• Multi-device support – laptops, phones, tablets, and desktops

• Cloud printing – print from Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, email

• No cables – perfect for small spaces

• Faster setup for multiple users

Because HP printers support both 2.4 GHz and newer 5 GHz WiFi networks (depending on model), setup is easier than ever.

Methods to Connect HP Printer to WiFi

There are four main ways to connect your HP printer to WiFi:

1. Using HP Smart App (Recommended for most users)

2. Using the printer’s control panel

3. Using WPS (WiFi Protected Setup)

4. Using HP Wireless Setup Wizard (for older models)

We will cover each of these in detail.

1. Connect HP Printer to WiFi Using HP Smart App (Best Method)

The HP Smart App is the easiest and most reliable way to connect almost any HP printer to WiFi.

Supported Devices:

• Windows 10/11

• macOS

• iPhone/iPad

• Android devices

• Chromebook

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Download the HP Smart App

• Windows/macOS: Get it from the Microsoft Store or HP’s website

• iPhone/Android: Download from App Store or Google Play

Step 2: Turn On Your Printer

Make sure:

• The printer is plugged in

• It has ink/toner installed

• Paper is loaded

• It is close to your WiFi router

Step 3: Put the Printer in Setup Mode

Most new HP printers automatically enter setup mode when turned on.If not, reset network settings:

• On the printer touchscreen:Settings → Network Setup → Restore Network Defaults

• On printers without screen:Press and hold Cancel + Wireless button together for 5 seconds

Step 4: Open the HP Smart App

• Tap Add Printer

• The app will search for printers in setup mode

Step 5: Select Your WiFi Network

• Choose your WiFi name

• Enter the WiFi password

Step 6: Wait for Connection Confirmation

Once connected:

• The HP Smart app will show a checkmark

• You can print a test page

Your printer is now connected to WiFi.

2. Connect HP Printer to WiFi Using Control Panel (Touchscreen Models)

If your HP printer has a touchscreen (e.g., HP Envy, OfficeJet Pro, LaserJet), follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Open Wireless Menu

On the printer:

• Tap Wireless iconOr

• Go to Setup → Network → Wireless Settings

Step 2: Choose Wireless Setup Wizard

Tap:Wireless Setup Wizard

Step 3: Select Your WiFi Network

• A list of nearby networks appears

• Choose your WiFi name (SSID)

Step 4: Enter WiFi Password

Use the touchscreen keyboard to enter the password.

Step 5: Confirm Connection

Once connected:

• Wireless light turns solid blue

• Printer displays “Connected” message

This method works for most HP touchscreen printers.

3. Connect HP Printer to WiFi Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

If your router supports WPS, this is the fastest method.

Two types of WPS:

1. WPS Push Button method

2. WPS PIN method

We’ll explain both.

A. WPS Push Button Method

This works on HP printers with a Wireless button.

Step 1: Enable WPS on Printer

Press and hold the Wireless button on the printer for 3 seconds until the light starts blinking.

Step 2: Press the WPS button on your router

• Press the WPS button within 2 minutes

• The printer will automatically connect

When connected:

• Wireless light stays solid

B. WPS PIN Method

Some HP printers print a page with an 8-digit PIN.

Step 1: Print the WPS PIN

On touchscreen printers:

• Go to WiFi Settings → WiFi Protected Setup → PIN

Printer prints the PIN.

Step 2: Enter PIN in Router Admin Page

• Open browser

• Go to router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1)

• Find WPS PIN section

• Enter the 8-digit PIN

Your printer connects automatically.

4. Connect HP Printer to WiFi Using Wireless Setup Wizard (Older HP Models)

For older HP models (DeskJet, early OfficeJet, Photosmart):

Steps:

1. Go to Setup → Network → Wireless Setup Wizard

2. Choose your WiFi network

3. Enter WiFi password

4. Press OK to connect

How to Connect HP Printer to WiFi Without Touchscreen

If your HP printer has no screen, use:

Method 1: HP Smart App

or

Method 2: WPS Push Button

Both methods work for low-cost HP DeskJet and basic HP Smart Tank models.

Troubleshooting: HP Printer Not Connecting to WiFi

If your HP printer won’t connect, try the following:

1. Restart Everything

• Restart printer

• Restart WiFi router

• Restart the device you’re using

2. Check WiFi Frequency (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz)

Many HP printers support:

• 2.4 GHz (always supported)

• 5 GHz (supported only by newer models)

If your network is 5 GHz ONLY:

• Add a 2.4 GHz network from your router settings

• Or use a dual-band router mode

3. Keep Printer Close to Router

Weak signal = failure to connect.Keep printer within 10–15 feet of router.

4. Reset HP Printer Network Settings

For touchscreen printers:

• Setup → Network → Restore Network Defaults

For button-only printers:

• Hold Wireless + Cancel for 5 seconds

5. Reinstall HP Smart App

Sometimes app issues prevent pairing:

• Update or reinstall HP Smart App

• Disable VPN if enabled

6. Update Printer Firmware

On touchscreen printers:

• Setup → Printer Maintenance → Update

On HP Smart App:

• Select printer → Printer Settings → Update Firmware

How to Check if HP Printer Is Connected to WiFi

You can verify WiFi connection by:

Method 1: Print Network Configuration Report

• Touchscreen: Setup → Reports → Network Report

• Non-touchscreen: Hold Information button

Method 2: Check Wireless Icon

A solid blue light means connected.

Method 3: HP Smart App

Open app → printer shows as Online

How to Connect HP Printer to New WiFi Network (Change WiFi)

If you changed your WiFi password or new router:

Option A: Run Wireless Setup Wizard again

• Go to Setup → Network → Wireless Setup Wizard

• Enter new WiFi password

Option B: Reset network settings

Then reconnect using HP Smart App.

Option C: Use WPS again

If supported.

How to Connect HP Printer to WiFi on Different Devices

Windows 10/11

1. Connect printer to WiFi

2. Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners

3. Click Add Device

macOS

1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners

2. Click Add Printer

3. Select HP printer

iPhone/iPad

• Install HP Smart App

• Printer appears automatically when on same WiFi

Android

• Install HP Smart App

• Printer auto-detects

Chromebook

• Go to Settings → Printers → Add Printer

How to Install HP Printer Drivers After Connecting to WiFi

After connecting your printer:

Download drivers from HP:

• HP Smart App installs them automaticallyor

• Use HP website (search your model)

Drivers include:

• HP Scan

• HP Easy Start

• Full-feature printing support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my HP printer not showing up on WiFi?

• Printer too far from router

• Wrong WiFi band (5 GHz only)

• Network settings corrupted

• Router firewall blocking devices

2. Can I connect HP printer to WiFi without HP Smart App?

Yes:

• Use Wireless Setup Wizard (touchscreen models)

• Use WPS (button models)

3. Do all HP printers support WiFi?

Most modern models do:

• HP Envy

• HP OfficeJet

• HP DeskJet

• HP Smart Tank

• HP LaserJet

Some older or very basic models do not.

4. What if I lost my WiFi password?

Check the password on:

• Router label

• Router admin page

• Connected device (Windows/Mac)

Final Thoughts

Connecting an HP printer to WiFi is easier than ever thanks to improved setup features and the HP Smart App. Whether your printer has a touchscreen, physical buttons, or you prefer WPS, there is a method that fits your device and setup.