Deskjet All-In-One 2600

[Birdahoy]

I have contacted Geek Squad and Century Link for my printer that cannot use the 5g network in my home. I have to switch from 5g to 2.4g (I think) in order to get a wireless print to happen. I now use a usb cord from the printer to my HP laptop in order to print anything. What confuses me - a lot - is that I use to be able to print from my laptop to the All-In-One without a problem. Then, one day, it changed. 

Is there a HP printer that can use the 5g network without all the mickey mouse work needed to use the wireless connection in my house? I really like my printer, except for the instructions, and don't want to change. However, I don't like going into my laptop and make the change. It makes me nervous. I don't want to mess with the innards of the machine. Suggestions? 

[Max3Aj]

Hi @Birdahoy, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

Your HP DeskJet 2636 only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which is why it cannot connect to a 5 GHz network. If your router automatically switches between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, your printer may have lost its connection when your network settings changed.

Why Did It Work Before?

• Some routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz on the same network name (SSID). If this was the case, your printer may have been connecting to 2.4 GHz, but then something changed—perhaps your router updated or was reset.
• If your router now separates the two bands into different names (e.g., “MyWiFi” for 5 GHz and “MyWiFi_2.4G” for 2.4 GHz), your printer would need to connect to the 2.4 GHz network manually.

How to Fix It Without Replacing Your Printer

Check Your Router Settings

• Log in to your router’s admin page (usually found at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser).
• Look for Wireless Settings → SSID Names → Ensure 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz have different names (e.g., “HomeWiFi” and “HomeWiFi_2.4G”).
• If your router only uses one name for both, see if there’s a way to disable band steering or manually force devices to 2.4 GHz.

Reconnect Your Printer to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

• Press and hold the Wireless button on your printer until the Wi-Fi light starts blinking.
• Run HP Smart on your laptop and select Set Up a New Printer.
• Choose your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

Disable Auto-Switching on Your Laptop
If your laptop is switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, you can try:

• Manually selecting the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network whenever you need to print.
• Disabling "Auto-connect" to the 5 GHz network while printing.

However, I recommend fixing the Wi-Fi setup first rather than buying a new printer, as your DeskJet 2636 is still working well.
 

I hope this helps. 😊

Take care and have a good day. 😇

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support