Basic troubleshooting for wireless setup

Wireless printers require that you install the printer’s software onto your computer before printing.

There are a few basics when it comes to wireless printing:

• Wireless printing only works with wireless-enabled printers.
• While your printer won’t be connected to your computer using any cables, the printer will need to be connected to a power source.
• You will need a computer connected to a wireless router.
• You will need to install printer software drivers on your computer in order for it to communicate with your printer.

Not sure if your printer supports wireless printing? Check its manual online or find a new wireless HP printer.

The Wireless Setup Wizard method requires your network name (or SSID), as well as your encryption key or WPA passphrase.

The Wireless Setup Wizard method requires your network name, or SSID (Service Set Identifier) as well as your encryption key or WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) passphrase.

• If you can’t remember your network name or passphrase, check the back or side of your wireless router. You may have to refer to the router’s user manual, or, if you got your router as part of an internet/cable/phone package, you could also try contacting your service provider.

Get more help with your wireless router.

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup method requires a wireless router that supports WPS setup. Some feature an integrated push-button to make the WPS method easier.

If you followed the steps but didn’t press the WPS button in time, you can simply start the steps over again from the beginning.

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup method requires a router that supports WPS setup. Some common roadblocks:

• Followed the steps but didn’t press the WPS button in time. No problem! Simply start the steps over again from the beginning.


• Not sure if your router supports WPS setup. To see if your router supports it, check its manual.


• WPS router doesn’t have a push-button. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use the WPS setup. If your router does not have a push-button, consult the router’s manual for how to enable WPS through its software settings.


• Attempted the WPS method on a WEP- or non-encrypted wireless network. Doing so can cause the setup to fail—or it may change the encryption of the router to WPA, creating a new password.

If you suspect this may have happened, you will need to consult your router’s manual for details on resetting your network password.

Learn more about printing to an encrypted wireless network.

You might consider downloading up-to-date drivers rather than using the CD shipped with your printer.

Do not connect or remove the USB cable too soon! Make sure that when you install the software, you follow the steps provided.

The USB cable setup wireless setup method has you temporarily connect your printer to your computer using the USB cable. Once the setup is complete, you will remove the USB cable to print wirelessly. Some setup issues may include:

• Installation process seems slow. It is important to know that installation may take up to 30 minutes on some computers. To speed it up, try restarting your computer before installing the software. Also, make sure there are no other applications running.


• Software will not load or does not offer USB setup method as an option. The software shipped on your CD may have been updated since it was created. One of the easiest fixes is to download up-to-date drivers from HP.com.


• Connected or removed the USB cable too soon. This can cause the computer to think the printer is already connected or can interrupt the installation process. Make sure that when you install the software, you follow the steps provided, including when to connect and disconnect the USB cable.

Note that this is an older wireless setup method. There are newer wireless connection methods that are much easier and require fewer steps. It’s recommended you try these first.

Having software issues? The fix may be as easy as downloading and installing your printer’s up-to-date drivers from HP.com.

In order to connect your computer to your wireless printer, you’ll need to install the printer driver (also known as its software). Here are some basic troubleshooting tips:

• Restart your computer and make sure all applications are closed before starting your software installation.


• Make sure your computer is connected to your wireless router.


• Download and install your printer’s up-to-date drivers from HP.com.


• Finally, make sure your operating system is current. In Windows, use Windows Update. For Mac OS, use Software Update.

Still having trouble? Check out these frequently asked questions about wireless connections.

You might consider downloading up-to-date drivers rather than using the CD shipped with your printer.

Do not connect or remove the USB cable too soon! Make sure that when you install the software, you follow the steps provided.

If your wireless printer used to work but stopped, try these simple suggestions:

Check your printer

• Check to see if the wireless indicator icon is lit. If it isn’t, try to turn on the printer’s wireless using the control panel or touchscreen.


• Check for error messages—if there is one, consult your printer’s manual to determine the next step.


• Unplug the printer’s cord from the back of the computer for 30 seconds before restarting.
• Print a Wireless Network Test Report.

Check your computer

• Download and install your printer’s up-to-date drivers from HP.com.
• Make sure your computer is connected to the router.
• Make sure any newly installed security software isn’t blocking your computer’s access to your printer. If it is, you’ll need to reinstall the HP software.

Check your wireless router

• Your printer may not be receiving a strong enough signal from your router. Try moving them closer to one another, making sure to limit what is in between them, such as long distances, walls, or other wireless devices and appliances.
• Learn more about improving a weak signal from your wireless router.

For more post-setup troubleshooting tips, visit the Wireless Printing Center.

There are many more resources available if you are still having trouble connecting your wireless printer:

• Visit the Wireless Printing Center for help setting up your wireless HP printer and home network.
• Visit the HP Support forum to ask questions or see if others have experienced (or solved!) your problem.
• Speak to HP customer support.