How do I reconnect my HP Wireless printer wirelessly?

In today’s connected world, wireless printing makes life a whole lot easier. However, like any technology, your HP wireless printer may occasionally lose its connection. Whether you've changed your Wi-Fi password, moved to a new network, or are facing a temporary glitch, it’s not uncommon to need to reconnect your HP wireless printer wirelessly.

Reasons Why HP Wireless Printers Disconnect

Before jumping into the reconnection process, it helps to understand why your HP printer may have lost its connection in the first place. A few common causes include:

A change in your Wi-Fi network settings such as SSID or password

Router resets or firmware updates

Printer firmware issues

Printer being idle for a long period

Network congestion or interference

Power outages or unexpected shutdowns

Once you identify the potential issue, it becomes easier to reconnect the printer and take steps to avoid the same problem in the future.

How to Reconnect Your HP Wireless Printer Wirelessly

Let’s explore the step-by-step method for reconnecting your HP wireless printer without using a USB cable or direct connection. The process may vary slightly depending on your printer model, but the general approach is consistent across most HP models.

Step 1: Restart Printer and Router

Before anything else, turn off both your HP printer and your Wi-Fi router. Leave them off for a few seconds, then power them back on. This helps clear temporary glitches and ensures both devices are fresh for the reconnection process.

Step 2: Access the Wireless Setup Wizard

Most HP printers with a touch display offer a Wireless Setup Wizard to help you reconnect.

On the printer's control panel, tap the Wireless or Network icon

Select Wireless Settings

Tap on Wireless Setup Wizard

The printer will begin searching for available wireless networks

Select your Wi-Fi network from the list

Enter the correct Wi-Fi password using the touchpad on the screen

Once the printer confirms a successful connection, you're ready to print wirelessly.

Step 3: For Printers Without a Display Panel

If your HP printer does not have a display screen (common in smaller models), you can use the HP Smart app or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to reconnect.

Using the HP Smart App

Download and install the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device

Turn on the printer and make sure it is in setup mode (you might need to reset network settings)

The app will detect the printer in setup mode and prompt you to connect it to your Wi-Fi network

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the wireless setup

Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

Press and hold the Wireless button on the printer until the light starts blinking

Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router

Wait for the printer to automatically connect to the network

This method requires your router to support WPS, and both devices must be within range of each other.

What to Do If Your Printer Still Won’t Connect

Sometimes, even after following the proper steps, your HP printer might refuse to reconnect. In that case, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Reset the Network Settings

You can restore the default network settings on your HP printer. This will remove any previously stored Wi-Fi details and give you a clean slate to start the setup process again.

To do this:

Press the Cancel and Wireless buttons at the same time until the Power light blinks

The wireless light should also start blinking, indicating that the settings are reset

Check Firewall or Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software may block the printer from connecting to your device. Temporarily disable these programs and try reconnecting again.

Ensure You Are on the Same Network

Both your printer and device must be on the same Wi-Fi network to communicate. Double-check the network name (SSID) on both devices.

Tips for Maintaining a Stable Wireless Connection

Once your printer is reconnected, you’ll want to avoid repeating the process in the future. Here are some tips to ensure a steady wireless connection:

Keep the printer close to the router for a strong signal

Avoid placing the printer near thick walls or metal objects that may interfere with signals

Ensure your router is not overloaded with too many connected devices

Update your printer’s firmware regularly

Set a static IP address for your printer to prevent DHCP issues

FAQs

Why does my HP printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

There could be several reasons including router issues, signal interference, firmware bugs, or idle timeout settings. Restarting devices and updating firmware usually helps.

Can I reconnect my printer without reinstalling the driver?

Yes, in most cases you do not need to reinstall the driver. Reconnecting through the Wireless Setup Wizard or the HP Smart app is usually enough.

What should I do if my HP Smart app doesn't detect the printer?

Make sure your printer is in setup mode. You may need to reset the network settings. Also, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device and that you’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Can I reconnect my printer using a different Wi-Fi network?

Absolutely. If you’re changing networks, you just need to repeat the wireless setup process and select the new network from the list.

Is it possible to use my printer wirelessly without the HP Smart app?

Yes, especially if your printer has a touchscreen or supports WPS. However, the HP Smart app simplifies the process and is helpful for ongoing printer management.

Conclusion

Reconnecting your HP wireless printer doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you use the touch display, the HP Smart app, or WPS, you can get your printer back online within a few minutes. Understanding why disconnections happen and following a structured approach can save you a lot of frustration.