How to Connect HP Printer to New WiFi Network

Introduction

In today’s world, wireless printing has become an essential part of both home and office environments. Connecting your HP printer to a Wi-Fi network allows for convenient printing from any device without the hassle of cables. However, when you switch to a new Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to reconnect your HP printer to ensure uninterrupted printing. This guide will walk you through the process of how to connect hp printer to new wifi network, including troubleshooting tips and solutions to common issues.

Why Reconnect Your HP Printer to a New Wi-Fi Network?

When you change your Wi-Fi network—whether you’ve switched internet service providers, changed your router, or moved to a new location—you must reconnect your HP printer to the new network. Failure to do so will result in your printer being unable to communicate with your devices, effectively preventing you from printing. Reconnecting your printer is a straightforward process that ensures your printer remains functional and accessible.

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Prerequisites Before Connecting Your HP Printer

Before you begin the process of connecting your HP printer to a new Wi-Fi network, ensure you have the following:

1. Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID): This is the name of the wireless network you want to connect your printer to.
2. Wi-Fi Password: Also known as the network security key, this is the password required to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
3. Printer Model: The steps can vary slightly depending on your HP printer model. Refer to your printer’s manual for specific instructions if needed.
4. Computer or Mobile Device: You’ll need a computer or mobile device connected to the same Wi-Fi network to configure the printer settings.

Step 1: Prepare Your HP Printer for Wi-Fi Connection

Before connecting to the new network, make sure your printer is ready:

• Turn on the Printer: Ensure that your HP printer is powered on. If your printer has a touchscreen, the display should be active.
• Check the Printer Status: Make sure the printer is not currently printing or performing any tasks. The printer should be idle before you start the connection process.
• Restore Network Settings: If your printer was previously connected to a different Wi-Fi network, it’s a good idea to reset the network settings. This will clear any old network configurations and prevent connection issues. To do this:
  • For most HP printers, press and hold the Wireless button on the printer’s control panel until the wireless light starts blinking.
  • Alternatively, navigate to Setup > Network Setup > Restore Network Settings on the printer’s control panel.

Step 2: Connect Your HP Printer Using the HP Smart App (For Printers with Touchscreen)

The HP Smart app simplifies the process of connecting your HP printer to a new Wi-Fi network, especially for printers with a touchscreen. Here’s how:

1. Download the HP Smart App:
   • For Windows or macOS, download the app from the HP website or the Microsoft Store.
   • For Android or iOS, download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the HP Smart App and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your printer.
3. Add Your Printer:
   • If you’re setting up a new printer, the app will automatically detect it.
   • If you’re reconnecting an existing printer, tap on the plus sign (+) to add your printer to the app.
4. Connect to Wi-Fi:
   • The app will prompt you to select your Wi-Fi network from a list of available networks.
   • Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted and allow the app to connect your printer to the network.
5. Complete the Setup:
   • Once connected, the app will guide you through the remaining setup steps, such as installing drivers or software updates.
   • Test the connection by printing a test page from the app.

Step 3: Connect Your HP Printer Using WPS (For Printers Without Touchscreen)

If your printer does not have a touchscreen, you can use the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method to connect it to the new Wi-Fi network. Here’s how:

1. Locate the WPS Button on Your Router:
   • The WPS button is typically located on the back or side of the router. It might be labeled “WPS” or feature an icon that looks like two curved arrows.
2. Activate WPS on Your Printer:
   • On your HP printer, press and hold the Wireless button until the wireless light starts blinking. This indicates that the printer is searching for a WPS connection.
   • Alternatively, press the Wi-Fi button and the Power button simultaneously (depending on your printer model).
3. Press the WPS Button on Your Router:
   • Within two minutes of activating WPS on your printer, press the WPS button on your router. This will establish a connection between your printer and the new Wi-Fi network.
4. Wait for the Connection to Complete:
   • The wireless light on your printer will stop blinking and remain steady once the connection is successful. Your printer is now connected to the new Wi-Fi network.

Step 4: Connect Your HP Printer Using the Printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS)

The Embedded Web Server (EWS) is another method for connecting your HP printer to a new Wi-Fi network. The EWS is a web interface that allows you to manage your printer’s settings.

1. Find the Printer’s IP Address:
   • If your printer is already connected to a network, you can find its IP address by printing a network configuration page. This can usually be done by pressing and holding the Wireless button and the Information button simultaneously, or by navigating to the network settings on the printer’s display.
2. Access the Embedded Web Server:
   • Open a web browser on a device connected to the same network and enter the printer’s IP address in the address bar. This will open the Embedded Web Server.
3. Navigate to the Network Settings:
   • In the EWS, go to the Network tab and select Wireless Setup Wizard or Wireless (802.11).
4. Connect to the New Wi-Fi Network:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to select your new Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks. Enter the network password and save the settings.
5. Confirm the Connection:
   • After completing the setup, the printer will reconnect to the new Wi-Fi network. You can test the connection by printing a test page.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even after following the steps above, you might encounter issues while connecting your HP printer to a new Wi-Fi network. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

1. Printer Not Found During Setup:
   • Ensure that your printer is powered on and within range of your Wi-Fi router.
   • Restart your printer, router, and computer or mobile device.
   • Check if the printer’s wireless light is blinking, indicating that it’s in pairing mode.
2. Incorrect Wi-Fi Password:
   • Double-check the Wi-Fi password you’ve entered. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.
   • If you’ve recently changed your Wi-Fi password, ensure that all devices connected to the network are using the updated password.
3. Printer Connected to Wrong Network:
   • If there are multiple Wi-Fi networks in your area, your printer might connect to the wrong one. Use the printer’s control panel to manually select the correct network.
4. WPS Connection Fails:
   • Ensure that your router supports WPS and that it’s enabled.
   • Try moving the printer closer to the router to improve the connection.
5. Connection Drops Frequently:
   • If your printer frequently disconnects from the Wi-Fi network, try repositioning the router to a more central location, free from obstructions and interference from other devices.
   • Consider updating the printer’s firmware and your router’s firmware to the latest version.
6. Printer Offline:
   • If your printer appears offline after connecting to the new Wi-Fi network, ensure that it’s set as the default printer on your computer.
   • Restart the printer and computer, and check the printer’s network status.

Step 6: Reinstalling Printer Software and Drivers

Sometimes, after connecting your HP printer to a new Wi-Fi network, you may need to reinstall the printer software and drivers on your computer to ensure smooth operation. Here’s how:

1. Uninstall Old Software:
   • Go to your computer’s control panel and uninstall the previous HP printer software.
2. Download the Latest Software:
   • Visit the HP support website and download the latest software and drivers for your printer model.
3. Install the Software:
   • Follow the installation instructions provided by HP. During the setup, select your new Wi-Fi network when prompted.
4. Test the Printer:
   • After installation, print a test page to verify that the printer is working correctly on the new network.

Conclusion

Connecting your HP printer to a new Wi-Fi network is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. Whether you use the HP Smart app, WPS, or the Embedded Web Server, you can easily get your printer back online and ready for use. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that arise and ensure your printer’s software is up-to-date for the best performance. With your printer connected to the new network, you can enjoy seamless wireless printing from any device in your home or office.