Unable to find HP printer after power cut - cannot find on Wi-Fi or print apps, cannot add printer

[MartinS-C]

After a power cut the HP printer will not see the router nor the PCs wifi connection. Router has been restarted. I have tried several HP apps and none are working. I cannot get the PC's wifi to find or add the printer.  Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @MartinS-C 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for sharing the situation—I’m really sorry your printer lost connection after the power cut. You’ve already done a great job restarting the router and trying the HP App. When a printer drops off the network like this, it often needs a fresh wireless setup to re-establish communication. 

Let’s walk through a clean recovery to get everything talking again.

Step-by-Step: Reconnect HP Printer to Wi-Fi After Power Cut

1. Reset the Printer’s Network Settings

This clears any saved Wi-Fi profiles and puts the printer into setup mode.

• Turn on the printer and wait until it’s idle.
• Press and hold the Wireless button (or Wireless + Cancel, depending on model) for 5 seconds.
• The blue wireless light should start blinking—this means it’s ready to connect.

 

2. Reconnect Using the HP App

1. Open the HP App on your Windows PC or mobile device.
2. Tap Add Printer or Set Up a New Printer.
3. The app should detect your printer as “Setup”.
4. Select your correct Wi-Fi network and enter the password carefully.
5. Wait for the blue light to turn solid—this confirms connection.

Make sure your PC or phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want the printer to use.

 

3. Restart the Printer and PC

• After setup, restart both the printer and your computer.
• Open the HP App again and confirm the printer shows as Ready and Connected.
• Try printing a test page from Printer Properties or the HP App.

 

4. Check Windows Printer Settings

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add device if the printer isn’t listed.
3. Select your printer and set it as Default.

Let me know how the printer responds after the reset and HP App setup. I’ll guide you further based on what happens next. You deserve a smooth, reliable print experience—and I’m here to help you get there.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye