HP9020 wireless network connection error

[FawwazMohammed]

HP 9020 printer

I have been getting this error that appears: "An ethernet cable has not been detected. Make sure that both ends of cable are inserted correctly."

There is no way to make any progress to setup wireless printing again, because it always comes back to this error. The wireless network icon does not appear in the settings. This printer was never set up as a wired printer; its always been wireless, connected to my home wifi router.

How can I setup wireless printing again?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @FawwazMohammed 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining that so clearly—this is a known quirk with the HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series, where the wireless icon and menu disappear, and the printer gets stuck in a loop asking for an Ethernet cable, even if it’s always been used wirelessly. Let’s walk through a few steps to bring back the wireless setup option:

🔄 Step 1: Restore Network Settings to Default

This clears out any stuck configuration that might be forcing the printer into Ethernet-only mode.

1. On the printer’s touchscreen, tap the Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Network Setup > Restore Network Settings.
3. Confirm the reset and wait for the printer to reboot.

🌐 Step 2: Re-enable Wireless via Embedded Web Server (EWS)

If the wireless icon still doesn’t appear:

1. Temporarily connect the printer to your PC using a USB cable.
2. Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer’s settings to find its IP address.
3. Open a browser on your PC and enter that IP address to access the Embedded Web Server.
4. Navigate to Network > Wireless Setup and enable Wi-Fi or Wireless Direct.
5. Restart the printer and check if the wireless icon returns.

🧼 Step 3: Power Cycle Everything

• Turn off the printer, unplug it for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Restart your router and PC as well.
• Once the printer powers back on, check if the wireless icon appears.

Let me know how far you get with these steps. If the wireless menu still doesn’t return, we can try a firmware recovery or escalate to HP support with a reference to this known issue. 

You’re not alone in this—and we’ll get your printer back on Wi-Fi.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye