Connect an HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4201dw to a WiFi network that does not require/use a password

[IT-Terry]

I am an IT Manager trying to allow easy wireless printing from iPhone or Android mobile device to HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4201dw printer. The people who use this community printer are older.  To make things as easy as possible, the WIFI provided has NO PASSWORD. It is a completely separate network that does not connect to our data network in anyway so leaving the password blank is the easiest way for members to connect to the public WIFI and hopefully this printer.

The printer doesn't connect to the building's WIFI because the PRINTER REQUIRES a password.

The only way people have been able to connect is by WIFI Direct but in that case they must change their WIFI to the printer's built-in WIFI and enter the WIFI Direct password. Only then, does the printer appear as an option on their device or laptop.

My question is: Is there a way to avoid changing the WIFI network and simply leave it on the building's WIFI that everyone is already connected to despite that the building's WIFI has NO PASSWORD.  It is blank on purpose.

Is a password absolutely required?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @IT-Terry,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

Connecting an HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4201dw, or any printer for that matter, to a WiFi network typically requires the network to have some form of security, such as a password. This requirement is largely due to the manufacturer's design, which aims to ensure a basic level of network security for connected devices. HP printers generally expect a WiFi network to use some form of security protocol (like WPA or WPA2) that includes a password.

For your specific situation, where the network does not use a password by design to facilitate easy access for community users, this presents a challenge. Most printers, including the HP Color LaserJet Pro series, do not support connecting to an open WiFi network without any form of security due to the inherent security risks.

However, here are a couple of alternative solutions to consider:

• Create a Guest Network with a Simple Password: If possible, configure the router to create a separate guest network that is isolated from the main network but has a very simple, easy-to-remember password. This maintains network security while still offering relatively easy access. The password could be something straightforward related to the community or the printer itself.
• Use a Mobile Hotspot with a Password: Another workaround could be to set up a dedicated mobile hotspot that has a simple password. This hotspot would specifically be for the printer and any devices that need to connect to it for printing purposes. This approach also keeps the printer on a separate network, which can be a good practice for security and network performance.
• Network Configuration Adjustment: Some routers allow for the configuration of network settings to accept devices that do not support open networks. This is less common and would depend heavily on the capabilities of your network hardware. You would need to consult your router's documentation or support to explore this option.
• Physical Connection: Although not wireless, connecting the printer to the network via an Ethernet cable is a simple way to make it accessible without dealing with WiFi security settings. This approach, of course, limits the printer's placement to somewhere near an Ethernet port or requires running a cable to the desired location.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Rachel571 

HP Support