Skip to main content
Sign in

How to Connect Your Computer to an HP Printer

Anne

Overview This article walks you through connecting an HP printer to your computer via Wi‑Fi (recommended), USB, or Ethernet. It also covers adding the printer in Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, plus common troubleshooting.

What You’ll Need

  • The HP printer powered on, with ink/toner installed and paper loaded
  • Your Wi‑Fi network name (SSID) and password (for wireless)
  • A USB cable (for USB setup)
  • Network cable and an available router/switch port (for Ethernet)
  • An internet connection to download the HP Smart app or drivers

Prepare the Printer (First-Time Setup)

  1. Unbox and remove all packing materials, including inside the cartridge area and paper tray.
  2. Install ink/toner cartridges and load paper.
  3. Turn the printer on and complete any on‑screen setup prompts.
  4. Place the printer near your router for initial wireless setup.

Choose Your Connection Type

  • Wireless (Wi‑Fi): Best for cable‑free printing from multiple devices.
  • USB: Simple, reliable, single‑computer connection.
  • Ethernet (Wired network): Stable network printing for shared/office environments.

Wireless Setup with HP Smart (Recommended) HP Smart automates most steps on Windows 10/11, macOS 12+ and ChromeOS (via Google Play on supported devices).

  1. Download HP Smart:
    • On Windows/macOS: Visit 123.hp.com to get HP Smart, then install it.
    • On ChromeOS: Install HP Smart from the Google Play Store (if supported), or add the printer via OS settings (see “Add the printer to your computer”).
  2. Open HP Smart and sign in or create an HP account (optional but recommended).
  3. Prepare the printer for Wi‑Fi setup:
    • If brand new, it’s likely already in setup mode.
    • If previously connected to another network, restore network defaults from the printer’s Wireless/Network settings menu. (Menu wording varies by model.)
  4. In HP Smart, select Set up a new printer. The app will search for printers in setup mode.
  5. When prompted, enter your Wi‑Fi password and allow HP Smart to configure the printer.
  6. Complete the on‑screen steps to finish setup and enable optional services (e.g., firmware update, print/scan shortcuts).

USB Setup

  1. Install HP Smart from 123.hp.com or run HP Easy Start if prompted.
  2. Connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable when the installer asks. Avoid using USB hubs for initial setup.
  3. Follow on‑screen prompts to finish driver installation.
  4. If your OS auto-detects the printer before installing HP Smart, you can still install HP Smart later for scanning and utilities.

Ethernet (Wired Network) Setup

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the printer to your router or network switch.
  2. Wait about 1 minute for the network light to stabilize.
  3. Install HP Smart on your computer and add the printer. You can also add it from your OS printer settings using the printer’s IP address (see below).

Optional: WPS (Wi‑Fi Protected Setup) If your router supports WPS:

  1. Put the printer in WPS mode (often by pressing the Wireless/Wi‑Fi button until it blinks; details vary by model).
  2. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
  3. After the printer connects, add it to your computer (see next section). Note: WPS availability and behavior differ by router/printer model; consult your manuals.

Add the Printer to Your Computer

Windows 10/11

  • Using HP Smart (recommended): Open HP Smart and add the printer. This will install drivers and scanning tools.
  • Using Windows Settings:
    1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    2. Click Add device. Select your printer and click Add.
    3. If not found, choose Add manually > Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname, then enter the printer’s IP address.

macOS (Monterey 12 and later)

  • Using HP Smart (recommended): Open HP Smart and add the printer.
  • Using System Settings:
    1. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
    3. Select your printer. For “Use,” choose AirPrint (or HP driver if offered), then Add.
    4. For manual IP add: choose IP, enter the printer’s IP address, and select the appropriate protocol (generally AirPrint or HP Jetdirect - Socket).

ChromeOS

  1. On your Chromebook, go to Settings > Printing > Printers.
  2. Click Add printer. If your printer appears, select it.
  3. For manual add, click Add nearby printer > Add manually and enter the printer’s IP address and details.
  4. Optionally use HP Smart (if supported on your Chromebook) for guided setup and scanning.

Find the Printer’s IP Address

  • From the printer control panel: Check the Network or Wireless menu, or print a Network Configuration/Status page.
  • From HP Smart: Open the printer details to view network information.
  • From your router’s connected device list.

Troubleshooting

Printer not found in HP Smart or OS

  • Make sure the printer is powered on and on the same network as your computer.
  • For wireless: Connect the computer to the main 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz SSID (avoid guest or isolated networks). Many HP printers support 2.4 GHz only.
  • Move the printer closer to the router for initial setup.
  • Restart the printer, router, and computer.
  • Temporarily disable VPNs and, if allowed, security software/firewalls to test discovery.
  • Restore the printer’s network defaults, then retry setup in HP Smart.
  • Use Ethernet or USB as a fallback if wireless discovery fails, then enable wireless from the printer’s Embedded Web Server (advanced).

Driver or printing issues

  • Install or update HP Smart from 123.hp.com.
  • On Windows, run HP Print and Scan Doctor (from HP Support) to auto‑diagnose.
  • On macOS, remove and re‑add the printer; ensure “Use: AirPrint” or the HP driver. As a last resort, reset the printing system (System Settings > Printers & Scanners > right‑click list > Reset printing system), then re‑add.
  • Update printer firmware via HP Smart or the printer control panel.

Can’t scan

  • Install HP Smart for full scanning support.
  • On Windows, ensure the HP scanner driver is installed; use HP Scan in HP Smart.
  • On macOS, use HP Smart or Image Capture (AirPrint scanners).

Enterprise or campus networks

  • Some networks block device discovery. Use Ethernet or request IT assistance to allow mDNS/Bonjour or to obtain a static IP and add the printer by IP.

FAQs

Do I need the internet to print?

  • USB and Ethernet printing can work without internet once drivers are installed. Wireless setup typically needs internet to download HP Smart/drivers.

Can I connect to 5 GHz Wi‑Fi?

  • Many HP printers support 2.4 GHz only; check your model specs. If your router combines bands, the printer will connect to the supported band automatically.

How do I reset wireless settings on the printer?

  • Use the printer’s control panel: Network or Wireless settings > Restore Network Defaults (wording varies). See your model’s user guide for exact steps.

Where do I get drivers?

  • Go to 123.hp.com for HP Smart and recommended drivers, or visit support.hp.com and search your model.


 

Comments

0 comments

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Powered by Zendesk