How to Add an HP Printer to a Wireless Network

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: October 25, 2022

This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a supported HP printer to your wireless network. Doing so will allow you to print from a computer on the same network without having to attach the printer to your computer. Not all HP printers have wireless functionality, so make sure your printer is capable of connecting to the Internet before continuing.

Things You Should Know

Use your computer to connect your printer to the same wireless network it's on.
Use a USB cord to connect your printer to your computer.
Once the printer is online and your computer recognizes it, you'll be prompted to download the appropriate software if necessary.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Connecting Automatically

1
Make sure that your computer and network are compatible. In order to use HP Auto Wireless Connect, your computer and network configuration must meet the following requirements:^{[1]
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- Your computer must be running Windows Vista or later (PCs), or OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later (Macintosh).
- Your computer is connected to an 802.11 b/g/n wireless router over a 2.4 GHz connection. 5.0GHz networks are not currently supported by HP.
- Your computer's operating system must be in control of the wireless network.
- Your computer must use a wireless connection to your network and the operating system.
- Your computer must use a dynamic IP address, not a static one (if you haven't explicitly paid for a static IP address, you most likely have a dynamic IP address).
2
Search for your printer's software. Go to https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/ and type in your printer's model number, click Find, and click Download next to the top software entry.

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3
Double-click the software file. It will open a printer setup process.
4
Turn on your printer. If your printer is compatible with HP Auto Wireless Connect, doing so will prepare the printer to connect.
- The printer will only retain this setting for two hours.
5
Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the "Network" section. These will vary depending on your printer model and computer operating system.
6
Select Network (Ethernet/Wireless). This option is in the middle of the page.
7
Click Yes, send my wireless settings to the printer. Doing so will locate the printer and send your wireless network's information over to the printer.
8
Wait for your printer to connect. It may be a few minutes before your printer is able to connect. Once it does, you should see a confirmation on your computer's screen.
9
Finish the setup process. Complete the setup on your computer by following the rest of the on-screen prompts. Once the setup is complete, you'll be able to start using your printer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Connecting Manually

1
Make sure your printer is installed on your computer. In most cases, all you need to do is connect the printer to your computer via USB cable and allow it to install its software, though many printers also come with installation CDs.
2
Turn on your printer. Make sure your printer is connected to a power source, then press the Power button.
3
Activate the touch screen if necessary. Some printers need to have their touch screens folded out or turned on separately of the printer itself.
- If your printer doesn't have a touch screen, you will need to connect the printer to your wireless network using the software setup process. If your printer is already installed, you may need to uninstall the printer and then reinstall it in order to connect it to the wireless network.
4
Select Setup. This option's location and appearance will vary depending on your printer, but it most often characterized by a wrench and/or a gear.
- You may have to scroll down or to the right in order to find the Setup option.
- You may have the option to select Wireless as well. If so, tap Wireless instead.
5
Select Network. Doing so will open the wireless settings.
6
Select Wireless Network Wizard. This will prompt the printer to begin searching for wireless networks.
- You may select Wireless Setup Wizard here instead.
7
Select your network name. This should be the name that you assigned to your wireless network when you created it.
- If you didn't set a network name when you set up your wireless network, you'll likely see a combination of your router's model number and manufacturer name instead.
- If you don't see your network's name, scroll down to the bottom of the page, select the field there, and enter your network's name.
8
Enter your network's password. This is the password that you use to log onto your wireless network.
- If your router has a WPS button on it, you can instead press and hold this button for three seconds.
9
Select Done. This will save your credentials. The printer will begin attempting to connect to the network.
10
Select OK when prompted. You should now be able to print over your wireless network.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I connect to an HP printer if my printer is not on the same network as my computer?

Kitty Jewel

Community Answer

No, that is impossible. You would have to connect either the printer to the same network as your computer, or you would have to connect your computer to the same network as your printer.
Question

How can I add an iPad using a SIM card?

Community Answer

iPads still have the capability of connecting to your home network as well as cell network. Go to settings, Wi-fi, and then connect to your network. More than likely, you will have to go to the app store and download an app that allows you to print to the printer you have.
Question

How do I connect my printer to my wireless network when it says it's connected when it's not?

Community Answer

Go to Add a Printer in Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers. Click on Add a Network, wireless or Bluetooth Printer. Check if your printer is displayed in the printer list.

Warnings

Each printer is radically different than other printers in the same category. Always consult your printer's manual for specific instruction if necessary.

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