It’s super convenient using a smart printer. You can print anywhere on the go without using a cord. This new printer functionality eradicates wire tangling and provides more time to focus on other works.
WiFi printers are selective, and most of their problems revolve around simple WiFi woes. If you have a Hp printer and can’t connect to a WiFi network, you don’t have to start worrying or thinking of getting a new one.
This article will address the issue of WiFi connectivity in a Hp printer and how to get past it quickly. However, before then, let’s establish the causes of the problem.
HP Printer Not Connecting To WiFi: Possible Causes
If your Hp printer isn’t connecting to the WiFi network, it won’t work to its maximum capability. It could likely be an internet connection problem or some other thing. Below are some possible causes of the problem.
- Bad internet connection or weak signal
- Incorrect printer configuration
- Outdated firmware or drivers
- Bad cable
- Faulty router
- Incorrect connection type
HP Printer Not Connecting To WiFi: How To Fix
As we’ve established above, your Hp printer might not connect to WiFi because of a minor issue that can be fixed with a DIY process. You’ll rarely have to buy a new one. Follow the strategies below to fix your printer WiFi problem.
1. Do A Reset
This approach might look simple, but it has effectively resolved many problems in electronics appliances. So before going off to the deep end, spare some time to reset the devices. Reset the printer and router and even the computer you’re trying to print from. This process will allow them to refresh and recycle.
You can reset your Hp Printer as follows:
- Disconnect the power cord from your printer and the power source.
- Leave your printer for 2-4 minutes
- Reconnect the printer, and the light should return
- Press the Resume button for about 15 seconds and then release it.
If you have a printer without a touch display, you can press and hold the ‘Wireless’ and ‘Cancel’ button simultaneously for about 5 seconds to reset the connection.
Reset other devices accordingly and check if the connection problem is resolved.
2. Check Your Router
You should inspect your router to ensure the problem is not coming from it. Is it in good working condition? Check if the lights on the router are blinking in a different color. Generally, you can follow the tips below to inspect your router:
- Ensure the router is on and has secure connections to its cables.
- At the same time, ensure the printer’s WiFi light is turned on, showing a solid blue color. If it’s blinking or off, restart both router and printer.
- Check the ethernet port light. If it’s off, disconnect the cable at both ends and reconnect. Reset both printer and router.
Another thing to inspect is the name of the network. Ensure you have connected with the correct name of the internet connection. Sometimes, you might have connected with other connections that give you access to the internet. Your printer and computer need to be connected to the same network so they can work together and efficiently.
If the router is correctly connected and the problem persists, you can follow the next step below.
3. Check For Configuration Errors
A configuration error might happen during the process of setting up the printer, and this can result in a connectivity problem. You can troubleshoot the situation as follows:
- On your printer touch screen, navigate to the Control Panel.
- Go to the Settings tab and select Network Configuration.
- If there’s a problem listed there, you’ll have to diagnose it using the user’s manual.
- If otherwise, follow the next set of troubleshooting tips.
4. Check The Signal Strength
Even though modern printers have minimum criteria for operating, they still need enough signal strength and power. If there’s a low or weak signal from the internet provider, it can result in a connectivity issue. If the signal strength is weak:
- Bring your router closer to the printer till you get a strong signal. You can consider buying a WiFi extender if you want to maintain their position.
- Check for any blockage. The weak signal might be due to walls, metal bookcases, or other obstructions blocking the signal.
- Ensure that the internet signal pushes 2.4GHz or 5.0 GHz. Otherwise, update your internet connectivity.
5. Update Driver or Software
Like phones or computers, printer software and drivers can get outdated quickly. Hp is frequently releasing updates for its appliances. So if yours is outdated, it might be why your printer is having a WiFi connectivity issue, and you’ll need to update all the relevant software. Follow the steps below:
- Open a new window and go to the Hp website
- Go to the Support Section and search for your printer’s model.
- Download and install the latest updates of software packages, drivers, or firmware.
Try the connection again. These updates should fix the connection problems during the process of installation.
6. Change The Connection Type
If the problem remains, perhaps you should consider changing the connection type, and you might get lucky. If you’re connected through a wireless means to avoid trouble with cords and wires, try hardwiring the printer to the router.
Connect the printer to the router with an ethernet cable and set it up again. The connectivity issues may vanish because this method ensures network stability.
Similarly, the opposite can also do the trick. If you connect through wires, Try to connect it wirelessly as another form of troubleshooting method. However, ensure you disconnect the ethernet cable so it won’t confuse the printer because the printer can continue to read the internet source from the hardwire.
7. Use Hp Print And Scan Doctor (windows)
Finally, to fix the WiFi connection issue on your Hp Printer, you can use the Hp Print And Scan Doctor. Follow the below steps to try this method:
- Ensure that paper is set correctly on the printer’s main tray and power on the printer.
- Download and Install the Hp Print And Scan Doctor by following the instructions online.
- Select the Start button when the welcome screen displays.
- Locate your printer and select it to run the functions
- If you can’t find your printer, select the My printer Is Not Listed option
- Follow the steps displayed on the screen to solve the problem.
8. Contact Your Manufacturer’s Support
If at the end of the troubleshooting steps, your Hp Printer still can’t connect to the WiFi network, you can contact the Hp customer support team for help. They will provide information to assist you with the connection problem.