How to Add an HP Printer to a Wi Fi Network

This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a supported HP printer to a wireless (Wi-Fi) network. This will allow you to print from a computer connected to the same network without having to plug the printer into the computer. Not all HP printers have wireless connectivity, so make sure the printer can connect to the internet before continuing.

Table of Contents

Automatic connection

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Make sure the computer and the network are compatible with each other. To use HP Auto Wireless Connect, the computer and network configuration must meet the following requirements: ^{[1] X Research Source}

PC must be running Windows Vista or later, Mac computer must run OS X 10.5 (with Leopard) or later (with Macintosh).
The computer must be connected to an 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi router on a 2.4 GHz connection. HP machines no longer support 5.0GHz networks.
The computer’s operating system must be under the control of the Wi-Fi network.
The computer must use a wireless connection to the network and the operating system.
The computer must use a dynamic IP address, not a static one (if you haven’t paid to use a static IP address, your IP address is most likely dynamic).

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Find the printer’s software. Go to https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/ and enter the printer model number, click Find and click Download next to the top software line.

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Double-click the software file. The printer setup process opens.

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Turn on the printer. If the printer is compatible with HP Auto Wireless Connect, the device is ready to connect.

The printer will only maintain this setting for two hours.

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Follow the on-screen instructions until you get to the “Network” section. The process will depend on the printer model and computer operating system.

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Select Network (Ethernet/Wireless) This option is in the center of the page.

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Click Yes, send my wireless settings to the printer . The system will identify the printer and send Wi-Fi network information to the device.

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Wait for the printer to connect. It may take a few minutes before the printer connects. You will then see a confirmation message appear on your computer screen.

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Complete the setup process. Follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. Once the setup is complete, you can start using the printer.

Manual connection

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The printer must be installed on the computer. In most cases, you can simply connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable and allow the device’s software to be installed, but many printers may come with an installation CD.

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Turn on the printer. Make sure the printer is connected to a power source, then press the Power button.

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Activate the touch screen if necessary. Some printers have touch screens that need to be folded or turned on separately.

If the printer does not have a touch screen, you need to connect to Wi-Fi through the software setup process. If the printer was pre-installed, you need to uninstall the device, then reinstall it to connect to Wi-Fi.

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Select Setup . The location and icon of the option will vary depending on the printer, but most are in the shape of a wrench or a gear.

You may need to scroll down or right to find the Setup option.
You may also see a Wireless option. If so, just tap Wireless .

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Select Network . Wi-Fi settings will open.

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Select Wireless Network Wizard . The printer will start looking for the Wi-Fi network.

Or you can choose the Wireless Setup Wizard .

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Select the network name. This will be the name you gave the Wi-Fi network when you created it.

If you didn’t name the network during setup, this will be a combination of your router’s model number and manufacturer’s name.
If you don’t see the network name, scroll to the bottom of the page, select the data field, and enter the network name.

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Enter the network password. This is the password that you use to log in to the Wi-Fi network.

If your router has a WPS button, you can hold it down for three seconds.

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Select Done . Your login information will be saved. The printer will start connecting to the network.

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Select OK when it appears. You can now print over a Wi-Fi network.

Advice

Some printers that don’t include a touch screen often have a “WPS” Wi-Fi connection button that you can press and put the printer into “pairing” mode. You can press the WPS button on the router for three seconds to pair the router and the network.
If you want to print but cannot connect the printer to Wi-Fi, you need to connect it manually.

Warning

Printers of the same type can be completely different. If necessary, you should consult your printer’s manual for specific instructions.

Steps

Automatic connection

Manual connection

Advice

Warning

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