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Setup and Configuration

How to Change Wifi Password on Hp Printer? Via Wireless Setup

Introduction Modern HP printers are designed to work seamlessly over a wireless network, which means you can print from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet without plugging in a cable. However, that convenience depends on the printer having the correct WiFi creden

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Modern HP printers are designed to work seamlessly over a wireless network, which means you can print from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet without plugging in a cable. However, that convenience depends on the printer having the correct WiFi credentials. If you recently changed your router password, switched internet providers, or updated your network name, your HP printer may stop printing until you update its wireless settings.

This guide walks you through How to Change Wifi Password on Hp Printer? using several different methods, from the printer’s own control panel to the HP Smart app and the Embedded Web Server. Whether you have a new touchscreen model or an older LaserJet with only a few buttons, you will find a step-by-step approach that works for your device.

By the end of this article, you will know how to reconnect your HP printer to a WiFi network after a password change, how to troubleshoot common connection problems, and how to keep your printer secure on your home or office network.

Table of Contents

Why Change Your WiFi Password on an HP Printer?

You might wonder why a printer even needs a WiFi password update. Unlike a computer or phone, an HP printer does not store passwords in the same way a web browser does, but it does keep the network credentials in its internal wireless module. When the router password changes, the printer no longer matches the authentication requirements, so the connection drops.

Common situations that make How to Change Wifi Password on Hp Printer? a necessary task include:

  • You changed your WiFi password for security reasons after a suspected breach.
  • Your internet service provider issued a new router with a different default password.
  • You renamed your network (SSID) and want the printer to join the updated network.
  • You moved the printer to a different office or home with a new network.
  • The printer is showing an “offline” or “unable to connect” error after a router reset.

Keeping the printer’s WiFi credentials current ensures that print jobs sent from computers and mobile devices reach the device without interruption. It also prevents the printer from repeatedly attempting to authenticate with an old password, which can clutter router logs and occasionally trigger security lockouts on some networks.

Things You Need Before You Start

Before you begin the process of changing the WiFi password on your HP printer, gather the following items. Having everything ready will save time and reduce frustration.

  • Network name (SSID): The exact name of your WiFi network, including capitalization.
  • New WiFi password: The current password for your wireless network. Be mindful of uppercase and lowercase letters, as WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.
  • HP printer model: Knowing whether you have an OfficeJet, ENVY, DeskJet, LaserJet, or another line helps you locate the correct buttons and menu options.
  • A computer, smartphone, or tablet: Needed for methods that use the HP Smart app or a web browser.
  • Printer powered on: Make sure the printer is in a ready state and not displaying an error.
  • Router access (for some methods): If you plan to use WPS or the Embedded Web Server, you may need physical access to the router or the ability to type its address into a browser.

It is also a good idea to place the printer within range of the router during setup. Weak signal strength can cause the wireless setup wizard to fail or time out while entering the new password.

Method 1: Using the Wireless Setup Wizard on the Printer Control Panel

Most modern HP printers with a touchscreen or LCD display include a built-in Wireless Setup Wizard. This is often the most direct way to update WiFi credentials because you enter the new password directly on the printer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. On the printer control panel, touch the Wireless icon or navigate to the Network or Setup menu.
  2. Select Wireless Setup Wizard or Network Setup followed by Wireless Setup Wizard.
  3. The printer will scan for available networks. Wait a few seconds for the list to appear.
  4. Choose your WiFi network name (SSID) from the list. If your network is hidden, select the option to enter the network name manually.
  5. When prompted, enter the new WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. Take care to enter uppercase and lowercase characters exactly as they appear.
  6. Confirm the password and select Done, OK, or Connect.
  7. The printer will attempt to connect. A confirmation message should appear once the connection is successful.
  8. Print a network configuration page to verify that the printer has obtained an IP address and is connected to the correct network.

If your printer does not have a touchscreen, the process uses physical buttons instead of an on-screen keyboard. You typically press the Wireless button, navigate with arrow keys, and enter the password using a multi-tap method similar to older mobile phones. Check your printer manual for the exact button sequence.

Method 2: Using WPS Push Button Mode

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) allows devices to connect to a router without typing a password. While WPS does not let you “change” the password stored in the printer directly, it is useful for reconnecting the printer after a network reset or when you want to avoid manual password entry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place the printer close to the wireless router.
  2. Press the WPS button on your router. On many routers, this button is labeled WPS or shows a lock symbol with arrows.
  3. Within two minutes, press and hold the Wireless button on the HP printer until the wireless light starts blinking, or select the WPS option from the printer’s network menu if available.
  4. Wait for the printer and router to exchange credentials. The wireless light on the printer should stop blinking and remain steady when the connection is established.
  5. Print a test page to confirm that the printer is online.

Keep in mind that WPS is not supported by all routers, and some networks disable it for security reasons. If WPS does not work, use one of the password-entry methods described below.

Method 3: Using the HP Smart App

The HP Smart app is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing printer settings, including wireless network configuration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Download and install the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or HP’s website.
  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 set up your printer. Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same WiFi network you want the printer to use.
  4. Select your HP printer from the list of discovered devices.
  5. Once the printer is added, navigate to Printer Settings or Network Settings within the app.
  6. Choose WiFi Settings or Change Network.
  7. Enter the new WiFi network name and password when prompted.
  8. Save the changes and wait for the app to confirm that the printer has reconnected.

If the printer was previously connected to a different network, you may need to put the printer in setup mode first. On many HP printers, this involves pressing and holding the Wireless and Cancel buttons simultaneously for a few seconds until the wireless light blinks.

Method 4: Using the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

The Embedded Web Server is a built-in web page hosted by the printer itself. It is especially useful for network administrators and users who prefer managing settings from a computer browser.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Find the printer’s IP address. You can usually print a network configuration page from the printer control panel to see this information.
  2. On a computer connected to the same network, open a web browser.
  3. Type the printer’s IP address into the address bar and press Enter. For example, you might type something like 192.168.1.105.
  4. The printer’s Embedded Web Server should load. If prompted for a login, try the default administrator credentials found in your printer manual, or leave the password blank if no administrator password was set.
  5. Navigate to the Network, Wireless, or Connectivity tab.
  6. Select Wireless Settings or WiFi Setup.
  7. Enter the new network name (SSID) and password.
  8. Click Apply, Save, or OK.
  9. The printer will disconnect briefly and reconnect using the new credentials. Refresh the page if needed to confirm the updated status.

This method is powerful because it shows detailed network information, such as signal strength and security type. However, if the printer has completely lost its network connection, you may need to connect the computer to the printer via USB temporarily or use the control panel method instead.

Method 5: Restoring Network Defaults and Reconnecting

Sometimes the easiest way to change WiFi credentials is to wipe the printer’s network memory and start fresh. This is helpful if the old password is corrupted in the printer’s settings or if you cannot remember which network the printer was last connected to.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. On the printer control panel, navigate to Setup, Tools, or Service.
  2. Look for an option called Restore Network Defaults, Network Reset, or Wireless Reset.
  3. Confirm the reset. The printer will erase all saved wireless settings.
  4. After the reset, use the Wireless Setup Wizard, HP Smart app, or WPS to connect the printer to your network with the new password.
  5. Reinstall any printer software on your computers if the printer appears as a new device.

Use this method as a last resort, because it removes all network configurations and may require you to reconfigure other settings such as email printing or cloud services.

Comparison of WiFi Password Change Methods

Not every method works equally well for every situation. The table below summarizes the key differences so you can choose the best approach for your HP printer.

Method Difficulty Speed Best For Requires Password Entry Works Without Router Access
Wireless Setup Wizard Easy Fast Touchscreen printers Yes Yes
WPS Push Button Very Easy Very Fast Quick reconnection No No
HP Smart App Easy Moderate Mobile users Yes Yes
Embedded Web Server Moderate Moderate Network administrators Yes Yes
Restore Network Defaults Moderate Slow Corrupted settings Yes (during reconnect) Yes

Touchscreen vs. Non-Touchscreen HP Printers

HP manufactures a wide range of printers, and the user interface differs significantly between models. Understanding these differences will help you follow the correct steps.

Touchscreen Models

Printers such as the HP ENVY, OfficeJet Pro, and some LaserJet models feature color touchscreens. On these devices, you can tap directly on fields and use a full on-screen keyboard to enter the WiFi password. The Wireless Setup Wizard is usually front and center in the Network menu.

Non-Touchscreen Models

Older DeskJet, basic LaserJet, and some all-in-one printers rely on physical buttons and small LED indicators. You navigate menus using arrow buttons and select options with an OK or Go button. Entering a password can be tedious because you cycle through letters using the same button. If your non-touchscreen printer does not support password entry through the panel, consider using the HP Smart app or Embedded Web Server instead.

Hybrid Models

Some HP printers have a small LCD screen with a few buttons but no touch capability. These sit between the two categories. They often support the Wireless Setup Wizard but may require you to press a button multiple times to reach the desired character. Patience is key when entering long passwords on these models.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even when you follow the steps correctly, you may run into problems. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them.

Printer Not Finding the Network

If the printer does not display your WiFi network during setup, move it closer to the router. Verify that the router is broadcasting its SSID. If the network is hidden, you must enter the network name manually. Also, check that the printer supports your router’s wireless band; many HP printers work with 2.4 GHz networks but may not detect 5 GHz-only networks.

Incorrect Password Error

WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. Double-check that caps lock is not enabled and that you are not confusing similar characters, such as the letter “O” and the number “0,” or the letter “l” and the number “1.” If you continue to receive an error, log into your router’s admin page to confirm the exact password.

Printer Offline After Password Change

After updating the password, the printer may still show as offline on your computer. This often happens because the computer is still trying to reach the printer’s old IP address. Print a network configuration page from the printer to get the current IP address, then update the printer port settings on your computer if necessary.

Connection Keeps Dropping

Intermittent wireless connections can be caused by interference from microwaves, cordless phones, or neighboring networks. Try changing the router’s wireless channel or placing the printer away from large metal objects. Updating the printer firmware can also improve wireless stability.

Cannot Access the Embedded Web Server

If typing the printer’s IP address into a browser does not load a page, ensure that your computer is on the same network as the printer. Temporarily disable any VPN software, as it can block local device communication. You may also need to allow the printer’s IP address through your computer’s firewall.

Tips and Best Practices for HP Printer WiFi Security

Changing the WiFi password is not just about restoring connectivity; it is also an opportunity to improve security. Follow these best practices to keep your HP printer safe on your network.

  • Use a strong, unique password: Avoid default router passwords. Use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Set a static IP address: Assign a fixed IP to the printer through your router’s DHCP reservation settings. This prevents the printer’s address from changing and breaking the connection from your computers.
  • Update printer firmware: HP periodically releases firmware updates that patch security vulnerabilities and improve wireless performance. Check for updates through the HP Smart app or the Embedded Web Server.
  • Label the printer: Write down the network name, password, and printer IP address on a label attached to the device. This helps anyone in the office reconnect it quickly if settings are reset.
  • Disable unused features: If you do not use WiFi Direct, Bluetooth, or Apple AirPods integration, turn them off in the printer settings to reduce the attack surface.
  • Use WPA2 or WPA3: Ensure your router is using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Older WEP security is easy to crack and should be avoided.
  • Test after every change: After updating the password, print a test page from at least two different devices to confirm that the connection is stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reinstall printer software after changing the WiFi password?

In most cases, no. Changing the WiFi password updates the network credentials stored on the printer, but it does not remove the printer driver from your computer. However, if the printer’s IP address changes after reconnecting, you may need to update the printer port or re-add the printer in your system settings.

Can I change the WiFi password without a computer?

Yes. If your HP printer has a touchscreen, you can use the Wireless Setup Wizard directly on the device. You can also use the HP Smart app on a smartphone or tablet to update the network settings.

What if I do not know my WiFi password?

Check the label on your router, log into the router’s admin page, or contact your internet service provider. You cannot retrieve the password from the printer itself if it was previously connected, because HP printers do not display saved WiFi passwords in plain text for security reasons.

Does WPS work if I changed my router password?

WPS does not require you to type the password, but it does require the router to accept WPS connections. If WPS is enabled on the router, you can use it to reconnect the printer. If WPS is disabled or not supported, you must enter the new password manually using one of the other methods.

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

Print a network configuration page from the printer control panel. The page lists the IPv4 address, subnet mask, and default gateway. You can also find the IP address through the HP Smart app or by logging into your router’s admin panel and viewing the list of connected devices.

Why does my HP printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Frequent disconnections are often caused by weak signal strength, router interference, outdated firmware, or power-saving settings on the printer. Try moving the printer closer to the router, updating the firmware, and disabling any wireless power-saving mode in the printer settings.

Can I use the Embedded Web Server on a Mac?

Yes. The Embedded Web Server is accessed through a web browser, so it works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and any operating system that can run a modern browser, as long as the computer is on the same network as the printer.

Is it safe to share my printer’s WiFi password with guests?

It is generally better to set up a guest network on your router and connect the printer to your main network. If guests need to print, they can send files to you, or you can enable a guest printing solution rather than giving them direct access to your primary WiFi credentials.

Conclusion

Learning How to Change Wifi Password on Hp Printer? is a valuable skill for anyone who relies on wireless printing. Whether you use the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer’s control panel, the convenience of the HP Smart app, the advanced options in the Embedded Web Server, or the quick WPS button, there is a method that fits your situation and your printer model.

Start by gathering your network name and new password, choose the method that matches your printer’s interface, and follow the step-by-step instructions in this guide. If you run into trouble, refer to the troubleshooting section and the comparison table to find an alternative approach.

Once the printer is reconnected, take a moment to apply the security best practices outlined above. A strong password, updated firmware, and a static IP address will help keep your HP printer running smoothly and securely for months to come. Happy printing!