HP Wireless Printer Setup: A Complete Guide

Lary Whitney
Oct 8
4 min read

Setting up an HP Wireless Printer lets you print from your device without using cables. While the process is simple, sometimes issues with Wi-Fi, drivers, or device settings can make it tricky. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth setup procedure. You will learn the complete process of how to check your network, connect your printer, install the HP app, and troubleshoot common problems. By following the steps below, you can get your printer up and running quickly and start printing wirelessly with ease.

Things to Check Before Setup

Before you setup your HP wireless printer, it is important to prepare everything so the setup process goes smoothly. First of all, make sure your printer supports Wi-Fi and is powered on. Next, check that your Wi-Fi network is stable and that the printer will be within a good signal range. After that, you have to keep your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password handy, and disconnect any USB cables, as they can interfere with the wireless setup.

Also, ensure your computer or mobile device’s operating system is updated. Now, you will need to turn on Bluetooth and, for mobile devices, enable location services so the HP Smart app can detect your printer model. Lastly, you should download the HP Smart app and, if reinstalling, then remove any old printer entries. Following the steps above will make the wireless setup procedure fast and simple.

Setting Up HP Wireless Printer on Your Device

To setup your wireless printer on your device, you first need to connect it to your local Wi-Fi network. This allows you to print wirelessly from a desktop, mobile, or tablet. Keep in mind that if you are using a guest network, like those in hotels or colleges, the printer might not connect, so using Wi-Fi Direct may be necessary.

Step 1: Restore Wi-Fi Setup Mode on the Printer

If your printer is not found during setup or loses its wireless connection, then you may need to restore Wi-Fi setup mode.

Printers with a touchscreen: First, you must open the Wireless or Setup menu, then select the Network Setup or Settings option, and choose Restore Network Settings.
Printers without a touchscreen: Follow the steps for restoring Wi-Fi setup mode using the printer buttons.

Step 2: Install and Use the HP App

Now, you should download the HP Smart app from 123.hp.com or your device’s app store.
After that, create an account or sign in.
Within 2 hours of restoring Wi-Fi setup mode, open the app on your device.
Now, follow the guided steps to add your printer model and complete the setup process.
Once you are done, your HP wireless printer will be ready to use on your device.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When setting up your HP wireless printer, you might face some common issues, but most can be fixed with simple steps. First, you have to ensure your printer, operating system, and router are all on the same wireless network and that the printer is within range of a strong signal. Restarting all devices resolves minor glitches.

Solution 1: Restart and Check Connections

Restart devices: Turn off your router, printer, and computer. Wait 10 seconds, then you can turn them on in order: router first, printer second, and computer last.
Check Wi-Fi: Make sure the printer and your computer are linked to the same network.
Signal strength: Always keep the printer close enough to the router for a stable connection.

Solution 2: Update Drivers and Software

Download the latest drivers: Visit the official HP website — https://123.hp.com/setup to get the correct driver or HP app for your system.
Reinstall software: You can also remove old Printer Software, then install the newly downloaded drivers.

Solution 3: Use Troubleshooting Tools

Windows Printer Troubleshooter: On your Windows PC, search for “Troubleshoot settings,” then select the “Printer” option and run the troubleshooter.
HP Print & Scan Doctor: This tool will automatically find and fix printer or scanner problems.

Solution 4: Advanced Steps

Enter IP address manually: If the printer isn’t found, then enter its IP address during setup.
Remove and re-add the printer: Also, you can refresh the connection in the HP App by removing and adding the printer again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to add HP Printer to a Wi-Fi Network Wirelessly?

To add your printer to Wi-Fi, you can use a few simple methods. The easiest way is through the HP Smart App, which guides you step by step to connect your printer to your wireless network. If you have a touchscreen printer, you can use its Wireless Setup Wizard option to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password on the printer. Another option is WPS, if your printer and the router support it. Just press the Wi-Fi button on your printer, then press the WPS button on your router, and the printer will connect automatically.

How to Get a Computer to Recognize HP Wireless Printer?

To make your computer recognize your HP wireless printer, start by ensuring the printer is on and close enough to your router. Next, you have to install and open the HP Smart app on your operating system (computer or mobile device). The app will help you add your printer by showing a list of available devices, selecting your printer’s name, and entering your Wi-Fi password. Once connected, the app automatically installs the needed drivers, so your device can communicate with the printer. After this setup process, you can print, scan, or copy documents directly from your computer without any issues.

How to Reconnect HP Printer?

Learn How to Reconnect your printer, you can either use a USB cable for a direct connection or reconnect it wirelessly. For a wired connection, plug in the USB cable between your computer and printer, then follow any on-screen steps to complete the setup procedure. For a wireless connection, you need to open the HP Smart app and use it to find your printer model and connect it to Wi-Fi by entering the password. Or, if your printer has a control panel, you can run the Wi-Fi Setup Wizard, then select your network’s name, and enter the password to reconnect.