My hp 4100 deskjet printer is connected to wifi, but apparently not to the internet. I'm lost.

[GraceAndFavor]

My hp 4100 deskjet printer lost connection to wifi several weeks ago when my ISP did a major update. No idea what happened, but, after days of trying to fix it and print-out after useless print out not helping,  I have only been able to print using usb to my laptop. HP was absolutely no help at the time, it said (electronically, of course) my printer was out of warranty. Full stop. Now it's time to charge me for InstaPrint and HP discovers my printer is not active. After almost half-an-hour of buffering, I decided to uninstall HP Smart from my mobile and reinstall it. That worked and I was able to follow instructions and get the printer reconnected to my WIFI network. Now HP is saying not connected to the internet. I think that means I won't be able to get ink, but not sure if that's all it means. I don't understand why I'm connected to wifi but not to internet. When I try to resolve I have to choose between "wifi connection or offline?" What does offline mean? Is that the same as not connected to internet? My printer is out of warranty, I suspect HP has no will to really help me so that I will be forced to buy a new printer (this one's about 4 years old), also my Chromebook is no longer doing updates. It works fine, but it's not getting updates. I'm really lost in all this. Is it fixable or do I need to buy a new printer or have I connected to the wrong network (it's my network, but should I be connected to the internet through the Xfinity network?) I do have SSID and password for that, but that's completely different from how it was several weeks ago. Why can't I just use the wifi on my own network as I always did and just supply my own ink? I don't want to spend money on a new printer right now.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @GraceAndFavor,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're having with your HP Deskjet 4100 printer. It sounds frustrating, but let’s see if we can help troubleshoot and resolve the connectivity issue so that you can continue using your printer without needing to purchase a new one right away. Here are some steps and considerations that might help:

1. Confirm Network Status

First, ensure that your WiFi network itself has a working internet connection. Sometimes, the issue might be with the WiFi network rather than the printer. You can test this by using a device connected to the same network to browse the internet.

2. Verify Printer Connection to WiFi

Since you reinstalled HP Smart and successfully reconnected the printer to your WiFi, it's important to check if the printer maintains a stable connection to your WiFi network:

• Print a Network Configuration Page or Wireless Test Report from the printer’s control panel (usually found under a "Wireless," "Network settings," or "Reports" menu).
• This report should show the IP address of the printer and its connection status. Verify if the printer shows as connected with a valid IP address.

3. Ensure Correct Network Selection

Make sure the printer is connected to the correct WiFi network, the one that has internet access. Sometimes, similar network names (SSIDs) can lead to confusion. Double-check that the SSID matches the one used by your other devices that have internet access.

4. Router and Printer Restart

• Restart your router: This can help resolve minor connectivity issues and refresh your network.
• Restart your printer: After your router comes back online, restart your printer to allow it to reconnect to the network afresh.

5. Check for Firewall/Antivirus Interference

Sometimes, security settings on your router or antivirus software on your network can block the internet access for specific devices like printers:

• Check the router’s settings to see if there are any access controls or firewall settings specifically blocking the printer.
• Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software to check if that’s causing the issue.

6. Update Printer Firmware

• If possible, try to update the firmware of your printer. You might need to do this from a computer via USB if the printer can't access the internet.

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!

Rachel571 

HP Support

[GraceAndFavor]

Thank you, Rachel571, I appreciate the time and work you put into researching this response. Have a nice day.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @GraceAndFavor,

Thank you so much for your response. I am glad the issue is resolved.

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

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!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Rachel571 

HP Support