This article shows you how to connect a wireless HP printer to a Wi-Fi network. In this way it is possible to print from any device connected to the same LAN network without the need for it to be physically connected to the printing device. It should be noted that not all HP printers have a wireless network connection, so the first step is to make sure that your device is able to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Auto Connect
Step 1. Make sure your computer and network router are compatible with this procedure
To take advantage of the automatic connection mode of an HP wireless printer, your computer and LAN must meet the following requirements:
- Your computer must be running Windows Vista or later (in the case of Windows systems) or OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later (in the case of a Mac).
- The computer must be connected to an 802.11 b / g / n Wi-Fi network that uses a 2.4 GHz radio signal. 5.0 GHz wireless networks are not currently supported by HP printers.
- The computer's operating system must have access to the wireless network.
- Your machine must be connected to the LAN via wireless connection.
- The computer network interface must use a dynamic IP address and not a static one (normally the network configuration of the individual devices is automatically managed by the network router dynamically).
Step 2. Locate and download the printer management software
Access the official HP website using this URL, type the model of the printing device in use in the appropriate text field, press the button Finds and finally select the option Download, located next to the software version shown at the top of the result list.
Step 3. Once the download is complete, double-click the installation file
This will start the printer installation and configuration procedure.
Step 4. Turn on the printer
If your model is compatible with the "Auto Wireless Connect" feature, the device will be automatically configured for connection.
Remember that the printer can only keep these configuration settings for 2 hours
Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the "Network" screen
This step varies depending on the printer model and the version of the operating system you are using.
Step 6. Choose the Network option (Ethernet / Wireless)
It is located in the central part of the page.
Step 7. Choose the item Yes, send the wireless configuration to the printer
In this way the computer will identify the printer within the Wi-Fi network and will send the necessary information to automatically connect to the wireless network.
Step 8. Wait for the printer to connect to the network
It may take a few minutes for the device to be able to access the wireless network. When this happens, you will see a notification message appear on your computer screen.
Step 9. Complete the setup process directly from your computer by following the remaining instructions that will appear on the screen
When the setup is complete you can start using the device to print images and documents.
Method 2 of 2: Manual Connection
Step 1. Make sure the printer is installed on your computer
In most cases, simply connect the device to a free USB port on your computer using the supplied cable and wait for the necessary drivers to be installed automatically. However, many printers are sold together with a CD / DVD containing the drivers and software required for use.
Step 2. Turn on the printer
Make sure it is plugged into the mains via the power supply, then press the power button.
Step 3. If necessary, activate the device's touch screen display
Some printers need to activate or turn on the touch screen display separately, in order to use it later to manage the operation and configuration of the peripheral.
If your printer is not equipped with a touch screen, you will need to connect it to the wireless LAN network using the appropriate management software. If the device has already been installed, you will need to uninstall and reinstall it in order to connect to the Wi-Fi network
Step 4. Choose the Setup item
The name and location in which this option appears varies by printer brand and model, but in most cases it is indicated by a wrench or gear icon.
- You may need to scroll down or to the right in the printer menu in order to locate the item in question.
- In some cases, the option must be selected Wireless rather than Setup. If so, proceed without hesitation.
Step 5. Choose the Network item or Net.
You will have access to the network connection configuration settings.
Step 6. Select the Wireless Setup Wizard option
This will cause the printer to start scanning the area for all available Wi-Fi networks.
In some cases this item could take the wording Wireless Setup Wizard.
Step 7. Select the name (SSID) of the Wi-Fi network you want to connect the printer to
This is the name you gave your home wireless network when you set up and customize it.
- If you did not customize the SSID when installing your Wi-Fi network, it will appear as a combination of characters for your router model and manufacturer name.
- If your wireless network name does not appear in the list, scroll to the bottom of the page, select the text field there and use it to enter the SSID.
Step 8. Enter the password to access the network
This is the security credential you normally use to connect to the network.
Whether the router has the functionality WPS, press and hold the relevant activation button for about 3 seconds.
Step 9. Now choose the Finish option
The login credentials for the selected wireless network will be saved and the printing device will try to connect.
Step 10. When prompted, press the OK button
You should now be able to print using the new printer and the Wi-Fi network it is connected to.
Advice
- Some printers that are not equipped with a touch screen display have a physical button called WPS, which allows you to activate the "pairing" mode of the device. At this point you just have to hold the button down WPS of the network router to make the two devices connect automatically.
- If you can't get your wireless printer to automatically connect to your home LAN, you'll need to use the manual procedure.
