HP OfficeJet 4630 Printer

[RI123]

Hello,

My printer suddenly stopped connecting to Wi-Fi. I tried everything to correct it, including contacting my internet service provider, etc., and spent more than eight hours trying to resolve the issue. It won’t accept my internet password either. What is the problem?

[Dragora]

Hi  RI123

The problem is likely related to one of the following issues, which can be more complex than a simple restart:

1. Router and Printer Compatibility/Settings

Since the HP OfficeJet 4630 is an older model, its wireless technology may be less compatible with newer router settings, which can cause password rejection even if the password is correct.

• 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: The HP OfficeJet 4630 only supports the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. If your router uses a single name (SSID) for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (a feature sometimes called "band steering" or "self-organizing network"), the printer may struggle to connect and mistakenly think the password is wrong.

  • Solution: You may need to access your router settings (often through a web interface, your ISP should be able to guide you) and separate the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks by assigning them different names (e.g., "MyNetwork-2.4GHz" and "MyNetwork-5GHz"). Then, try connecting the printer to the 2.4 GHz network name.

• Security Protocol: Some older devices have trouble with the newest WPA3 security or even default WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode.

  • Solution: In your router settings, try changing the security mode for the 2.4 GHz network to WPA2-PSK (AES) or just WPA2. Note that some users with this specific printer model have even reported success with WPA (a less secure option) when the password was repeatedly rejected.

• MAC Filtering: Check your router settings to ensure MAC address filtering is disabled. If it's enabled, the printer's unique hardware address must be manually added to an "allow list," which is a common cause of connectivity failure.

2. Printer Network Configuration Errors

Even if you entered the correct password, a corrupted setting on the printer itself could cause the connection attempt to fail.

• Restore Network Settings: The most crucial troubleshooting step for the printer side is performing a network default restore (or "network factory reset"). This clears all prior Wi-Fi data and puts the printer into a clean state for a fresh connection attempt.

  • Process (General HP OfficeJet 4630 Steps): From the printer's control panel, go to Setup (wrench icon) > Network or Wireless Menu > Restore Network Settings or Restore Defaults. Then, use the Wireless Setup Wizard to reconnect.

3. Other Checks

• Move Closer: Ensure the printer is within a reasonable range (less than 26 feet) of the router, especially during the initial setup.

• Update Firmware: Although you need a connection to do this, outdated printer firmware can cause compatibility issues. If you can temporarily connect the printer to a computer with a USB cable, you might be able to use the HP Smart App or HP Support website to check for and install a firmware update.

• Password Complexity: While usually fine, some older printers can have issues with very long passwords or those containing special characters that aren't letters or numbers. If possible, try temporarily using a simple password (e.g., eight to ten letters/numbers) and see if the printer accepts it.

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The reason you can't connect and the password isn't accepted is most likely due to a mismatch between the HP OfficeJet 4630's older wireless specifications (specifically 2.4 GHz only and security protocol limitations) and your current router's advanced settings.

This video provides a detailed guide on how to perform the wireless setup for your printer model.

HP Officejet 4630 Wireless Setup | HP Printer Setup | 123.hp.com/setup | DSK

I hope the above is helpful!

[RI123]

How do I check MAC address filtering? The light on internet connection of the printer blinks and it appears to be connecting to a MAC network, which I don’t understand at all. What is MAC?

[Dragora]

Hi RI123

You're likely getting confused by the term "MAC." Your printer isn't connecting to a "MAC network," but its connection problem might be related to a MAC Address filter.

Here's an explanation of what MAC is and how to check for MAC Address Filtering on your network.

What is a MC Address?

The term MAC stands for Media Access Control.

• It is a unique physical identifier assigned to every network interface card (like the one in your printer, phone, or computer) by the manufacturer.

• It's a permanent code, often formatted like this: A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6.

• Every device that connects to your network has one. Your router uses MAC addresses to track and control access to the local network.

The blinking light simply means your printer's wireless connection is trying to link to your Wi-Fi but is currently unsuccessful.

How to Check MAC Address Filtering

MAC Address Filtering is an optional security feature on your router (your Wi-Fi box) that blocks all devices from connecting unless you manually enter their MAC Address into an "Allow List." If this filter is active, your printer is being blocked, causing the light to blink.

To fix this, you need to find your printer's MAC Address and then log into your router to check the setting.

Step 1: Find Your Printer's MAC Address

1. On your HP OfficeJet 4630, navigate to the Wireless or Network Settings menu.

2. Look for an option to Print Information or Print Network Configuration Page.

3. Print the page. The document will list the network details.

4. Find the entry labeled "Hardware Address (MAC)" or "Wireless MAC Address." Write this number down.

Step 2: Check Your Router's Settings

The exact steps vary by router brand, but the general process is the same:

1. Access the Router: Open a web browser on your computer and type your router's default gateway IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar.

2. Log In: Enter the router's administrator username and password. (If you haven't changed it, this is often "admin," "user," or found on a sticker on the router itself).

3. Find the Filter: Navigate through the settings. Look for sections labeled "Security," "Wireless Settings," or "Access Control."

4. Locate the option named "MAC Filter," "MAC Address Filtering," or "Access List."

Step 3: Disable or Add the Address

Once you find the filter, you have two options:

1. Disable the Filter (Recommended): If you don't use this feature for security, simply turn MAC Filtering Off or set it to Disabled. This will allow your printer to connect immediately.

2. Add the Address: If you want to keep the filter on, select the option to Add New Device and enter the MAC Address you got from your printer (Step 1). Save the settings, and your printer should be allowed to join the network.

After either step, try connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi again. The blinking light should turn solid blue, indicating a successful connection.

I hope the above is helpful!

[RI123]

Thank you. I’m going to try it later and report back if it successfully corrected the problem.

[RI123]

I had the strangest experience. I printed the configuration report, went to settings on my phone in attempt to find my router ip address because I was unable to find it on the router itself, and located a network connection referencing the printer, so I clicked on it, connected to it, and my printer now works even though it still lists the MAC address as the connection on it and indicates “wireless off”.  What do you make of this?

[Dragora]

Hi RI123

That's a fantastic observation! You didn't connect to your router; you connected your phone directly to the printer using a feature called Wi-Fi Direct.

Here is what is happening and why your printer now works:

1. What You Connected To (The "MAC Network")

The "network connection referencing the printer" you found and connected to is the printer's built-in Wi-Fi Direct signal.

• Wi-Fi Direct (or HP Direct): This feature allows your phone or computer to connect to the printer without needing a home Wi-Fi network (router). It creates a direct, local network link.

• The MAC Address Connection: When you look at the connection details on your phone or computer after connecting this way, the printer's unique MAC Address is often used as the identifier because it's the most basic, hard-coded network address. It's not a MAC network (referring to Apple Mac computers); it's an address label for the printer.

• "Wireless Off" Indication: The printer's control panel says "Wireless Off" because it is indicating that the printer is not connected to your home Wi-Fi router (your main network). However, the internal Wi-Fi radio is definitely ON to broadcast the Wi-Fi Direct signal you connected to.

2. Why Your Printer Now Works

Your printer works because you are now sending print jobs directly from your phone to the printer over the Wi-Fi Direct connection, bypassing your home router entirely.

Connection Summary:

Old Way (Failing)	Your Current Setup (Working)
Phone/Computer $\rightarrow$ Home Router (Wi-Fi) $\rightarrow$ Printer (Blocked by MAC filter/Connection issue)	Phone/Computer $\rightarrow$ Wi-Fi Direct Signal $\rightarrow$ Printer (Direct connection)

After clarifying your doubt and in this case since you have already managed to connect your printer, I would appreciate it if you would mark the post with my answer as solved, Thank you.

I hope the above is helpful!

[RI123]

Thank you 😊 

[Dragora]

Hi RI123

Now that your question has been answered and you've successfully connected your printer, I would greatly appreciate it if you could mark my post as resolved. Best regards and good luck!!!

Thanks for reading!