HP printer won’t connect to app to start printing

[Taylor751]

I just bought this printer and it won’t connect via wifi or wireless. On the HP app it gets stuck on the finding IP address screen and then says it was unable to find the IP address. I’ve tried all the things. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@Taylor751 

Welcome to the HP Community --

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Network

Your network might be newer than what the printer is expecting

Open

 User Guide

Page 48

NOTE: The HP Deskjet 2540 series only supports connections using 2.4GHz

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Dual Band Network - Considerations

Reminders 

Some printers, particularly older models, only support 2.4GHz

Some printers support both 5GHz and 2.4GHz – but not at the same time

Regardless, if the printer won't work or cannot connect to your 5GHz frequency, try 2.4GHz.

If you are running a Dual Band Network,

 Check that the router is set up to broadcast all frequencies it supports.

Next,

If your router supports it,

 Create a separate SSID named network for each frequency

For example, Create an SSID network for 5GHz and an SSID network for 2.4GHz

and

 Connect the printer to the SSID network on the frequency / band you want it to use.

In general,

• 2.4GHz is less fussy about obstacles and supports a longer distance (separation) between router and device (printer)
• 5GHz is faster

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HP Smart - Windows

You did not include your Operating System / version.

The following is relevant to supported versions of Windows.

Once the printer is able to connect to the network,

HP Smart might be able to find the printer that is now connected to that network.

HP Smart - Windows - Application

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

OR

Open the Homepage / Support Website for your printer

Category Software and Drivers > Check/ Get the App

>>> How to Use >>> HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

>>> Terms of Use >>>  HP Smart – formally HP Connected – Services Terms of Use

NOTES: 

• Read the Terms of Use document to understand the conditions of using HP Smart products.  For example, in the HP Smart application, find the link in HP Smart > Settings (gear) > About > Click on the link for Terms of Use
• Read FAQ - including - What are the requirements to set up a printer using the HP Smart app?
• If using VPN >>Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.
• Enable Bluetooth for an HP Smart app setup: Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device so that HP Smart can detect the printer during the setup.  Source: How to scan with an HP printer > FAQ > Why can't I connect my wireless printer or scan over the network?
• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.
• When working through a Browser to access HP Smart, be sure you have Cookies enabled.  If cookies are enabled and you are having trouble, clear Cache and Cookies.   And / Or … Try a different Browser – assign that Browser as the Default. (Note:  Chrome not working?  Use / Assign a different default Browser.)
• Where possible, HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.
• “Share” to email – Before using Share, add your sender email address to the Windows Mail application

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
    • Which languages does the HP Smart app support?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the required login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

Help Here:  Unable to download and install the HP Smart printer app

and

Check / Update  >> Every device (computer(s) and mobile) where HP Smart is installed should be running the latest version of the HP Smart application available for that device platform (Operating System / Version).

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HP Smart - Mobile

HP Smart Mobile (for tablet, phone) might work with this printer once the printer is connected to the network.

There are some requirements -- for example, the printer must be on the same network as the device you are using.  Note that the speed / frequency / band does not have to be the same -- For example, your network will sort out how to connect your slower printer to your faster phone.

Mobile Printing – Mobile Options for Printers

Start here

Print from your Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire device with the HP Mobile printing app.

Open the section for your printer series > Find your printer and supported applications.

HP Printers - Mobile Printing Solutions Compatible with HP Printers

HP Smart (Mobile) >>> Download / Install - How-to - and FAQ

HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

Read the FAQs

For example: 

What is the HP Smart app and its requirements?

And / or

What if my cloud printer is missing, offline, or unavailable in the HP Smart app?

And / or

Why can't I connect my wireless printer or print over the network?

>>> Terms of Use >>>  HP Smart – formally HP Connected – Services Terms of Use

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References / Resources

Printer Specifications for HP Deskjet 2540, 2545 Printers

 HP Wireless Printing Support

 HP Deskjet Printers - Blinking Lights (Older models – Deskjet 25xx)

Restore Wi-Fi setup mode on your HP printer See the one-minute summary video to the top of the document.

Troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection to an HP printer 

 HP - Wireless Printing Center > Common Questions > Wireless Connection Issues

AND

 HP - Wireless Printing Center – Static IP Address

Some of the more common remedies grouped here:

 HP - Wireless Printing Center > Common Questions > Printer no longer works on network

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

Open

HP Deskjet 2541 All-in-One Printer 

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