Connect your HP Deskjet to WiFi in three steps

Most HP Deskjet printers connect to WiFi through the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app on your phone or computer. The process takes about five minutes and requires your WiFi network name and password. Once connected, you can print from any device on the same network without plugging in a USB cable.

The exact steps depend on whether your printer has a touchscreen. Printers with a screen — like the Deskjet 3755 or 4155 — let you connect directly from the panel. Older models or those without a screen use the HP Smart app instead. Both methods work equally well; the app method just requires a smartphone or computer nearby during setup.

Key Takeaways

  • HP Deskjet printers with a touchscreen connect to WiFi through the printer's menu; models without a screen use the HP Smart app on your phone or computer.
  • You will need your WiFi network name and password before you start, and the printer must be powered on and within range of your router.
  • After connecting once, the printer remembers your WiFi network and reconnects automatically when powered on.
  • If the connection fails, restart both the printer and your router, then try again — most connection problems clear up this way.

Connect using the printer's touchscreen (if your model has one)

Look at the front of your printer. If you see a small color screen with buttons or a touch surface, follow these steps. If your printer has only physical buttons and no screen, skip to the HP Smart app section below.

Press the WiFi button on the printer's control panel — it usually shows a WiFi symbol. The screen will display a list of available networks. Find your network name (also called the SSID) in the list and tap it. The printer will then ask you to enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. Type carefully, as passwords are case-sensitive. Once entered, the printer will attempt to connect. A checkmark or "Connected" message means success.

If your network does not appear in the list, make sure your router is powered on and within 30 feet of the printer. Move the printer closer to the router and try again. Some routers broadcast a 5 GHz network and a 2.4 GHz network separately; HP Deskjet printers work best on 2.4 GHz, so select that network if you see both options.

Connect using the HP Smart app (for printers without a screen)

read the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Microsoft Store, depending on your device. Open the app and select "Add a printer." The app will search for printers on your network. When it finds your Deskjet, tap it to select it.

The app will guide you through connecting to WiFi. You will enter your network name and password into the app, and the app sends this information to the printer wirelessly. The printer does not need to be connected to your computer or phone by USB cable during this process — it communicates with the app over a temporary direct connection. Once the printer connects to your WiFi network, the app will confirm the connection and you can close it.

If the app cannot find your printer, make sure the printer is powered on and close to your router. Restart the printer and try searching again. Some older Deskjet models may require a USB connection to set up WiFi the first time; check your printer's manual if the app method does not work.

Verify the connection and print a test page

After the printer connects, print a test page to confirm everything works. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your Deskjet in the list, and click "Print a test page." On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click "Print Test Page." On a phone or tablet, open any app that prints (like Photos or a web browser), select your printer from the print menu, and send a test document.

If the test page prints, your connection is working. The printer will now appear in the print menu on any device connected to the same WiFi network. You do not need to repeat the setup process — the printer remembers your network and reconnects automatically when you power it on.

Troubleshoot a failed connection

If the printer cannot connect or loses connection frequently, start by restarting both devices. Power off the printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. This clears temporary connection problems that cause most failures.

Check that you entered the WiFi password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive and spaces count, so a single typo will prevent connection. If you are unsure of your password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or log into your router's settings page through a web browser on your computer. Move the printer closer to the router — walls, metal objects, and distance weaken the signal. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, make sure you are connecting to the 2.4 GHz network, as older Deskjet models do not support 5 GHz.

If the printer still will not connect after restarting both devices and confirming the password, reset the printer's network settings. On printers with a touchscreen, go to Settings > Network > Restore Network Settings. On printers without a screen, hold down the WiFi button for 10 seconds until the light blinks rapidly. Then repeat the connection process from the beginning. If problems continue, check the HP support website for your specific model number — some older printers have known issues that require a firmware update.

Understand what happens after you connect

Once your Deskjet is on your WiFi network, you can print from any computer, phone, or tablet on that same network. You do not need to install drivers or software on every device — most modern operating systems recognize the printer automatically. If a device does not find the printer, install the HP Smart app on that device and it will locate the printer.

The printer stays connected as long as it is powered on and within range of your router. If you move the printer to a different room or a different WiFi network, you will need to reconnect it using the same steps. If you change your WiFi password, the printer will lose connection and you will need to reconnect it with the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to connect my HP Deskjet with a USB cable after I set up WiFi?

No. Once the printer is connected to WiFi, you can remove the USB cable if you used one. The printer communicates with your devices over the network. You only need the USB cable if you want to print from a device not on your WiFi network, or if you need to troubleshoot a connection problem.

Can I connect my HP Deskjet to a 5 GHz WiFi network?

Most HP Deskjet printers only support 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both frequencies, select the 2.4 GHz network during setup. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, you will need to enable the 2.4 GHz band in your router settings, or the printer cannot connect.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the network name and password. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, log into your router through a web browser on your computer by typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into the address bar. You can then view or change your password in the router settings.

Will my printer stay connected if I turn it off?

Yes. The printer remembers your WiFi network even when powered off. When you turn it back on, it automatically reconnects to the network. You do not need to set up the connection again unless you change your WiFi password or move to a different network.

Can multiple people print to the same HP Deskjet?

Yes. Any device on your WiFi network can print to the printer. Family members, guests on your network, and any of your own devices can all send print jobs to the same Deskjet without any additional setup.