If your HP printer is not showing on your wireless network, it can prevent you from printing, scanning, or accessing printer settings. This issue usually occurs due to network configuration errors, outdated drivers, incorrect setup, or disabled wireless settings.
Common Reasons Why HP Printer Is Not Showing on WiFi
Before fixing the issue, understand the possible causes:
- Printer not connected to the correct WiFi network
- Router connectivity issues
- Disabled wireless feature on printer
- Outdated HP printer drivers
- Firewall or antivirus blocking detection
- Incorrect network configuration
- Printer firmware not updated
Identifying the cause helps you apply the correct troubleshooting steps.
Check HP Printer Wireless Connection Status
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Follow these steps to verify the wireless status:
- Turn on your HP printer.
- On the printer control panel, check the Wireless icon.
- If the blue light is blinking, the printer is not connected.
- Open Wireless Settings from the menu.
- Select your WiFi network name (SSID).
- Enter the correct WiFi password.
- Confirm connection.
Once connected, the wireless light should stay solid.
Restart Devices to Refresh Network Connection
A simple restart often resolves network discovery problems.
- Turn off the printer.
- Unplug your WiFi router.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Plug the router back in and allow it to reconnect.
- Turn the printer back on.
- Restart your computer or mobile device.
This refreshes network settings and clears temporary glitches.
Run HP Printer Setup for Wireless Configuration
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You can reconfigure your printer using HP Smart:
- Install and open the HP Smart app.
- Click Add Printer.
- Select your printer from the available list.
- Follow on-screen instructions to reconnect it to WiFi.
- Complete setup and test print.
This method ensures proper wireless activation.
Update HP Printer Drivers and Firmware
Outdated drivers can prevent the printer from appearing on the network.
Steps to update:
- Open Device Manager (Windows).
- Locate your HP printer.
- Right-click and choose Update Driver.
- Install the latest driver version.
- Restart your computer.
You should also update printer firmware from the printer settings menu to ensure compatibility with your wireless router.
Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
Sometimes security software blocks printer discovery.
- Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus.
- Search for the printer again.
- If detected, add the printer to firewall exceptions.
- Re-enable security software.
This ensures the network allows printer communication.
Reset HP Printer Network Settings
If the printer still does not appear:
- Open printer control panel.
- Navigate to Network Settings.
- Select Restore Network Defaults.
- Confirm reset.
- Reconnect printer to WiFi using setup wizard.
Resetting clears incorrect network configurations.
HP Printer Login and Account Setup
For advanced features like remote printing and service management:
- Open HP Smart.
- Create or log in to your HP account.
- Register your printer.
- Activate web services if required.
Account login allows firmware updates, cloud printing, and troubleshooting access.
Activate HP Printer Web Services
If your printer supports web services:
- Open printer settings.
- Select Web Services Setup.
- Turn on Web Services.
- Follow activation instructions.
Activation helps improve online connectivity and network visibility.
HP Printer Not Working on Network – Advanced Troubleshooting
If the printer still does not show:
- Ensure both printer and device are on the same WiFi network.
- Check router frequency (2.4GHz is usually required).
- Assign a static IP address to the printer.
- Reinstall the printer completely and add it again.
- Use USB setup temporarily to reconfigure wireless.
These advanced steps fix persistent detection problems.
HP Printer Customer Support and Service Options
If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue:
- Contact HP Customer Support.
- Use HP Smart diagnostic tools.
- Schedule service if hardware issues are suspected.
- Check warranty status before requesting repair.
Professional assistance may be required if the wireless card inside the printer is faulty.
Prevent Future HP Wireless Network Issues
To avoid similar problems:
- Keep printer firmware updated.
- Maintain stable WiFi signal strength.
- Restart router occasionally.
- Avoid frequent network name or password changes.
- Keep printer drivers updated regularly.
Regular maintenance ensures smooth wireless performance.
Conclusion
When your HP printer is not showing on the wireless network, it is usually due to connection errors, outdated drivers, firewall restrictions, or incorrect network settings. By checking wireless configuration, updating drivers, resetting network settings, and using HP Smart for setup, you can quickly restore connectivity.
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