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To connect an HP printer to a laptop wirelessly, connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network, then add it using the HP print app available for your laptop’s operating system. Keep the printer and laptop on the same network. The exact steps and available features depend on the printer model and operating system.
Before you start
- Check that your specific HP printer supports wireless networking; not every model can join Wi-Fi.
- Turn on the printer and have your Wi-Fi network name and password ready.
- Connect the laptop to the Wi-Fi network you want the printer to use. Place both devices near the router during setup.
- Turn on Bluetooth on the laptop so the HP app can detect the printer during setup.
- Visit HP’s print app setup page to find the app available for your laptop’s operating system. HP app replaces HP Smart where available; HP Smart remains available on some systems, so the app name and availability vary.
Connect using the HP app
- Install and open the HP print app available for your laptop.
- Choose the option to set up a new printer or add a device.
- Select your printer when it appears, then follow the prompts to connect it to Wi-Fi.
- If the printer does not appear, restore its Wi-Fi setup mode using the instructions for your model, then retry the app setup. HP says to add the printer within two hours after restoring setup mode.
HP says its app automatically installs the drivers needed to operate the printer, so a separate driver installation is not always necessary.
Other ways to connect the printer to Wi-Fi
Wireless Setup Wizard
If your printer has a touchscreen and supports the feature, open its Setup, Network, or Wireless settings and select Wireless Setup Wizard. Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter its password. Control-panel menus and feature availability vary by model. After the printer connects, add it to the laptop in the HP app.
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WPS can connect the printer without manually entering the Wi-Fi password, but both the printer and router must support it. Follow the printer’s model-specific instructions to start WPS mode, then press the router’s WPS button within the setup window. If either device lacks WPS support, use the app or Wireless Setup Wizard instead.
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Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct connects a device directly to the printer rather than through the usual shared Wi-Fi network. It can be useful when a guest network prevents devices from communicating with one another. Check your printer’s instructions for its Wi-Fi Direct network name and password. For a typical home setup, connecting both devices to the same router network is the simpler default.
Fix common wireless setup problems
The laptop cannot find the printer
- Confirm that the laptop and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
- Move the printer closer to the router and retry detection.
- Restore Wi-Fi setup mode using the instructions for your printer model, then add the printer in the HP app within two hours.
- If discovery still fails, restart the printer, laptop, and router, then check the network match again.
If the printer is near the router but still has weak coverage, an extender may help only if Wi-Fi range is the actual problem; it is not a required part of setup.
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- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
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The printer appears offline or will not print
For some Windows and macOS issues, the HP app’s Diagnose & Fix feature can address problems involving offline status, print queues, the spooler, ports, or driver updates. It covers the issues HP lists, not every possible connection fault.
Setup still fails
Consult HP support for your exact printer model and the error shown on screen. Wireless capabilities, supported bands, button sequences, and menu labels differ by model, so a universal reset or button combination may not apply.
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- HP'S MOST INTUITIVE COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – Smoothly navigate your printer with the easy-to-use 2.4" touchscreen
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
Choose the setup method that fits your printer
| Method | Use it when | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| HP app | You want the guided general setup route. | The app available for your laptop’s operating system, Wi-Fi credentials, and a printer that supports wireless networking. |
| Wireless Setup Wizard | Your printer has a touchscreen and offers the wizard. | Access to the printer’s control panel and Wi-Fi network name and password. |
| WPS | Both your printer and router support WPS. | The printer’s model-specific WPS instructions and access to the router’s WPS button. |
| Wi-Fi Direct | A direct printer connection is useful, such as when a guest network blocks local device communication. | The printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network name and password. |
HP describes the goal as connecting a printer to a local Wi-Fi network so you can print wirelessly from a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. The available route depends on the printer’s features and your network configuration.
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- AFFORDABLE COLOR PRINTING – Print everyday color documents like to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes
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- ICON LCD – Print your basic documents with ease from the intuitive control panel
- PRINT SPEED – Up to 8.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
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