HP Printer Not Connecting to Wi-Fi? 11 Fixes That Actually Work in 2026

Last updated: November 9, 2026

Short answer: An HP printer usually won't connect to Wi-Fi because of the router (a new password or network name, 5 GHz-only or band steering, WPA3-only security), weak signal, or stale network settings on the printer. Restart the router, then the printer; make sure a 2.4 GHz network is available; restore the printer's network defaults; and reconnect with HP Smart or the printer's Wireless Setup Wizard. Most connection problems are fixed in under 15 minutes.

Below are the 11 fixes we use most, ordered from fastest to most thorough, plus answers for specific symptoms.

Why Won't My HP Printer Connect to Wi-Fi?

HP printers lose Wi-Fi for predictable reasons: the router was replaced or its password changed, the router reassigned the printer's IP address, the network switched bands, a Windows or macOS update reset the driver, or the printer's wireless radio is in a confused state. If it worked before and suddenly stopped, start with Fix 1; if you changed your router or internet provider, jump to Fix 9 (restore network defaults) and Fix 3 (reconnect).

1. Restart the printer, router and computer in order

Turn off the printer, unplug the router for 60 seconds, plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot (about 2 minutes). Then turn on the printer, and finally restart your computer. Try printing.

2. Make sure a 2.4 GHz network is available

Many HP printers — especially budget and older models like the DeskJet 2700 series — only use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi; newer models often support both bands. If your router combines both bands under one network name, the printer usually finds 2.4 GHz on its own, but band steering can get in the way. If setup keeps failing, temporarily split the bands or disable 5 GHz in the router during setup.

3. Re-run the Wireless Setup Wizard from the printer

On printers with a touchscreen: Setup (gear icon) → Network Setup / Wireless Settings → Wireless Setup Wizard, then choose your network and enter the password. For printers without a screen (like the DeskJet 2700e), put the printer into setup mode (often by holding the Wireless button until the light flashes) and use the HP Smart app.

4. Use HP Smart to reconnect

Open HP Smart on your phone or computer, choose Add printer (or select your printer → Printer Settings → Wireless setup), and follow the prompts. HP Smart handles most reconnection issues without touching the printer panel. HP's official wireless troubleshooting guide is worth bookmarking too.

5. Check router settings: band steering, MAC filtering and security mode

Band steering can push devices onto 5 GHz, MAC filtering blocks unknown devices (including a printer you just reset), and some older printers can't join a network set to WPA3-only. In your router settings, temporarily disable band steering and MAC filtering, and use WPA2 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.

6. Move the printer closer to the router during setup

Walls, microwaves and metal furniture weaken 2.4 GHz signal. Pair the printer within 10–15 feet of the router, then move it back.

7. Reserve a fixed IP address for the printer

Routers sometimes reassign IP addresses so your computer "loses" the printer. In the router's DHCP settings, reserve an IP for the printer's MAC address so it keeps the same address.

8. Reinstall the HP driver

On Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → your HP → Remove, then download the latest driver for your exact model from HP's support site (or re-add the printer through HP Smart). On Mac: remove the printer in System Settings → Printers & Scanners and add it again.

9. Restore the printer's network settings

On printers with a screen: Setup → Network Setup → Restore Network Settings / Restore Network Defaults. On many screenless models (DeskJet 2700e, 4100e, ENVY 6000e), press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons together for about 5 seconds until the lights flash; check HP's support page for your model's exact button combination. This clears saved Wi-Fi details so you can start fresh.

10. Update printer firmware

Outdated firmware can cause "won't reconnect after a router change" problems. Check for updates in HP Smart (Advanced Settings → Tools → Printer Updates) or on the printer. If you use non-HP cartridges, read how HP firmware updates can block third-party ink before updating.

11. Factory reset the printer

If nothing else works, do a full factory reset (steps vary by model — search your model plus "factory reset" on HP's support site), then set it up fresh in HP Smart.

HP Printer Not Detecting Wi-Fi (Network Doesn't Appear)

If your network isn't in the printer's list, the printer can't see it: the router may be broadcasting only on 5 GHz, the network may be hidden, or the signal is too weak. Enable 2.4 GHz, unhide the network name during setup (or enter it manually), and move the printer closer.

HP Printer No Longer Connecting to Wi-Fi After a Router Change

A new router, a new internet provider or a changed Wi-Fi password means the printer is still looking for the old network. Restore network settings (Fix 9) and reconnect with the new network name and password (Fix 3 or 4).

HP Printer "Not Connected to Internet"

This message usually refers to HP's web services (HP Smart cloud printing, ePrint, Instant Ink), not local printing. Your printer can be on Wi-Fi and print locally while web services can't reach HP. Check that the router has internet access, restart the printer, and in the printer's Embedded Web Server or HP Smart, re-enable Web Services. Instant Ink and HP+ printers need an internet connection to keep printing.

HP LaserJet Pro Not Connected

On LaserJet Pro models, print a Network Configuration or Wireless Test Report from the control panel to see the IP address and any error. Use the Wireless Setup Wizard on the panel, or connect with an Ethernet cable temporarily and configure Wi-Fi through the printer's Embedded Web Server (type its IP address into a browser).

Can't Connect to an HP Wireless Printer From Your Computer

If the printer is on Wi-Fi but your computer can't find it, make sure both are on the same network (not a guest network), turn off any VPN, and add the printer again through HP Smart or by IP address. If it shows as offline, see why your printer keeps going offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I print a wireless test report on an HP printer?

On touchscreen models it's under Setup → Network/Wireless → Print Report. On many screenless models, press the Wireless and Information buttons together. The report shows signal strength and the reason for any failure.

Can I use my HP printer without Wi-Fi?

Yes — connect with a USB cable, or use Wi-Fi Direct to print from a phone without a router.

Why does my HP printer keep dropping off Wi-Fi?

Weak signal, a changing IP address, or the printer's deep sleep mode are the usual causes. Reserve an IP address and move the printer closer to the router.

Still Not Working?

If the printer connects but won't print, the issue is the driver or the queue — see why is my printer offline? or why is my printer idle? Once you're back online, check your HP ink levels. Castle Ink stocks remanufactured HP 63, 64, 65, 67, 910, 952 and dozens of other HP cartridges, free shipping over $50 and a 1-year guarantee.

See also: Printer Ink Cost Calculator | Which printers work best with compatible ink