Can't connect printer to wi-fi and can't print from laptop when plugged in because I am out of ink.

[Coulson24]

Hey there! My wife and I were gifted a printer a few years ago that we have never been able to set up. We have moved to a new home and figured we should try again. I plugged my Dell PC in to the printer and did a test page which worked well except for the fact that I am now out of ink. I am trying to set up a free trial of HP instant ink but it says I have to follow a link through emailed to me and go through my HP Smart app. The problem is that it's asking for a printer password and I've tried everything I can think of and nothing has worked. So, I have no ink, no wi-fi connection and need to get this figured out. Any ideas how to get around or reset the password so I can add the printer to my HP Smart account?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Coulson24,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you’re dealing with several issues related to setting up and using your HP printer. Let's break down the steps you can take to address these problems and get your printer back in action:

1. Reset Printer Password

If you’re having trouble with the printer password, you can reset it or bypass it with the following steps:

Reset Printer to Factory Defaults:

• Find Reset Option: Many HP printers have a reset option in the settings menu. This option is often located under Setup, Tools, or Printer Maintenance on the printer’s control panel.
• Factory Reset: Follow the prompts to restore factory settings. This will reset the printer's network settings and might resolve password issues.

Use the HP Smart App:

• Reinstall HP Smart: Make sure you have the latest version of the HP Smart app installed on your computer or smartphone.
• Add Printer: Open the HP Smart app, select Add Printer, and follow the prompts to connect it to your network. You may be able to bypass the password requirement if the app can automatically detect the printer.

2. Connect Printer to Wi-Fi

Without ink, you might need to set up the printer for wireless printing using an alternative method. Here’s how to connect it to your Wi-Fi network:

Use the Printer’s Control Panel:

• Access Wireless Setup: On the printer’s control panel, look for a wireless or network setup menu. It’s often found under Settings or Network.
• Select Wireless Setup Wizard: Choose the Wireless Setup Wizard option, and follow the prompts to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

Use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup):

• Enable WPS: If your router supports WPS, press the WPS button on your router.
• Connect Printer: On the printer, select the WPS option from the wireless settings menu. The printer should automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Use a USB Cable Temporarily:

• Connect Temporarily: If possible, connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable temporarily. This allows you to configure network settings and install necessary drivers.
• Configure Settings: Use the printer software or HP Smart app to set up the Wi-Fi connection.

3. Address the Ink Issue

Since you’re out of ink, you’ll need to replace the cartridges to test printing:

Install New Cartridges:

• Purchase Ink: Buy the appropriate ink cartridges for your printer model. You can often find these at office supply stores or online.
• Install Cartridges: Follow the instructions provided with the cartridges to install them into your printer.

Use Printer’s Maintenance Mode:

• Check Ink Levels: Use the printer’s control panel to check the ink levels once new cartridges are installed.
• Run Calibration: Some printers have an option to run a calibration or alignment process, which can help ensure proper printing after changing cartridges.

4. Set Up HP Instant Ink

Once the printer is connected to Wi-Fi and has ink installed:

Complete Registration:

• Follow Email Link: Use the link provided in the email from HP Instant Ink to complete the registration process.
• Log In: Log into your HP Smart account and follow the prompts to activate your free trial.

Add Printer to HP Smart:

• Open HP Smart: Open the HP Smart app and add your printer by following the on-screen instructions. The app should guide you through connecting to your HP Instant Ink account.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support