how to connect deskjet 3050a to network without a computer, only have ipad

[Magik999]

How do I connect desk jet 3050a to my network I only have an IPad

[Magik999]

In the absence of any replies I presume there is no technical solution. Luckily I have come up with a low tech answer - borrow someone else's computer. The original question is still valid - for those, like me, who only have an IPad but still want to print stuff. I did some research before I decided which printer suited my needs but there was nothing on the box or in any of the reviews which said I needed a disk drive to connect to a network.

[Travis_C]

Hello Magik999

The Deskjet 3050A would need a computer unless your router supports WPS. If it does you should be able to use it to setup the printer to the network. Else during installation on a computer it will ask you to attach it via USB and at that point it recieves the wireless settings.

What router are you using?

[Magik999]

Hello Travis, thanks for your reply. I am in the UK and have a BT homehub3, I have no idea if it supports WPS, actually I have no idea what WPS is. I have managed to sort the problem by borrowing a computer from a friend and managed to get the printer on my network. Luckily without the need for a USB cable as the IPad does not have a USB port! Thanks for your time.

[Travis_C · Accepted solution]

Hello Magik999

Good news! After a quick google search it seems the BT Home Hub 3 has a WPS button. WPS stands for Wireless (Wi-FI) Protected Setup. Its an easy method to connect your device to your printer. On the printer Control panel click the wrench then in the Wireless settings you should find your way to Wireless Setup. You should find two options 1. WPS button and 2. PIN. Choose the WPS button method. Then push the WPS button on the HomeHub and it should connect.

From my experience it can sometimes take a few tries. The link below has a diagram showing what the WPS button looks like on the Router.

BT HomeHub 3 WPS

[Magik999]

Thanks very much. All sorted now but would have been nice if HP could have included that on the setup instructions.

[Travis_C]

Hello Magik999

You're welcome! Glad I could be of assistance. This is just my opinion but maybe its because most people with wireless routers have computers. Not saying I haven't seen some people with only tablets or smart phones. So I think it was just that was the most common setup method for the printer.

When you say "setup instructions" do you mean the setup poster or the instruction manual? Cause I did locate WPS info in the PDF of the manual. Its a good source if you have any problems in the future of course feel free to start a new thread. Hopefully you don't have any issues.

Deskjet 3050A Manual

-Travis