How to Fix HP Printer Cannot Find Wireless Network?

If your HP printer cannot find your wireless network, it can interrupt printing, scanning, and other connected services. Wireless issues are common but usually easy to resolve with the right troubleshooting steps.

Common Reasons Why HP Printer Cannot Find Wireless Network

Before fixing the issue, it’s important to understand the common causes:

Wi-Fi router is turned off or too far from the printer
Incorrect wireless password
Printer not in wireless setup mode
Outdated printer firmware
Router using unsupported frequency (5GHz only)
Network name (SSID) is hidden
HP printer software not installed properly

Identifying the root cause helps you apply the correct solution.

Check Wireless Setup Mode on HP Printer

Make sure your HP printer is in Wireless Setup Mode.

Steps to enable Wireless Setup Mode:

Turn on the printer.
On the printer control panel, go to Wireless Settings.
Select Restore Network Settings or Wireless Setup Wizard.
The blue wireless light should start blinking, indicating setup mode.

If your printer does not show the Wi-Fi name, resetting network settings often resolves the issue.

Verify Router and Network Settings

Your router configuration plays a major role in wireless connectivity.

Ensure the router is powered on.
Move the printer closer to the router.
Make sure the router broadcasts a 2.4GHz band (most HP printers do not support 5GHz-only networks).
Restart your router and wait 2–3 minutes before reconnecting.
Check that the network name (SSID) is not hidden.

If your network is hidden, manually enter the SSID during setup.

Download and Install HP Printer Software

If your HP printer cannot detect wireless networks, installing the latest HP software can fix driver-related issues.

Steps to Download and Install:

Turn on your printer and computer.
Connect the printer via USB temporarily if needed.
Download the latest HP printer drivers compatible with your model.
Run the installation file and follow on-screen instructions.
Choose Wireless Connection during setup.
Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

The software helps automatically configure wireless settings and update firmware.

HP Smart Login and Signup Setup

Using HP Smart improves wireless management and troubleshooting.

How to Login or Signup:

Install HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device.
Open the app and select Sign In.
If you don’t have an account, select Create Account.
Verify your email and complete registration.
Add your printer inside the dashboard.

HP Smart allows you to manage wireless settings, run diagnostics, and check printer status.

Activate HP Printer After Setup

After connecting to Wi-Fi, activation ensures your printer works correctly.

Open HP Smart.
Select your printer.
Follow prompts for activation or firmware verification.
Print a test page to confirm successful setup.

If activation fails, restart both printer and router and try again.

Update HP Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can prevent your HP printer from detecting wireless networks.

Steps to Update Firmware:

Open HP Smart.
Go to Printer Settings.
Select Advanced Settings.
Click Printer Update or Firmware Update.
Install available updates.

Firmware updates improve network compatibility and security.

Troubleshooting HP Printer Wireless Not Working

If the issue continues, try these advanced troubleshooting steps:

Perform a full network reset on the printer.
Assign a manual IP address from router settings.
Disable firewall temporarily during setup.
Reset router to factory settings (if necessary).
Connect using WPS button method (if supported).

Also ensure your printer and device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

HP Printer Customer Support and Service Options

If your HP printer still cannot find the wireless network, you may need professional assistance.

HP Customer Support can help with:

Wireless configuration assistance
Driver installation guidance
Account login or activation issues
Printer not working errors
Hardware service and repair

Before contacting support, keep your printer model number and serial number ready.

Fix Hidden Wireless Network Issue

If your Wi-Fi network is hidden:

Access printer Wireless Setup Wizard.
Choose Enter New Network Name (SSID) manually.
Enter the exact network name.
Select security type (WPA/WPA2).
Enter password carefully.

Make sure the password is case-sensitive.

Reset HP Printer Network Settings

A complete network reset can resolve most detection issues.

Steps:

Turn printer on.
Press and hold Wireless + Cancel buttons (varies by model) for 5 seconds.
Wait until wireless light starts blinking.
Reconnect using HP Smart.

This removes old saved networks and refreshes connection settings.

Prevent HP Wireless Issues in the Future

To avoid similar problems:

Keep printer firmware updated.
Restart router monthly.
Avoid frequent Wi-Fi password changes.
Place printer within strong signal range.
Use a stable 2.4GHz network.

Regular maintenance ensures smooth wireless printing.

Conclusion

If your HP printer cannot find a wireless network, the issue is usually related to network settings, outdated drivers, hidden SSID, or firmware problems. By resetting network settings, installing updated HP software, logging into HP Smart, activating your printer, and updating firmware, you can restore wireless connectivity quickly.