Error message: cannot print needs to be connected to wi-fi. We have no wifi: what can we do?

[SRDuke]

HP Envy 7640

Our printer was working fine even though we do not have wi-fi in our home. 

Now it refuses to print because it needs wi-fi to confirm ink status.

What can we do?

[Nal_NR]

Hi @SRDuke,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

To be able to answer you effectively, we need some information.

Are you enrolled in the instant ink program? If yes, this needs an active internet connection/Home WIFI.

If not try setting up your printer with WIFI-Direct. Click here

Keep me posted with more details for further assistance.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[SRDuke]

Thanks for the information.  🙂

We do not have any broadband or wi-fi available at our home: we are on a dial-up connection.

We are not subscribed to the instant ink programme.

The printer was working fine through the printer cable, but then it stopped printing because it apparently needs wi-fi "to confirm ink status"

I'd really like to keep this printer working!  It has to be able to do so without wi-fi.  Is there some setting somewhere that we can allow it to print without ever needing wi-fi?

Thanks!

🙂

Sylvia

[Nal_NR]

Hi @SRDuk,

If your printer requires a Wi-Fi connection to confirm ink status but you have a dial-up connection, you can try the following steps to get it working:

Check Printer Settings: Ensure that the printer is not set to use only Wi-Fi for ink status confirmation. Some printers allow you to change this setting to use the USB connection instead. Check your printer's manual or settings menu for this option.

Update Printer Firmware: If possible, update your printer's firmware. Sometimes, firmware updates can improve compatibility with different types of connections. Click here and select your current OS.

Use a Wi-Fi Hotspot: If you have access to a mobile phone or another device that can create a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can connect your printer to the hotspot temporarily to confirm the ink status. Be aware of any data charges that may apply.

Check Printer Compatibility: Confirm that your printer model is compatible with a dial-up connection. Some printers may require a broadband or Wi-Fi connection for certain features.

If this does not help, This might require one-on-one interaction to fix the issue via remote assistance on the phone. 

 If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!