Connect Printer WiFi

[Foldart]

Hello. I've just changed my ISP to Vodafone. The Router they use is called a Power Hub. With my previous ISP my HP2542 printer worked fine with the Router. Unfortunately the HP2542 printer will not connect to the Vodafone Power Hub Router WiFi network. So it looks like I will need a new printer. I am interested in a HP2820e . Are you able to confirm that the HP2820e will have no problems connecting to the WiFi network via the Vodafone Power Hub Router. Many thanks 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Foldart,

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 2820e printer is having trouble connecting to the Vodafone Power Hub Wi-Fi network. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Check Wi-Fi band compatibility

Ensure the Vodafone router’s 2.4 GHz network is active, as the 2820e only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Some routers combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz into one SSID; try splitting them if possible.

Reset the printer’s network settings

On the printer, press and hold the Wireless + Cancel buttons for 5 seconds to reset Wi-Fi settings.

This clears any previous connection data and prepares the printer for a new network connection.

Use the HP Smart app to reconnect

Open the HP Smart app on your smartphone or computer and follow the prompts to connect the printer to your network.

Select the correct 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and enter the password carefully.

Enable legacy/compatibility mode on the router

In the Vodafone Power Hub settings, make sure b/g/n compatibility mode is enabled.

This ensures older devices like the 2820e can join the network successfully.

Restart devices

Power off the printer and router, then turn them back on.

Retry connecting the printer after both devices have fully restarted.

Test connection stability

Once connected, try printing a test page or scanning to ensure the connection remains stable.

If intermittent issues occur, temporarily reduce the distance between printer and router.

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,

[Foldart]

Hi Kuroi. Many thanks for the reply and information. I don't know if you've not read or understood my question, or I haven't explained well. I have at present a HP2542 printer. It worked fine with my last ISP and their router. Changing my ISP to Vodafone means I now have a different router. When I try to connect using the HP software it sees my router let's me continue but when it gets to the end it fails. I have reset the printer and the Vodafone Router has a "Compatibility " setting that allows WPA2, WPA3 and IPv4, IPv6 2.4GHz and 5GHz and automatic settings but instalation via the HP software it still fails. The main part of my question was if I purchased a new HP2820e printer could I be 100% sure that it would connect using the HP software. I can access and use the HP2542 printer using it's IP address but would like to have the printer functioning via the HP software. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi · Accepted solution]

Hi @Foldart,

Yes, the HP DeskJet 2820e will connect without issue, as long as the Vodafone router has 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi enabled (which it does).

The 2820e is a newer Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) printer and fully supports WPA2/WPA3 mixed security, which is what your Vodafone router uses.
Your current printer (HP 2542) uses older Wi-Fi security, and this is why it fails at the final step even though it “sees” the network.

The HP 2542 only supports:

WPA/WPA2-PSK (older AES/TKIP)

802.11 b/g (not n) compatibility issues on modern routers

No support for WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 hybrid, which Vodafone uses by default

This means:
It can see your Wi-Fi
It cannot authenticate properly → installation fails at the last step.

You can print only by IP access because the connection doesn’t use full authentication.

Will the HP 2820e Fix This?

Yes, because it supports:

WPA2 / WPA3

Mixed security networks

Modern routers like Vodafone Power Hub

HP Smart setup + full driver support

So you will be able to use the HP software normally, not just print via IP.

Optional: If you don’t want to buy a new printer…

You might be able to connect the HP 2542 by changing one router setting:

Disable WPA3 and force WPA2 only
If your Vodafone router allows this (some do, some don’t).

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,

[Foldart]

Apologies for the delay in replying. As I do not use the printer on a regular basis I have decided to use it directly via the USB socket. Many thanks