How Do You Connect an HP Printer to Wi-Fi?

By Mark Debson · June 9, 2026 · 7 min read · Tech & Gadgets

The HP Smart app is the official path to connect any HP printer to your home Wi Fi network. Here is the full setup, including the 2.4 GHz requirement and the wireless button reset for older models.

Quick Answer

The fastest way to connect any modern HP printer to Wi Fi is the free HP Smart app on your phone or computer. The app uses Bluetooth to find the printer, hands off your Wi Fi credentials, and finishes setup in under five minutes.

HP printers connect to 2.4 GHz networks. Most home routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz on the same network name, which works. If your router separates them, point your phone at the 2.4 GHz band before pairing.

For older HP printers without HP Smart support, the alternative is WPS pairing using the wireless button on the printer and the WPS button on the router.

Phase 1: prepare the printer

Before you open the app, make sure the printer is in pairing mode.

Touchscreen models like the OfficeJet Pro, ENVY Inspire, and most LaserJet Pro units have a Setup menu. Navigate to Wireless, then Wireless Settings, then Restore Network Defaults. The printer reboots into pairing mode with a slowly blinking wireless light.

Button only models like the DeskJet 2700 series and DeskJet 4100 series have no touchscreen. Hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button, which is the red X, at the same time for five seconds. When the power light flashes, the printer is in discovery mode.

Both methods clear any previous network and put the printer back into the open Wi Fi Direct broadcast state that HP Smart needs to find it.

Phase 2: install HP Smart and pair

1. Install the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the Microsoft Store. The app is free and the official setup tool. Avoid third party setup utilities.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and Location Services on your phone. HP Smart uses both to find nearby printers. iPhone users will be prompted to grant Local Network access, which is required.
3. Launch HP Smart and tap the plus icon, then Add Printer.
4. Wait while the app scans. Your printer should appear within 20 seconds. Tap it.
5. Select your home Wi Fi network from the list. If the network does not appear, your phone is connected to the 5 GHz band but the printer can only see 2.4 GHz. Temporarily disable 5 GHz on your router or join the 2.4 GHz SSID directly.
6. Enter your Wi Fi password.

The printer's wireless light turns solid blue when the connection is complete. HP Smart then prompts you to install ink, sign in to an HP account, and print a test page.

Phase 3: connect from your computer

Once the printer is on the Wi Fi network, your computer can find it automatically.

On Windows 11, open Settings, Bluetooth and Devices, Printers and Scanners, and click Add Device. The printer appears within 30 seconds. Click Add and Windows downloads the correct driver automatically.

On macOS, open System Settings, Printers and Scanners, and click the plus icon. The printer appears in the list. Select it, confirm the Use field shows Secure AirPrint or the HP driver, and click Add.

When the printer cannot find your network

Three issues cover almost every failed pairing.

• 5 GHz only network. HP consumer printers do not support 5 GHz. Enable 2.4 GHz on your router temporarily and pair, then 5 GHz can be re enabled afterward.
• Guest network isolation. Many routers isolate the guest network from internal devices. Connect the printer to the main network instead.
• WPA3 only encryption. Some older HP printers do not support WPA3. Switch the router to WPA2 plus WPA3 mixed mode.

If the printer pairs but then disconnects within minutes, the most common cause is a weak signal. The HP Smart app shows signal strength in the printer info panel. Anything below two bars usually means you need to move the printer closer to the router or add a mesh node.

WPS pairing for older models

If your printer predates HP Smart, WPS still works on almost every home router released since 2010.

1. Press the Wireless button on the printer until the light starts blinking.
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on the back of your router.
3. Wait. The printer light will turn solid when the connection completes.

WPS does not work on Eero, Google Nest Wifi, or most modern mesh systems because those vendors removed WPS for security reasons. On those networks, you must use HP Smart.

The takeaway

HP Smart is the universal answer for any printer made in the last decade. Put the printer in pairing mode, give the app Bluetooth and location access, pick your 2.4 GHz network, and you are printing within five minutes. WPS still covers older printers paired to older routers, but mesh users should plan on HP Smart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HP Smart support 5 GHz Wi Fi?

Most HP consumer printers connect only on 2.4 GHz. A few enterprise LaserJet models support 5 GHz, but the safe default is to use 2.4 GHz for setup.

Why does my HP printer keep disconnecting from Wi Fi?

Usually a weak signal, a router that has dropped the lease, or a WPA3 only network. Move the printer closer, set a static IP, or enable WPA2 plus WPA3 mixed mode.

Can I connect an HP printer without the app?

Yes. WPS works on most printers and routers. You can also connect via Ethernet for any HP printer with an LAN port.

How do I reset my HP printer's Wi Fi?

On touchscreen models, choose Restore Network Defaults under Wireless Settings. On button only models, hold Wireless and Cancel together for five seconds.