How to Fix HP Printer Network Printer Not Connecting After Router Reset?

When you reset your Wi-Fi router, all previously connected devices—including your HP printer—lose their saved network settings. As a result, your HP printer may appear offline or fail to reconnect to the wireless network. This issue is common and can be resolved by reconfiguring the printer’s network settings, updating drivers, and ensuring proper installation.

Why HP Printer Stops Connecting After Router Reset?

A router reset restores factory default settings, which can:

Change the Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
Update or remove the Wi-Fi password
Modify security settings (WPA2/WPA3)
Assign a new IP address range
Disable previously connected devices

Because of these changes, your HP printer can no longer recognize or connect to the updated network automatically.

Step 1: Restart All Devices

Before performing advanced troubleshooting, restart everything:

Turn off your HP printer.
Restart your Wi-Fi router and wait until internet lights stabilize.
Restart your computer or laptop.
Turn the printer back on.

This simple reset often restores the connection automatically.

Step 2: Reconnect HP Printer to Wi-Fi Network

After a router reset, you must reconnect the printer to the new Wi-Fi network.

Using Printer Control Panel (Touchscreen Models)

Open Setup or Wireless Settings.
Select Wireless Setup Wizard.
Choose your new Wi-Fi network name.
Enter the updated Wi-Fi password.
Confirm and wait for connection success message.

Using HP Smart App (Windows/Mac)

Install or open HP Smart.
Click Add Printer.
Follow on-screen instructions.
Select your new network and enter password.

This method ensures secure and proper network configuration.

Step 3: Restore Wireless Setup Mode

If your printer does not appear during setup, reset its wireless mode.

For most HP printers, press and hold the Wireless button + Cancel button together for 5 seconds.
The blue light should start blinking, indicating setup mode is active.

Then repeat the HP Smart setup process.

Step 4: Update HP Printer Drivers

After a router reset, your printer driver may conflict with new network settings.

How to Update HP Printer Driver:

Open Device Manager (Windows).
Expand Printers.
Right-click your HP printer.
Select Update Driver.
Choose automatic update option.

Alternatively:

Uninstall the printer.
Restart computer.
Reinstall using HP Smart software.

Updated drivers help resolve network detection problems.

Step 5: Set Printer as Default & Check IP Address

Sometimes the printer connects but shows offline.

Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click HP printer.
Select Set as Default Printer.
Click Printer Properties > Ports Tab.
Verify IP address matches your new router network.

If IP has changed, re-add printer using correct IP address.

Step 6: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Security software may block printer communication.

Temporarily disable antivirus.
Turn off Windows Firewall.
Test printer connection.

If it works, add HP printer as a trusted device.

Step 7: Reset HP Printer Network Settings

If connection still fails:

Open printer Setup Menu.
Select Restore Network Settings.
Confirm reset.
Reconnect using Wireless Setup Wizard.

This clears old network data completely.

HP Printer Login and Account Setup

To manage your printer services:

Create or log in to your HP account via HP Smart.
Register your printer.
Access warranty, firmware updates, and support options.

HP account activation helps manage connected devices and cloud printing services.

Download and Install HP Printer Software

If your printer is not working after router reset:

Uninstall old printer drivers.
Restart system.
Download latest HP Smart software.
Install and follow setup instructions.
Connect printer to Wi-Fi during installation.

Proper installation ensures smooth network communication.

HP Printer Not Working After Router Reset – Troubleshooting

If your HP printer still shows offline:

Ensure both devices are on same Wi-Fi network.
Avoid connecting printer to guest network.
Move printer closer to router.
Ensure router is using 2.4 GHz band (many printers don’t support 5 GHz only networks).
Restart Print Spooler service (Windows).

These troubleshooting steps fix most post-reset issues.

Update Router Settings for Better Compatibility

Check router configuration:

Enable DHCP.
Enable SSID broadcast.
Use WPA2 security (recommended).
Avoid MAC address filtering.
Restart router after changes.

Proper router settings improve printer stability.

HP Printer Customer Support and Service

If none of the steps work:

Contact HP Customer Support.
Check warranty status.
Request remote troubleshooting.
Schedule service if hardware issue is detected.

HP service experts can guide you through advanced diagnostics.

Prevent Future Network Issues

To avoid similar problems:

Do not frequently reset router.
Keep Wi-Fi password recorded.
Update printer firmware regularly.
Use static IP assignment if needed.
Maintain router firmware updates.

Regular maintenance prevents unexpected connection failures.

Conclusion

If your HP printer is not connecting after a router reset, the issue usually relates to changed network settings. By reconnecting the printer to Wi-Fi, updating drivers, restoring wireless setup mode, and adjusting router settings, you can quickly restore functionality.