Your HP printer connects to the internet the same way your phone does — through your WiFi network
Most HP printers have a built-in WiFi radio that lets them join your home or office network. Once connected, you can print from any device on that same network without plugging in a USB cable. The connection process takes about five minutes and involves telling the printer which WiFi network to use and entering your password.
The exact steps depend on whether your printer has a touchscreen. If it does, you navigate menus on the printer itself. If it doesn't, you use the HP Smart app on your phone or computer instead. Either way, the printer needs to be powered on and within range of your WiFi router — usually anywhere in your home or office.
Key Takeaways
- HP printers connect to WiFi through a menu on the printer's touchscreen or through the HP Smart app on your phone or computer.
- You will need your WiFi network name and password to complete the connection.
- After connecting once, the printer remembers your network and reconnects automatically when powered on.
- If the connection fails, the most common fix is moving the printer closer to your router or restarting both devices.
Connecting a printer with a touchscreen
Look for a button or icon on your printer's control panel labeled WiFi, Network, or Settings. Press it to open the menu. Navigate to "Wireless" or "Network Settings" — the exact wording varies by model, but you are looking for anything that mentions WiFi or wireless.
The printer will show you a list of available networks. Find your WiFi network name (also called the SSID) in that list and select it. The printer will then ask you to enter your WiFi password. Use the printer's keypad or touchscreen to type it in carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different. Once you enter the password, the printer will attempt to connect.
When the connection succeeds, the printer displays a confirmation message and usually shows a WiFi icon on its main screen. Write down the printer's IP address if it appears on the screen — you may need it later for troubleshooting. If the connection fails, the printer will tell you why: usually "incorrect password" or "network not found." Double-check your password and try again.
Connecting a printer without a touchscreen using the HP Smart app
Download the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone or iPad) or Google Play (for Android phones). Open the app and tap the plus sign or "Add Printer" button. The app will search for printers on your network and display a list of devices it finds.
Select your printer from the list. The app will guide you through the WiFi connection process. When prompted, enter your WiFi network name and password. The app communicates this information to the printer wirelessly, so you do not have to type anything on the printer itself. Once the connection is complete, the app confirms that your printer is online and ready to use.
If your printer does not appear in the app's search, make sure the printer is powered on and within 30 feet of your WiFi router. Restart both the printer and your phone, then try searching again. Some older HP printers require a USB cable connection to the computer first before they can connect to WiFi — check your printer's manual if the app cannot find it.
Connecting through a computer instead of a phone
Visit hp.com/support and search for your printer model. Download the full driver and software package for your operating system (Windows or Mac). Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. When the installer asks how you want to connect, select "Wireless" or "Network."
The installer will search for your printer and display available WiFi networks. Select your network and enter your password when prompted. The software will configure the printer and test the connection. Once complete, your printer is ready to print from any program on that computer.
This method is useful if you have an older printer or if the HP Smart app is not working. The full software package often includes additional features like scanning and copying that the app alone may not provide. After installation, you can print to your HP printer just as you would to any other printer — go to File, then Print, and select your HP printer's name from the list.
What to do if the printer will not connect
Start by checking that your WiFi password is correct. Passwords are case-sensitive and often contain numbers or special characters that are easy to mistype. If you are unsure of your password, check your router — most routers have the WiFi name and password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.
Move the printer closer to your router. WiFi signals weaken with distance and through walls. If your printer is in a back bedroom and your router is in the front living room, move the printer to the same room as the router temporarily to test the connection. Once connected, you can move it back — the printer will stay connected as long as it is within range.
Restart both the printer and your router. Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears temporary errors that prevent connection. After both devices have restarted, try connecting again.
Check that your WiFi network is using a standard frequency. Most home networks use either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Older HP printers only connect to 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both frequencies, log into your router's settings and make sure 2.4 GHz is enabled. You can usually do this by visiting 192.168.1.1 in a web browser, though the exact address varies by router brand.
Printing after your printer is connected
Once your printer is on your WiFi network, you can print from any device connected to that same network. On a phone or tablet, open the document or photo you want to print, tap the share or menu button, and look for "Print" or a printer icon. Select your HP printer's name from the list and tap Print.
On a computer, open the document in any program, go to File, then Print. Your HP printer's name will appear in the list of available printers. Select it and click Print. The document sends wirelessly to the printer — no cable needed.
If your printer does not appear in the print menu, it may have lost its WiFi connection. Check that the printer is powered on and that a WiFi icon appears on its screen. If the icon is missing or shows an X, the printer has disconnected. Restart the printer to reconnect it to your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to connect my printer to WiFi, or can I just use a USB cable?
You can use either. A USB cable works immediately but limits you to printing from the computer that is plugged in. WiFi lets you print from phones, tablets, and any computer on your network. Most people find WiFi more convenient once it is set up, but USB is a valid option if you only print from one device.
Will my printer stay connected if I restart my router?
Yes. Once your printer learns your WiFi network and password, it stores that information in its memory. When you restart your router, the printer automatically reconnects when the network comes back online. You only have to enter the password once.
Can I connect my printer to a guest WiFi network?
Most HP printers can connect to guest networks, but some older models cannot. Check your printer's manual or try connecting to the guest network the same way you would connect to your main network. If it does not work, your printer may not support guest networks — in that case, connect it to your main network instead.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — the password is usually printed there. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, restart your router while holding down the reset button for 10 seconds. This resets the router to factory settings and restores the default password, which is also on the router's sticker. You will then need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch.
Can I connect my printer to WiFi if my router is in another room?
Yes, as long as the printer is within range. Most WiFi routers reach 150 feet in open space, but walls and distance reduce that range. If your printer is too far away, it will not connect. Move it closer to the router to establish the connection, then move it back once it is connected — the printer will stay connected as long as it remains in range.