From this article, you’ll learn how to connect your compatible HP printer to your wireless network. This way, you can print documents without having to connect the printer to your computer. Not all HP printers have a wireless module, so make sure your printer can be connected to the Internet first.
Method 1 – How to connect automatically
1 Make sure that your computer and network are compatible. To use “Auto Wireless Connect”, your computer and network configuration must meet the following requirements:
- The computer must be running Windows 7 or later, or OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later;
- The computer must be connected to an 802.11 b/g/n wireless router over a 2.4 GHz connection. HP does not currently support 5.0 GHz clocked networks;
- the computer’s operating system must control the wireless network;
- the computer must use a wireless connection to the network and operating system;
- the computer must use a dynamic IP address, not a static IP address (unless you paid for a static IP address, you probably have a dynamic IP address).
2 Find the printer software. Go to https://hpdriverrss.com/category/hp-drivers/, enter the model number of the printer, click “Add”, and then click “Download” by the software.
3 Double-click the downloaded file. The printer setup process starts.
4 Turn on the printer. If the printer has the “Auto Wireless Connect” feature, the printer will be ready to connect to the network.
- The printer will remain in the ready state for only two hours.
5 Follow the instructions on the screen until you get to the “Network” section. The instructions depend on the printer model and computer operating system.
6 Select Network (wired/wireless). This option is in the middle of the page.
7 Click “Yes, send the wireless network settings to the printer”. The printer will be found and wireless settings will be sent to the printer.
8 Wait for the printer to connect to the network. This takes a while and then you will see a confirmation screen.
9 Complete the setup. To do so, follow the instructions on the screen. You can now use the printer.
Method 2 – How to connect manually
1 Make sure that the printer is installed on the computer. In most cases, you will need to connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable and let the system install the software, although many printers come with installation CDs.
2 Turn on the printer. Make sure the printer is connected to a power source, and then press the power button.
3 Activate the touch screen (if necessary). Some printers have touch screens that need to be enabled separately.
- If the printer does not have a touch screen, connect the printer to the wireless network through the software settings. If the printer is already installed, uninstall and then reinstall it to connect it to the wireless network.
4 Click ‘Settings’. The location and icon of this option depends on the printer, but most often it is labeled with a wrench and/or gear icon.
- You may have to scroll down or to the right to find the Settings option.
- If you see the “Wireless Network” option, tap it.
5 Select Network. The wireless network settings appear.
6 Select Wireless Network Wizard. The printer will begin searching for wireless networks.
- You might want to click “Wireless Network Setup” instead of this option.
7 Select the name of your network. Click the name that you assigned to the network when you created it.
- If you did not assign a name, the router’s model number and manufacturer name are displayed.
- If your network does not have a name, scroll down the page, click in the text box, and enter a network name.
8 Enter the password for the network. This is the password you use to connect to your wireless network.
- If your router has a “WPS” button, press and hold it for three seconds.
9 Select Done. Your credentials will be saved. The printer will begin connecting to the network.
10 Click OK when prompted. You can now print documents over the wireless network.
Tips
Some printers without a touchscreen have a WPS button that you can press to put the printer in pairing mode. Then press and hold the "WPS" button on the router for three seconds to pair the router and the printer.
If you are unable to connect the printer to the wireless network, connect it manually.Warnings
Any printer is different from other printers in the same category. If necessary, refer to your printer's manual.
