My printer does not get connected to my wifi. Please help!

[Ben222]

My printer does not get connected to my wifi. Please help. I have Android 16

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Ben222 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I’m really sorry your printer isn’t joining your Wi‑Fi. I know how frustrating it feels when everything should connect smoothly but the printer just refuses. 

Let’s walk through this together step‑by‑step and get it breathing on your network again. I’ll keep everything clear and simple.

Below are detailed steps you can try on your Android 16 device and on the printer itself.

1. Prepare the Printer

A fresh start often clears hidden connection blocks.

• Turn the printer off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
• Make sure it’s placed close to the Wi‑Fi router—walls or distance can weaken the signal.
• Ensure the printer is not connected to USB during wireless setup.

2. Reset the Printer’s Network Settings

This gives the printer a clean slate to join your Wi‑Fi.

• On the printer’s control panel, open the Wireless or Network menu.
• Select Restore Network Settings or Restore Wi‑Fi Setup.
• Wait for the printer to restart its wireless system.

(Names may vary slightly depending on the model, but the option will be in the Wireless or Settings area.)

3. Connect the Printer to Wi‑Fi from the Printer Panel

Let’s make sure the printer joins the correct network.

• Open the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer.
• Choose your Wi‑Fi name from the list.
• Enter the Wi‑Fi password carefully—slow, steady typing helps avoid mistakes.
• Wait for the confirmation message that the printer is connected.

If the printer shows a weak signal, try moving it closer to the router temporarily.

4. Prepare Your Android 16 Device

A smooth connection depends on the phone being ready too.

• Turn Wi‑Fi off and back on.
• Forget your Wi‑Fi network and reconnect to it.
• Make sure your phone is on the same 2.4 GHz network that the printer supports.
(Some routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Printers usually join only 2.4 GHz.)

5. Add the Printer Using the HP App

Since HP Smart has been replaced by the HP App, let’s use the updated method.

• Open the HP App on your Android device.
• Tap Add Printer.
• Allow Bluetooth and Location permissions—these help the app sense the printer nearby.
• When the printer appears, tap it and follow the on‑screen steps to finish the setup.

If the printer doesn’t appear, move your phone closer to the printer and try again.

6. Restart the Router

Sometimes the router needs a gentle refresh.

• Turn the router off for 15 seconds.
• Turn it back on and wait until all lights stabilize.
• Try connecting the printer again.

7. Check for Wi‑Fi Restrictions

A few router settings can block printers.

• Make sure MAC filtering is off.
• Ensure the Wi‑Fi password doesn’t contain unsupported characters.
• Confirm the network name isn’t hidden.

These settings can quietly prevent the printer from joining even when everything looks normal.

If you’d like, you can tell me your printer model and what step it gets stuck on. I’ll guide you further with the same care and clarity.

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