What is a wireless HP printer?

A wireless printer contains a wireless adapter that can connect to a wireless network and allows computers and smart devices connected to that network to use the printer. Because the connection is wireless, you can place the printer in any convenient location in your home. It is important to make sure the location you chose for the printer provides a strong signal between the printer and the wireless router.

How does a wireless printer connect to my wireless network?

There are several methods used to connect hp printer setup printers to wireless networks. Printers which have displays typically provide a front panel Wireless Setup Wizard accessible from the Wireless Menu. The Wireless Setup Wizard will display a list of wireless networks detected. After you select the network you want the printer to connect to, you will be prompted to enter the wireless password (if the network is using security). Printers without displays will use a software driven process called USB Setup of Wireless which uses a temporary USB cable connection between the printer and computer to configure the printer. You will run the printer software on the computer and follow the software instructions which will guide you through getting the printer connected. Note the computer must be also connected to the wireless network. Another method common to printers with and without displays is Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). There are two methods available. The pushbutton method requires you to first initiate WPS on the printer and then push the WPS button on the router (if supported). If the PIN method is used, the printer will provide a PIN code which will be entered into the router.

HP Auto Wireless Connect

HP Auto Wireless Connect – 123.hp.com/setup Auto Wireless Connect is a technology that allows you to connect your printer to your wireless network automatically without having to connect any cables or enter your wireless network settings such as your network name or password. Many newer HP printers will have this capability during the standard software installation process.

To use this option, install the software for your printer and follow the onscreen instructions. When prompted, select the "Network (Ethernet/Wireless)" connection type and then choose "Yes, send my wireless settings to the printer (recommended)". That's it! The HP software will do the rest.

Not all computers or network configurations are compatible with HP Auto Wireless Connect. In these cases, an alternate wireless setup method will be offered. To be compatible with www.123.hp.com/setup Auto Wireless Connect, the following conditions must be met:

1. Your computer uses Windows Vista (and newer) and Mac OS X 10.5 (and newer).
2. Your computer uses a wireless connection to your network and the operating system is in control of the wireless adapter so that the HP Software can retrieve the computer's current network settings.
3. Your computer is connected to your network over 2.4GHz. NOTE: HP Printers are not compatible with 5.0 GHz networks. You may still be able to connect the printer to your network using other setup methods as long as your router also supports 2.4GHz (as most do). Please go to the section on Routers to learn more. Additional setup methods are shown on this page
4. Your computer does not use a static IP address
5. Your printer is in HP Auto Wireless Connect mode. The printer will be in this mode for two hours after it is first powered on during installation before it is connected to a network. TIP: If your printer has been powered on for more than two hour and the software has not yet tried to connect the printer to your wireless network, you can reset this mode by using the “Restore Network Settings” or “Restore Network Defaults” option from the printer control panel. Usually found under the Network menu or by touching the wireless icon (or button) and then going to “Settings” or gear icon. Refer to your printer documentation for more information on this.

Other environmental and technical factors may also affect whether HP Auto Wireless Connect is offered.

If hp printer setup Auto Wireless Connect is offered during the installation of your printer, it is the recommended setup method. Part of the setup process requires your computer to be temporarily disconnected from your wireless network. During this time you will not have Internet access. Be sure to save any online work and/or downloads before continuing with this setup method.

If HP Auto Wireless Connect is not offered during the software installation or if it is not successful, you will be guided to use another wireless setup method.

Connecting your wireless printer

1. Unpack your printer.
2. Follow the setup instructions to remove packaging.
3. Plug in the power cord, turn on the printer and install print cartridges. Allow the printer to go through its startup routine, including printing an alignment page (if applicable).
4. Choose one of the connection methods described below. If your printer supports it and you choose an Ethernet (wired) connection, connect it now and skip to installing printer software. Note:while using an Ethernet connection the printer's wireless system is disabled.

If you want to print wirelessly without a wireless router, learn about it here.