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Setup and Configuration

How to Change Wifi on Printer Hp? Update Wireless Settings

Introduction Modern HP printers are designed to work seamlessly over a wireless network, but there comes a time when you need to update those wireless settings. Whether you have switched internet providers, replaced your router, changed your Wi-Fi password, or

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Modern HP printers are designed to work seamlessly over a wireless network, but there comes a time when you need to update those wireless settings. Whether you have switched internet providers, replaced your router, changed your Wi-Fi password, or moved your printer to a different room, knowing how to change wifi on printer hp is a useful skill that saves time and frustration.

Many users assume that once a printer is connected to Wi-Fi, it stays connected forever. In reality, network changes often break that connection. When your printer stops appearing on your computer or phone, print jobs queue up and nothing comes out. The good news is that HP provides several ways to reconnect your printer to a new network, and most of them do not require advanced technical knowledge.

In this guide, we will walk you through every available method for how to change wifi on printer hp. You will learn how to use the HP Smart app, the printer control panel, WPS, computer software, and Wi-Fi Direct. We will also cover how to remove old network credentials, troubleshoot common errors, and follow best practices to keep your printer online. By the end, you will be able to update wireless settings on almost any HP printer model with confidence.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need to Change WiFi on Your HP Printer

There are several common situations that make it necessary to learn how to change wifi on printer hp. Understanding your specific scenario can help you choose the fastest method.

  • New router or internet service provider: If you replaced your router, the network name (SSID) or password may be different. Your printer will no longer recognize the old network.
  • Changed Wi-Fi password: Updating your router password for security means every connected device, including your printer, needs the new credentials.
  • Moving to a new home or office: A new location usually comes with a new network. Your printer must be reconnected to print from your devices.
  • Network upgrade: Some users switch from a 2.4 GHz network to a 5 GHz network, or vice versa. Most HP printers work best on 2.4 GHz, so you may need to change the band.
  • Printer will not connect: Sometimes the saved connection becomes corrupted. Removing the old network and setting it up fresh can resolve stubborn offline errors.

No matter the reason, the process of how to change wifi on printer hp follows similar steps across most modern models. You just need to know which method matches your printer and your comfort level with technology.

Things to Check Before You Start

Before you dive into changing wireless settings, gather a few pieces of information. This preparation makes the process smoother and prevents avoidable errors.

First, confirm that your Wi-Fi network meets the basic requirements for HP printers. Most HP wireless printers support the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name, the printer may struggle to connect. It is often easier to temporarily separate the bands or connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz network specifically.

You will also need:

  • The exact Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
  • The Wi-Fi password
  • A smartphone, tablet, or computer on the same network
  • The HP printer powered on and in a ready state

Place the printer within range of the router during setup. A weak signal can cause the connection to fail even if you enter the correct password.

HP makes many printer families, including DeskJet, ENVY, OfficeJet, and LaserJet. The steps for how to change wifi on printer hp can vary slightly depending on whether your model has a touchscreen display or only buttons and indicator lights. Look for the model number on the front or top of the printer, or on a label on the back. Knowing your model helps you find the right instructions in the HP support documentation if you get stuck.

Method 1: Change WiFi Using the HP Smart App

The HP Smart app is the easiest and most user-friendly way to handle how to change wifi on printer hp. It works with most modern HP printers and guides you through each step on your phone or tablet.

Before starting, make sure your mobile device is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want the printer to use.

  1. Download the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app and create an HP account or sign in if you already have one.
  3. Tap the plus icon to add a new printer, or select your existing printer from the home screen.
  4. If the app prompts you to set up the printer, follow the on-screen instructions until the printer is discovered.
  5. Once your printer appears, select it and look for Printer Settings or Network Settings.
  6. Choose Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Settings.
  7. Select Change Network or Connect to a New Network.
  8. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password when prompted.
  9. Wait for the confirmation message that the printer is connected.
  10. Print a test page to verify the connection works.

If the HP Smart app does not find your printer, make sure the printer is on the same network as your phone, or temporarily connect the printer via USB to complete the initial setup.

Method 2: Change WiFi Using the Printer Control Panel

If you do not want to use a smartphone app, you can change wireless settings directly on the printer. The exact steps depend on whether your HP printer has a touchscreen.

Touchscreen Models: For HP printers with a color touchscreen, such as many ENVY, OfficeJet, and LaserJet Pro models, use the Wireless Setup Wizard:

  1. On the printer home screen, touch the Wireless or Network icon.
  2. Select Wireless Setup Wizard.
  3. The printer will search for available networks. Choose your Wi-Fi network name.
  4. Enter the Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard.
  5. Confirm the settings and wait for the connection message.
  6. Print a network configuration page to verify the IP address and status.

Non-Touchscreen Models: For basic HP DeskJet or smaller OfficeJet models without a screen, you have a few options:

  • Press and hold the Wireless button on the printer until the light starts blinking, then use WPS (covered in the next section).
  • Print a Network Configuration Page by holding the Cancel and Wireless buttons together (button combinations vary by model).
  • Use the embedded web server by typing the printer’s IP address into a computer browser, if the printer already has an IP address on the network.

Non-touchscreen models can be trickier, so the HP Smart app or WPS method is often faster for these printers.

Method 3: Change WiFi Using WPS Push Button

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you connect your HP printer to a router without typing a password. This method works well when you are learning how to change wifi on printer hp and your router has a physical WPS button.

Check that your router supports WPS. Most modern home routers do, but some enterprise or older models may not.

  1. Place the printer close to the router.
  2. On the printer, press and hold the Wireless button for a few seconds until the wireless light blinks. On some models, you may need to press the Settings button and select Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
  3. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
  4. Wait for the printer’s wireless light to stop blinking and remain steady, indicating a successful connection.
  5. Print a test page to confirm the printer is online.

If the connection fails, repeat the process. Timing is important: you must press the router’s WPS button within the two-minute window after activating WPS on the printer.

Method 4: Change WiFi Using HP Computer Software

You can also update wireless settings from a Windows PC or Mac. This is helpful if your printer does not have a touchscreen and you prefer using a larger screen.

Install the latest HP software from the HP Support website for your specific printer model. The HP Smart app is available for Windows and macOS, and older models may use HP Printer Assistant.

Windows Steps:

  1. Open HP Smart or HP Printer Assistant on your computer.
  2. Select your printer from the dashboard.
  3. Go to Printer Settings or Advanced Settings.
  4. Choose Network Settings or Wireless Settings.
  5. Select Change Network and choose your Wi-Fi SSID.
  6. Enter the password and apply the changes.
  7. Restart the printer if prompted and print a test page.

Mac Steps:

  1. Open HP Smart from the Applications folder or download it from the App Store.
  2. Add your printer if it is not already listed.
  3. Select the printer and open Printer Settings.
  4. Navigate to Wireless Settings.
  5. Choose your network, enter the password, and save.
  6. Verify the connection by printing a document.

If your Mac does not see the printer, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that the printer is not in sleep mode.

Method 5: Set Up WiFi Direct on Your HP Printer

Wi-Fi Direct allows your phone, tablet, or computer to connect directly to the printer without a router. This does not replace your regular Wi-Fi connection, but it is useful for guest printing or when your main network is down.

To enable Wi-Fi Direct:

  1. On the printer control panel, go to Network Settings or Wireless Settings.
  2. Select Wi-Fi Direct and turn it on.
  3. Note the network name (SSID) and password shown on the screen or printed on a network configuration page.
  4. On your mobile device or computer, open Wi-Fi settings and connect to the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network.
  5. Open the document or photo you want to print and select the HP printer.

Remember that when connected to Wi-Fi Direct, your device may lose internet access because it is connected directly to the printer instead of your router.

Removing the Old WiFi Network

After learning how to change wifi on printer hp, you may want to remove the old network so the printer does not keep trying to connect to it. You can usually do this by restoring network defaults.

To remove old network settings:

  • On touchscreen printers, go to Network Settings and select Restore Network Defaults or Reset Network Settings.
  • On non-touchscreen printers, press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons together for about five seconds (check your manual for the exact combination).
  • After resetting, set up the printer again using one of the methods above.

Troubleshooting Common WiFi Issues

Even after following the steps for how to change wifi on printer hp, you may run into a few common problems. Here is how to handle them.

Printer Not Finding the Network: If your printer does not show your Wi-Fi network, make sure you are using the 2.4 GHz band. Move the printer closer to the router and restart both devices. Also check that your router is not hiding its SSID.

Wrong Password Errors: Double-check the Wi-Fi password. Passwords are case-sensitive. If you recently changed the router password, update it on the printer immediately.

Printer Offline After Change: If the printer shows as offline, print a network configuration page to confirm it received an IP address. Restart your computer and router, then remove and re-add the printer in your computer’s settings.

Comparison: HP Printer WiFi Connection Methods

Each method for how to change wifi on printer hp has advantages. Use this table to decide which one fits your situation.

Method Best For Difficulty Tools Needed
HP Smart App Most modern HP printers; users with smartphones Easy Smartphone, HP Smart app
Printer Control Panel Touchscreen models; no phone available Moderate Printer display
WPS Push Button Quick setup; router has WPS button Easy Router with WPS button
Computer Software Windows or Mac users; non-touchscreen printers Moderate Computer, HP software
Wi-Fi Direct Direct mobile printing without a router Moderate Mobile device or computer

Tips and Best Practices for HP Printer WiFi

Once you have completed how to change wifi on printer hp, follow these tips to keep the connection stable:

  • Use the 2.4 GHz band: Most HP printers are optimized for 2.4 GHz. If your router combines bands, try splitting them in the router settings.
  • Keep the printer near the router: A strong signal prevents dropped print jobs and offline errors.
  • Update printer firmware: Visit the HP Support website to install the latest firmware, which often improves Wi-Fi performance.
  • Assign a static IP address: In your router settings, reserve an IP address for the printer so it does not change and break the connection.
  • Keep phone and printer on the same network: When using the HP Smart app, your mobile device must be on the same Wi-Fi as the printer.
  • Restart regularly: Power cycling the printer and router once every few weeks can clear minor network glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to change Wi-Fi on my HP printer?
Only when your network name, password, or router changes. Otherwise, the printer should remember the connection.

Can I change Wi-Fi on my HP printer without a computer?
Yes. You can use the HP Smart app on a smartphone or the printer control panel directly.

Why does my HP printer only see 2.4 GHz networks?
Most HP wireless printers are built for the 2.4 GHz band. If your router uses 5 GHz only, the printer will not detect it.

What should I do if I forget my Wi-Fi password?
Check the label on your router, log into your router’s admin page, or contact your internet provider. You cannot recover the password from the printer itself.

Will changing Wi-Fi delete my saved print jobs?
No, but any jobs stuck in the queue may need to be resent after the new connection is established.

How do I know if my HP printer is connected to Wi-Fi?
Look for a steady wireless light on the printer, or print a network configuration page to check the status.

Can I use Wi-Fi Direct and regular Wi-Fi at the same time?
Generally, no. When Wi-Fi Direct is active, the printer may disconnect from your local network until you turn it off.

Conclusion

Learning how to change wifi on printer hp does not have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the HP Smart app, the printer control panel, WPS, or computer software, there is a method that works for your model and your setup. Start by checking your network requirements and identifying your printer, then follow the step-by-step instructions that match your situation.

If something goes wrong, remember the troubleshooting tips: verify your password, use the 2.4 GHz band, restart your devices, and restore network defaults if needed. With a little patience, your HP printer will be back online and ready to print in no time.

Keep this guide handy for the next time you change routers, update your password, or move your printer to a new location. You now have everything you need to update wireless settings and keep your printing workflow running smoothly.