This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a (supported) HP printer to a wireless network. By connecting the device, you can print documents from a computer that is connected to the same network, without having to connect the machine to the computer. However, not all HP printers have wireless functionality so make sure the device can be connected to the internet before you proceed to the next step.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Connecting the Printer Automatically
Step 1. Make sure your computer and network are compatible
To use the HP Auto Wireless Connect feature, your computer and network configuration must meet several requirements, such as:
- The computer must be running the operating system Windows Vista or later (PC), or OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later (Macintosh).
- The computer must be connected to an 802.11 b/g/n wireless router over a 2.4 GHz network. 5.0GHz network is not currently supported by HP devices.
- The computer operating system must be able to control the wireless network.
- The computer must use a wireless connection to the network and operating system.
- Your computer should use a dynamic IP address, not a static one (if you didn't subscribe to or purchased an IP address that's obviously static, there's a good chance you're using a dynamic IP address).
Step 2. Find the software for the printer you are using
Go to https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/ and type in the device model number, click “ Find ”, and click the “button Download ” which is next to the top software entry.
Step 3. Double-click the software file
After that, the printer installation process will begin.
Step 4. Turn on the printer
If it matches the HP Auto Wireless Connect feature, the device will immediately be prepared to connect to the network.
The printer will only run this setting for two hours
Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions until you arrive at the “Network” segment
The instructions displayed will differ depending on the type of printer and computer operating system.
Step 6. Select Network (Ethernet/Wireless)
This option appears in the middle of the page.
Step 7. Click Yes, send my wireless settings to the printer
After that, the computer will search for the printer and send wireless network information to the machine.
Step 8. Wait for the machine to connect
You may need to wait a few minutes for the computer to connect. After that, you can see a confirmation message on your computer screen.
Step 9. Finish the setup process
Complete the setup on the computer by following the other prompts that appear on the screen. After the setup is complete, you can start using the printer.
Method 2 of 2: Manually Connecting the Printer
Step 1. Make sure the printer device (driver) is installed on the computer
To install the device, you usually only need to connect the machine to the computer using a USB cable. However, many printer products also come with a software installation CD.
Step 2. Turn on the printer
Make sure the machine is connected to a power source, then press the power button (“Power”).
Step 3. Turn on the touch screen if necessary
On some devices, you need to open or turn on the touch screen separately.
If the printer does not have a touch screen, you will need to connect the machine to a wireless network through the software installation process. If the machine is already installed, you may need to remove it and reinstall it so that the printer can connect to the wireless network
Step 4. Select Setup
The placement and appearance of these options differ depending on the type of printer being used. However, often this option is indicated by a wrench and/or gear icon.
- You may need to swipe down from the bottom of the screen (or from left to right) to find the “ Setup ”.
- You may have the option to select “ Wireless " If the option is available, touch “ Wireless ”.
Step 5. Select Network
After that, the wireless settings will be displayed.
Step 6. Select the Wireless Network Wizard
After that, the printer will start searching for wireless networks.
You may need to select " Wireless Setup Wizard ” on this menu.
Step 7. Choose a network name
The name selected is the name you assigned to the wireless network when it was created.
- If you did not specify a network name when setting up your wireless network, it is possible that you will see a combination of the router model number and the product manufacturer/manufacturer name.
- If you don't see the network name, swipe to the bottom of the screen, select the field that appears, and enter the network name.
Step 8. Enter the network password
The password entered is the password you use to log in and connect to the wireless network.
If the router has a button “ WPS ”, you can press and hold the button for three seconds.
Step 9. Select Done
After that, the network login information will be saved. Now, the printer will be connected to the network.
Step 10. Select OK when prompted
Now, you can print documents over the wireless network.
Tips
- Some printers that are not equipped with a touch screen have a WPS button that you can press to activate the pairing mode ("pairing") on the device. You can press the " WPS ” on the router for three seconds to connect the router and network.
- If you cannot connect the printer to the wireless network, you may need to connect it manually when printing documents.
