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Setup and Configuration

How to Change Wifi Password in Hp Printer? Reconfigure Connection

Introduction Wireless printers have become a standard part of home and office setups, and HP printers are among the most popular choices. One common frustration users face is when the WiFi network password changes. Whether you upgraded your router, reset your

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Wireless printers have become a standard part of home and office setups, and HP printers are among the most popular choices. One common frustration users face is when the WiFi network password changes. Whether you upgraded your router, reset your internet service provider credentials, or simply updated your network security, your HP printer will stop printing wirelessly until it knows the new password. Learning How to Change Wifi Password in Hp Printer? is an essential skill that saves time and prevents unnecessary service calls.

This guide walks you through every available method for updating the wireless credentials on an HP printer. You will learn how to use the HP Smart app, the printer’s built-in control panel, WPS push-button setup, and the Embedded Web Server. We also cover what to do before you begin, how to troubleshoot connection errors, and best practices for keeping your printer securely connected. By the end of this article, you will be able to reconfigure your HP printer’s WiFi connection with confidence, regardless of which HP model you own.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need to Change the WiFi Password on Your HP Printer

There are several situations that make it necessary to update the wireless password stored on your HP printer. The most common reason is a router or modem replacement. When your internet service provider installs new equipment, the default network name and password often change. Your printer will still try to connect using the old credentials, which causes print jobs to fail.

Another reason is routine security maintenance. Many households and businesses change WiFi passwords periodically to prevent unauthorized access. If your network password has been updated, every wireless device—including your HP printer—must be reconfigured with the new password. You might also need to perform this task after moving to a new home or office, after resetting your router to factory defaults, or if you suspect that someone else is using your WiFi without permission.

Understanding How to Change Wifi Password in Hp Printer? ensures that your printing workflow is not interrupted. A printer that cannot connect to the network forces users to rely on USB cables or to transfer files to another computer just to print, which defeats the convenience of wireless printing.

Things to Do Before You Start

Before you attempt any of the methods described below, gather the information and tools you need. Preparation reduces errors and makes the process much smoother.

Gather Your Network Information

You need the exact name of your WiFi network, also called the SSID, and the current network password. Write these down or keep them visible on your phone or computer. Remember that WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so capitalization matters. If you are unsure of the password, check the label on your router or log into your router’s admin panel from a connected computer.

Place the Printer Near the Router

During setup, position your HP printer within a few feet of your wireless router. A strong signal helps the printer detect the network and complete the connection process without timeouts. Once the printer is successfully connected, you can move it to its permanent location as long as it remains within reliable range of the router.

Restart Your Printer and Router

Power cycle both devices before beginning. Turn off the printer, unplug it for about 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Do the same with your router if you have recently changed network settings. This clears temporary network glitches and ensures that both devices are ready for a fresh connection attempt.

Method 1: Using the HP Smart App

The HP Smart app is the easiest and most user-friendly way to change the WiFi password on most modern HP printers. It works with smartphones, tablets, and computers, and it provides a graphical interface that walks you through each step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Download the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the Microsoft Store, depending on your device.
  2. Open the app and create an HP account or sign in if you already have one.
  3. Tap the plus icon or “Add Printer” to locate your HP printer on the network. Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same WiFi network you want the printer to use.
  4. Select your printer from the list of discovered devices.
  5. Tap on “Printer Settings” or the gear icon, depending on your app version.
  6. Choose “Network Settings,” “Wireless Settings,” or “WiFi Settings.”
  7. Select the option to change or update the WiFi network.
  8. Choose your network from the list of available SSIDs.
  9. Enter the new WiFi password carefully. Double-check capitalization and special characters.
  10. Tap “Apply,” “Save,” or “Connect.” The app will attempt to connect the printer to the network.
  11. Wait for the confirmation message. Print a test page to verify that the connection is working.

If the HP Smart app cannot find your printer, make sure the printer’s wireless light is on and that your phone is not using a VPN or private WiFi address that blocks local network discovery.

Method 2: Using the Printer Control Panel (Touchscreen)

Many HP OfficeJet, ENVY, and LaserJet Pro models include a color touchscreen display. These models allow you to change the WiFi password directly from the printer without needing a computer or smartphone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. From the printer’s home screen, tap the “Wireless” icon or the “Setup” menu, often represented by a gear or wrench symbol.
  2. Select “Network Settings” or “Network Setup.”
  3. Choose “Wireless Settings” or “WiFi Settings.”
  4. Tap “Restore Network Defaults” or “Forget Network” if you want to clear the old password first. This step is optional but recommended when changing passwords.
  5. Select “Connect to a New Network” or “Add WiFi Network.”
  6. Choose your network name from the list of available networks.
  7. When prompted, enter the new WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard.
  8. Tap “Done,” “OK,” or “Connect.”
  9. Wait for the printer to display a confirmation message, such as “Connected” or a solid blue wireless light.
  10. Print a network configuration page to verify the new settings.

This method is ideal when you do not want to install additional software. However, typing a long or complex password on a small touchscreen can be tedious, so take your time to avoid errors.

Method 3: Using the Printer Control Panel (Non-Touchscreen Buttons)

Some HP printers, especially more affordable or older models, do not have a touchscreen. Instead, they use physical buttons and small LED indicator lights. Changing the WiFi password on these models usually requires the HP Smart app or a computer after initiating wireless setup from the printer itself.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Press and hold the “Wireless” button on the printer for about three to five seconds until the wireless light begins to blink.
  2. On some models, you may also need to press the “Cancel” or “Resume” button to enter setup mode. Check your printer’s user manual for the exact button combination.
  3. Open the HP Smart app on a phone or computer that is connected to the target WiFi network.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to add the printer and enter the new WiFi password.
  5. If your printer supports a setup menu using physical buttons, navigate with the arrow buttons and select “Wireless,” then “WiFi Protected Setup” or “Manual Network Entry.”
  6. Enter the password if the interface allows it, or complete the process through HP Smart.
  7. Confirm the connection and print a test page.

Button-based printers can be less intuitive, so using the HP Smart app alongside the physical buttons is usually the most reliable approach.

Method 4: Using WPS Push Button Setup

WiFi Protected Setup, or WPS, allows you to connect a printer to a router without typing a password. This method is useful if you want to reconnect quickly after a password change, but it only works if your router has a physical WPS button and WPS is enabled in the router settings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place the HP printer close to the wireless router.
  2. Press the WPS button on your router. The WPS light should start blinking.
  3. Within two minutes, press the “Wireless” or “WPS” button on the HP printer. On touchscreen models, you may need to select “WPS Push Button” from the wireless menu first.
  4. Wait for the wireless light on the printer to stop blinking and remain solid. This indicates a successful connection.
  5. Print a test page to confirm that the printer is communicating with the network.

Keep in mind that WPS does not let you manually enter a new password. It simply establishes a connection using the router’s current security settings. If you specifically need to update the stored password because the old one is no longer valid, WPS may still work as a reconnection method, but using HP Smart or the Embedded Web Server gives you more control.

Method 5: Using the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

The Embedded Web Server is a built-in configuration page that you can access through any web browser. It is one of the most powerful methods for managing network settings on an HP printer, especially for advanced users.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Print a network configuration page from your printer. On most HP models, you can do this by pressing the “Wireless” and “Information” buttons together, or by navigating to “Reports” on the control panel.
  2. Find the printer’s IP address on the configuration page. It will look something like 192.168.1.105.
  3. Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to the same network.
  4. Type the printer’s IP address into the address bar and press Enter.
  5. If prompted, log in. The default username is often “admin,” and the password may be blank, “admin,” or found on a label on the printer.
  6. Navigate to the “Network,” “Wireless,” or “WiFi” tab.
  7. Select your network from the list or choose “Manual Setup.”
  8. Enter the new WiFi password in the appropriate field.
  9. Click “Apply,” “Save,” or “OK.”
  10. Wait for the printer to reconnect. You may lose access to the EWS page briefly while the printer switches networks.
  11. Print a test page to confirm the change.

The EWS method is particularly helpful when the HP Smart app is not available or when you need to verify detailed network settings such as IP configuration, security protocol, and signal strength.

Comparison Table: Which Method Should You Use?

Different HP printer models and user preferences call for different approaches. The table below compares the main methods so you can choose the one that fits your situation.

Method Difficulty Speed Best For Requires Password Entry?
HP Smart App Easy Fast Most users, smartphones, touchscreen-free printers Yes
Touchscreen Control Panel Easy Medium Printers with color displays Yes
Button Control Panel Medium Medium Basic HP printers without screens Sometimes
WPS Push Button Easy Very Fast Quick reconnection without typing No
Embedded Web Server Medium Medium Advanced users, network troubleshooting Yes

How to Reconnect Your HP Printer After Changing Router Password

When you change the password on your router, every wireless device loses its stored credentials. Your HP printer is no exception. To reconnect it, you essentially perform the same steps as changing the WiFi password, but with extra attention to clearing the old connection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make sure the router is fully powered on and broadcasting the WiFi network with the new password.
  2. On the printer, go to the wireless menu and choose “Restore Network Defaults” or “Forget This Network.” This removes the old password from memory.
  3. Use one of the methods above—HP Smart app, touchscreen panel, WPS, or EWS—to enter the new password.
  4. If you use the HP Smart app, remove the printer from the app and add it again as a new device. This forces the app to request fresh credentials.
  5. Print a network configuration page and a test page to verify that the printer is online.
  6. On any computers that print to this HP printer, make sure the printer is still set as the default device. Sometimes a network reset causes the computer to lose track of the printer port.

If you have multiple HP printers on the same network, repeat this process for each one so that all devices are using the updated credentials.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even when you follow the correct steps, wireless printers can sometimes refuse to connect. Below are the most common problems and how to fix them.

Printer Not Found During Setup

If the HP Smart app or your computer cannot detect the printer, first check that the printer’s wireless light is on. If the light is off, the wireless radio may be disabled. Press the Wireless button to turn it back on. Also, make sure your phone or computer is connected to the same 2.4 GHz network that the printer supports. Many HP printers do not connect to 5 GHz-only networks. Disable any VPN on your mobile device, as VPNs can block local device discovery.

Wrong Password Error

This is the most frequent issue when learning How to Change Wifi Password in Hp Printer?. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so check that caps lock is not accidentally enabled. If your password contains special characters, make sure you are entering them exactly as they appear. If you continue to get an error, log into your router’s admin page from a computer to verify the current password. You can also temporarily simplify your router password to test the connection, then change it back to something stronger once the printer is online.

Printer Shows as Offline

After changing the password, your computer may still show the printer as offline even though the printer is connected to WiFi. On Windows, go to “Devices and Printers,” right-click your HP printer, and select “See what’s printing.” Click “Printer” in the menu bar and make sure “Use Printer Offline” is unchecked. On Mac, go to “System Settings,” then “Printers & Scanners,” select the HP printer, and click “Reset printing system” if necessary. Restarting the computer and the printer often resolves offline status.

If the printer keeps disconnecting after a few minutes, check for firmware updates through the HP Smart app or the Embedded Web Server. Outdated firmware is a common cause of unstable wireless connections.

Tips and Best Practices for HP Printer WiFi Security

Keeping your HP printer securely connected protects your documents and your network from unauthorized access. Follow these best practices after you change the WiFi password.

  • Use a strong WiFi password that combines uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Avoid using the same password for your printer’s admin panel and your WiFi network.
  • Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your router if it is available. Older WEP security is not recommended.
  • Update your HP printer firmware regularly through the HP Smart app or EWS.
  • Assign a static IP address to the printer in your router settings so its address does not change.
  • Place the printer in a central location with good signal strength, but not directly next to other electronics that may cause interference.
  • Label the printer with its current WiFi network name and password for future reference.
  • If you no longer use a printer, perform a factory reset to remove stored network credentials before disposing of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the WiFi password directly on the printer without a computer?

Yes. If your HP printer has a touchscreen control panel, you can navigate to the wireless settings and enter the new password directly. For non-touchscreen models, you will typically need the HP Smart app or a computer to complete the process.

What if I do not know the new WiFi password?

You cannot change the printer’s password without knowing the network password. Check the sticker on your router, log into your router’s admin panel from a connected device, or contact your internet service provider for assistance.

Will changing the WiFi password delete print jobs in the queue?

Print jobs that are already spooling on a computer may fail if the printer goes offline during the change. It is best to clear the print queue before starting, then resend documents after the printer is reconnected.

How do I find my HP printer’s IP address?

Print a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel. The IP address will be listed under the network or TCP/IP section. You can also find it through the HP Smart app under printer settings.

Does the HP Smart app work with all HP printers?

The HP Smart app supports most modern HP inkjet and LaserJet printers. Some very old models may not be compatible. If your printer is not supported, use the control panel or Embedded Web Server instead.

What does WPS mean?

WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup. It is a feature that allows devices to connect to a secure wireless network without entering a password, usually by pressing a button on the router and the printer.

My printer keeps disconnecting after I change the password. What should I do?

Restart both the printer and router. Check for firmware updates. Make sure the printer is within range of the router. If the problem continues, reset the printer’s network settings to default and set up the connection again from scratch.

Can I connect my HP printer to a guest network?

You can, but guest networks often have device isolation enabled, which prevents the printer from communicating with computers on the main network. For reliable printing, connect the printer to your primary home or office network.

Conclusion

Changing the wireless credentials on an HP printer is a straightforward process once you know which tools are available. Whether you prefer the convenience of the HP Smart app, the direct control of a touchscreen panel, the simplicity of WPS, or the advanced options of the Embedded Web Server, you now have multiple ways to complete the task.

Remember to gather your network information before starting, place the printer near the router during setup, and double-check the new password for accuracy. If you run into trouble, the troubleshooting steps in this guide should help you resolve common connection problems quickly.

By following the instructions in this article, you can confidently answer the question How to Change Wifi Password in Hp Printer? and keep your wireless printing running smoothly after any network change. Take a moment to print a test page after reconfiguring your printer, and you will know immediately that everything is working as expected.