How to Change Wifi Network in Hp Printer? HP Printer Wifi Setup Steps

Introduction

If you have recently upgraded your router, changed your internet service provider, or moved your HP printer to a new location, you may need to reconnect it to a different wireless network. Learning How to Change Wifi Network in Hp Printer? is a straightforward process once you understand the available setup methods. HP printers support multiple ways to switch networks, including the HP Smart app, the printer control panel, WPS, and the Embedded Web Server. This guide walks you through each option in detail so you can choose the method that best fits your printer model and network environment.

Whether you own an HP DeskJet, ENVY, OfficeJet, LaserJet, or Smart Tank model, the core steps remain similar. By the end of this article, you will know how to safely remove the old network settings, connect to the new WiFi, verify the connection, and troubleshoot common problems.

Table of Contents

• Why You Might Need to Change the WiFi Network
• Understanding HP Printer WiFi Setup Basics
• Method 1: Change WiFi Network Using HP Smart App
• Method 2: Change WiFi Network Using the Printer Control Panel
• Method 3: Change WiFi Network via HP Embedded Web Server
• Method 4: Change WiFi Network Using USB Setup
• Comparison Table: Which Method Should You Choose?
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Tips and Best Practices
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why You Might Need to Change the WiFi Network

There are several common situations where you must update your printer’s wireless settings. You may have purchased a new router with a different network name and password. You might have moved the printer to a different floor or office where the signal from the old access point is weak. In some cases, your organization may have changed the SSID for security reasons. Even a simple typo in the original password can lead to repeated connection failures that require a full network reset.

Changing the WiFi network is not just about convenience. A stable connection ensures that print jobs arrive quickly, scan-to-email features work reliably, and firmware updates download without interruption. When you understand How to Change Wifi Network in Hp Printer?, you reduce downtime and avoid unnecessary technical support calls.

Understanding HP Printer WiFi Setup Basics

Before you begin, it helps to understand how HP printers store wireless credentials. Most modern HP printers remember the last network they successfully joined. To switch networks, you typically need to clear or overwrite those stored settings. Depending on your model, this can be done through software, onboard menus, or a direct connection.

Wireless Direct vs. Infrastructure Mode

HP printers support two main wireless modes. Infrastructure mode connects the printer to your standard WiFi router, allowing all devices on the network to print. Wireless Direct creates a peer-to-peer connection between your computer or phone and the printer without using a router. If you are changing your home or office WiFi, you are working in infrastructure mode. Wireless Direct can be useful for temporary setups but is not a replacement for a full network connection.

Supported Network Types

Most HP printers work with 2.4 GHz networks, and many newer models also support 5 GHz. Some older printers only connect to 2.4 GHz. If your new router broadcasts both bands under the same name, the printer may automatically select the compatible band. For best results, verify your printer’s specifications and, if needed, temporarily separate the bands during setup.

Method 1: Change WiFi Network Using HP Smart App

The HP Smart app is the recommended method for most users because it guides you through the process with clear on-screen prompts. It is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This method is especially helpful if your printer has a small display or no display at all.

Step-by-Step with HP Smart on Windows or Mac

1. Download and install the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store if you do not already have it.
2. Open the app and sign in with your HP account, or create one if necessary.
3. Make sure your computer is connected to the new WiFi network you want the printer to use.
4. In HP Smart, select your printer from the home screen. If it is not listed, choose Add Printer and follow the discovery prompts.
5. Open the printer settings or network settings menu.
6. Select Wireless Setup or Change Network.
7. Choose your new WiFi network from the list and enter the password.
8. Wait for the app to send the settings to the printer. The printer may restart or blink its wireless light during this process.
9. Confirm that the printer shows as online in HP Smart.

Step-by-Step with HP Smart on Mobile

1. Install HP Smart on your iOS or Android device.
2. Connect your phone or tablet to the new WiFi network.
3. Open the app and tap the plus icon to add a printer if needed.
4. Select the printer, then open Printer Settings.
5. Tap Advanced Settings or Network Setup.
6. Choose Wireless Setup Wizard or Change Network.
7. Select the new SSID and enter the password.
8. Allow the app to configure the printer and verify the connection.

If the printer was previously connected to another network, HP Smart may ask you to temporarily connect your device to the printer’s Wireless Direct network to complete the transfer. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

Method 2: Change WiFi Network Using the Printer Control Panel

If you prefer not to use software, you can change the network directly from the printer’s control panel. This method works well for printers with a touchscreen or button-based display. The exact menu names vary by model, but the general path is consistent.

Using the Wireless Setup Wizard

1. On the printer control panel, press the Wireless or Network button, or navigate to Settings.
2. Select Wireless Setup Wizard or Network Setup.
3. The printer will scan for available networks.
4. Choose your new WiFi network from the list.
5. Enter the network password using the keypad or touchscreen.
6. Confirm the settings and wait for the connection to complete.
7. Print a network configuration page to verify the IP address and connection status.

Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

WPS allows you to connect without typing a password, provided your router supports it. This is convenient but less secure on some older routers.

1. Press the WPS button on your router.
2. Within two minutes, press the Wireless button on the HP printer for three seconds, or select WPS from the printer menu.
3. Wait for the wireless light to stop blinking and remain solid.
4. Print a test page or check the network status on the control panel.

If WPS fails, return to the Wireless Setup Wizard and enter the password manually. Not all routers allow WPS, and some disable it by default for security.

Method 3: Change WiFi Network via HP Embedded Web Server

The Embedded Web Server, or EWS, is a browser-based interface built into many HP printers. It is useful for advanced configuration and works well when the printer is already on a network or connected via Ethernet.

1. Find the printer’s IP address by printing a network configuration page or checking your router’s device list.
2. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
3. Type the printer’s IP address into the address bar and press Enter.
4. Navigate to the Network or Wireless tab.
5. Select Wireless Setup Wizard or Change Network.
6. Choose the new SSID and enter the password.
7. Apply the settings and wait for the printer to reconnect.
8. Refresh the EWS page to confirm the new network name appears.

If the printer is currently offline, you may need to connect it via USB or Ethernet temporarily to access EWS and update the wireless settings.

Method 4: Change WiFi Network Using USB Setup

Some HP printers support a temporary USB connection to transfer wireless settings from a computer. This can be helpful when the printer cannot detect the new network wirelessly.

1. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open HP Smart or the HP printer software on your computer.
3. Select the option to set up or change the wireless connection.
4. Choose your new WiFi network and enter the password.
5. Allow the software to send the settings through the USB connection.
6. Disconnect the USB cable after the printer confirms it has joined the new network.
7. Verify wireless printing works from another device.

Not all models support USB setup, so check your user manual if this option does not appear.

Comparison Table: Which Method Should You Choose?

Method	Best For	Requirements	Difficulty
HP Smart App	Most home users and mobile devices	Smartphone or computer with app installed	Easy
Control Panel Wizard	Printers with displays and no computer nearby	Access to printer buttons or touchscreen	Easy to Moderate
WPS	Quick setup without typing passwords	Router with WPS enabled	Easy
Embedded Web Server	Advanced users and office environments	Printer IP address and browser access	Moderate
USB Setup	Printers that cannot detect the new network	USB cable and HP software	Moderate

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, you may encounter problems. The following sections address the most frequent issues users face when changing a WiFi network.

Printer Not Finding the New Network

If the printer does not list your new WiFi network, first confirm that the network is broadcasting and that you are within range. Some printers only detect 2.4 GHz networks, so check your router settings. You can also restart both the router and printer, then run the wireless setup wizard again. Temporarily disable any VPN or firewall on your computer that might block discovery.

Wrong Password or Authentication Errors

Double-check the WiFi password, including uppercase and lowercase letters. If the password contains special characters, try entering it carefully using the printer’s keypad. Resetting the printer’s network settings to factory defaults can also clear corrupted credentials. To do this, navigate to the restore defaults or network reset option in the printer menu, then repeat the setup process.

Printer Connects but Cannot Print

Sometimes the printer joins the network but computers still cannot print. In this case, remove the printer from your computer’s printer list and re-add it using HP Smart or the system printer settings. Ensure your computer is on the same network as the printer. Check that no firewall is blocking printer ports. Restarting the print spooler service on Windows can also resolve stuck jobs.

Tips and Best Practices

• Place the printer within a reasonable distance of the router to maintain a strong signal.
• Use a unique and secure WiFi password to protect your printer and network.
• Keep your printer firmware updated through HP Smart or the EWS.
• Print a network configuration page after every change to document the new IP address.
• If you manage multiple printers, label each device with its assigned network and location.
• Avoid changing networks during active print jobs to prevent data loss.
• Consider assigning a static IP address to the printer in your router settings for consistent access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reset the printer before changing networks?

Usually no. You can overwrite the old settings using any of the methods above. A reset is only necessary if the printer refuses to connect or stores corrupted credentials.

Is WPS safe to use?

WPS is convenient but can be less secure on older routers. If security is a priority, use the Wireless Setup Wizard and enter the password manually.

Can my HP printer connect to a 5 GHz network?

Many newer HP printers support 5 GHz, but older models may only support 2.4 GHz. Check your printer’s specifications before attempting to connect.

Can I change the network using only my phone?

Yes. The HP Smart app on iOS or Android lets you change the network without a computer, provided your phone is connected to the new WiFi.

Will my printer’s IP address change?

It may. After connecting to a new network, the printer usually receives a new IP address from the router. You can set a static IP in your router settings if you need consistency.

Conclusion

Knowing How to Change Wifi Network in Hp Printer? gives you the flexibility to adapt your printing setup whenever your network changes. Whether you use the HP Smart app, the control panel, WPS, the Embedded Web Server, or a USB connection, the key is to follow the steps carefully and verify the result. Start with the method that matches your printer model and comfort level, and use the troubleshooting tips if anything goes wrong. With a stable connection, your HP printer will continue to deliver reliable performance for all your home or office printing needs.