What to do when your HP printer won't connect to Wi-Fi

You’re all set to print an important document, but your HP® printer refuses to connect to Wi-Fi—a frustrating moment for sure. Connectivity issues can disrupt your workflow, but don't worry; there are steps you can take to fix them. 

Asurion Experts have helped millions of customers resolve tech issues, and we’re here to walk you through the steps to get your HP printer back online.

Restart the router and printer

A simple restart may resolve any lingering conflicts between your HP printer and the Wi-Fi router. Turn both devices off using the standard power button. Allow up to 30 seconds before turning them on again. 

It may take a few minutes for the router and printer to fully power on. After you confirm both devices are online, try printing a document. 

Check Wi-Fi network settings and credentials

Before proceeding, double-check to see if your network name (SSID) and password are correct. You can check whether your computer and printer are using the same Wi-Fi network with these steps:

On your computer:

1. Click the Network, Sound, or Battery icons on your computer's taskbar.
2. Select the arrow next to the Manage Wi-Fi Connections icon. 
3. Confirm you're using your preferred Wi-Fi network. If you're not connected, choose the network from the list. You may need to enter a network password. 

On your printer:

1. Navigate to Setup or Network Settings on the HP printer's control panel.
2. Choose Wireless Setup Wizard.
3. Select the same Wi-Fi network used for your computer.
4. Enter the network's Wi-Fi password if required.
5. A connection confirmation should appear on the printer's interface.

Move the printer closer to the router

Your HP printer may not be close enough to the router. An overload of devices using the same Wi-Fi network can disrupt the printer's connection. So can certain objects, such as walls or metal bookcases. 

Try placing it within 26 feet of the router and check the Wi-Fi signal light. A solid blue light indicates a strong connection. If the light is flashing and you're within a reasonable distance of the router, try using the Wireless Setup Wizard to set up a connection. 

Update printer firmware

Outdated printer firmware can cause connectivity problems. To update your HP printer’s software:

1. Navigate to the HP Software and Drivers website. 
2. Select Printer. Enter the device's serial number, product number, or product name in the prompt.
3. Download and install recommended driver updates onto your PC. 
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to finalize the installation. 

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP's Print and Scan Doctor is a free, downloadable tool that can diagnose printer connectivity issues. Use these steps to access it:

1. Navigate to the HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows webpage. 
2. Click Download Print and Scan Doctor.
3. Once installed, open the app and select your printer.
4. Follow the app's instructions to resolve printer connectivity issues.

Reconnect the printer to the Wi-Fi network

Resetting the printer's Wi-Fi connection may work out any bugs or system conflicts. 

1. Open Wireless Settings or Network Settings on the HP printer's control panel.
2. Look for an option to Forget, Delete, or Remove the current Wi-Fi network. 
3. Once removed, re-establish the Wi-Fi connection using the Wireless Setup Wizard tool in the control panel. 
4. Select the appropriate Wi-Fi network from the available options.
5. Enter the Wi-Fi password when prompted.