Desk Jet 4100 series wont set up through smart app

[parkfish24]

My Desk Jet 41290e printer has not connected to network for last couple of weeks.  I have tried numerous ways to

reconnect but none work.  Printer report says wireless is turned on.  I have deleted the printer but although the HP Smart App finds the printer, after going through all the set up process it just says it cannot connect?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @parkfish24,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP DeskJet 41290e printer is showing as wireless on, but you’re unable to set it up through the HP Smart app. Let’s go through some steps to resolve this.

Power Cycle Printer and Router

Turn off your printer and unplug it from the power source.

Turn off your router for 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

Plug in and power on your printer.

Confirm Printer is in Setup Mode

Even if the wireless light is on, make sure it is blinking to indicate setup mode.

Press and hold the Wi-Fi button until it starts blinking to enable network setup.

Update HP Smart App

Make sure you have the latest version of the HP Smart app installed.

Sometimes an outdated app can fail to complete the connection.

Check Network Compatibility

Ensure your Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz, as many HP printers do not support 5 GHz-only networks.

Make sure the printer is within range of the router with minimal interference.

Reconnect via HP Smart App

Open HP Smart > select Add Printer > follow prompts carefully.

Enter the exact Wi-Fi password (check for uppercase, lowercase, or special characters).

Temporarily Disable Security Software

Antivirus or firewall settings on your PC or phone can block setup.

Temporarily disable them while connecting the printer.

Perform a Network Reset on the Printer (if needed)

Press and hold the Wi-Fi and Cancel buttons simultaneously for about 5–10 seconds.

Re-attempt setup via the HP Smart app.

Check for Interference

Avoid having other wireless devices nearby that might interfere with the setup process.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[parkfish24]

After going through the processes advised the HP Smart App still says it is unable to connect printer.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @parkfish24,

thanks for confirming that you’ve already tried the standard steps. Since your DeskJet 4120e is still not connecting through the HP Smart app even after setup mode and network resets, here are a few advanced troubleshooting steps you can try:

Verify Printer is Truly in Setup Mode

On the 4120e, press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button together for about 5 seconds until the Wireless light blinks.

This performs a network reset and forces the printer back into setup mode.

Use Wi-Fi Direct to Check Connectivity

On your phone or PC, look for a Wi-Fi network called DIRECT-xx-HP DeskJet 4120e.

Connect to it using the Wi-Fi Direct password (printed on the info page if you press the Information button (i)).

If you can connect, the printer’s wireless radio is working fine → the issue is between printer and router.

Check Router Settings

Ensure your Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz enabled (many HP printers do not connect to 5 GHz).

Disable MAC Address Filtering if enabled.

Temporarily turn off WPA3 security if your router is set to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.

Ensure the SSID (network name) is broadcasting and not hidden.

Connect via WPS (workaround if Smart app fails)

On the printer, press and hold the Wireless button until it blinks.

On your router, press the WPS button within 2 minutes.

The printer should automatically connect to the network (steady blue light).

Open HP Smart → Add Printer.

Update Firmware

If you can temporarily connect via USB, install the HP Easy Start tool from 123.hp.com.

Run firmware updates – many connection issues are firmware-related.

Try Another Device

Sometimes the HP Smart app has issues on one device. Try completing setup from a different phone or PC (Android / iOS / Windows).

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,