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HP printers are more advanced than ever before, with the ability to print high-resolution images and documents from even mobile phones. However, connecting the printer to your wifi connection can be challenging if you’re doing it for the first time, so below are some tips that will make it easier.
This utility gives you the ability to automatically connect the printer to wireless networks. Many users like this approach since it doesn’t involve having to deal with cables or manually entering network wireless settings such as the password or username. To do it, you must first install the correct software:
Step 1: Head to HP’s Support Page where you can find the software for the printer model you use. You’ll need to download it, locate it on your computer, and then install using the instructions that appear on the screen.
Step 2: Once you’ve installed the software, activate your printer and run it.
Step 3: When you’re asked for the Network type connection (Wireless/Ethernet), select wireless then press the option “Yes, send my wireless settings to the printer (recommended).”
Step 4: Wait a few moments for the printer connection to occur. Once it is complete, press the Finish button and your printer should be ready to go.
Use the Wireless Wizard Setup
It is also possible to connect with the HP printer via the Wireless Wizard Setup which can be found in the control panel under the printer. However, this method can only be used with HP models that have graphics displays.
Step 1: Turn on the printer
Step 2: Disconnect any Ethernet or USB cables from it.
Step 3: In the printer’s control panel, click your wireless icon. Alternatively, you can also click the Network menu.
Step 4: Now choose the wireless setting and select the Wireless Wizard Setup.
Step 5: Locate your network then enter your WPA or WEP key and press OK. If you don’t see the Wifi name on the list, you’ll want to manually select “Enter New Network Name.”
Use the Push Button WPS Connect
If the HP Printer and router are both WPS (Wifi Protected Setup) compatible, you can use the push-button feature to form a connection between the wifi and printer. This takes no more than two minutes.
Step 1: Locate the button for WPS on the printer and press it. If you don’t see this button, enter the control panel, find WPS there and click it. Select the printer’s wireless menu, and then select Wifi Protected Setup. Now follow the instructions which appear on the screen to complete it.
Step 2: Find the button for WPS on the router and press it. The computer might request a pin, and if so inspect the printer for it. If you don’t see your pin code on the printer, try getting it in the computer’s Wifi Protected Setup.
Connecting the Printer without Using a Router
It is not necessary to have a web connection to complete a print job. Thanks to HP Wireless Direct and Wifi Direct, documents can be printed via tablet, computer, or smartphone. The only thing you’ll require is a connection between your electronic device and the printer itself.
Some users are confused when it comes to the differences between HP Wireless Direct and Wifi Direct. Each feature allows the devices to make printer connections directly, but they are not exactly the same. Wifi Direct gives electronic devices the ability to maintain a simultaneous internet connection. However, it is not possible to gain network access with HP Wireless Direct.
How to Connect with HP Wireless Direct and Wifi Direct?
Step 1: Use the control panel for your printer to turn on both Wifi Direct and HP Wireless Direct. You can do this by selecting the direct wireless HP icon, or you can simply navigate to your Wireless Settings or Network setup where you can choose Wireless Direct, then activate your connection.
Step 2: If you’re using a mobile device or computer, you’ll want to connect to both HP Wireless Direct and Wireless Direct using the same technique that would be used for other wireless networks. However, bear in mind that the naming formats used for HP Wireless Direct and Wifi Direct is slightly different.
Step 3: You will be asked for the WPA2 password for both HP Wireless Direct and Wifi Direct, so you’ll need to make sure you have it.
Step 4: On the computer or mobile device, try opening an image or document and then selecting File and then Print to perform a test. For most mobile devices, you can select Print directly from its app menu. If it does not support printing, try installing the newest version of the HP Printer Service Plugin.
Additional Recommendations
If the printer encounters a connection issue or refuses to print, you’ll want to try updating the drivers for the HP printer. A driver is best thought of as a type of translator that acts as a liaison between the printer and computer, to maintain the interaction between both devices. As such, errors can occur should the driver become corrupt or outdated.
How to Manually Update the Printer Driver
You’ll want to begin by visiting the HP Support page where you can see the newest drivers that are available and then download them onto your computer, tablet, or smartphone. However, for those who don’t have the time or inclination to do this, it is also possible to update the printer driver automatically.
To do this you’ll want to download a program called Driver Easy, which will instantly detect the system and automatically locate the proper drivers on your behalf. To use it, do the following:
Step 1: Go to the official website for Driver easy than download it onto your computer.
Step 2: Click on the Driver Easy icon to run it then select “Scan Now.” The software will proceed to scan the computer and identify any problem drivers.
Step 3: Press the Update button which can be found by your printer driver so that the software can immediately download the proper driver version. You also have the option of performing a manual installation if you want.
Conclusion
Follow the steps above to connect your Hewlett Packard Printer to the wireless network. When using Driver Easy, you can also select Update All so that you can instantly download then install the proper driver version and correct any which are outdated or missing. However, some features require the Pro version which you’ll need to pay a small fee for, but it offers complete support along with the money-back thirty-day guarantee.
