Network connectivity issue even when HP Smart says Printer is ready

[dcenn1974]

HP Smart Tank continues to give me an error that says it is waiting to connect to the network.  "Network connection error. Check network and try again."  I cannot print anything.  Both the laptop and printer are on the same network.  HP Smart recognizes the printer and the status says ready.  I have tried to restart both machines multiple times and have the same issue.  I have even conducted a factory reset on the printer and uninstalled the software and reinstalled it.  Ran all the reports and everything says it is fine.  Diagnostic tool says there is no issue.  

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @dcenn1974 

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

Thank you for walking me through everything you’ve already tried—resetting the printer, reinstalling the app, running diagnostics, and even checking reports. 

That shows real persistence, and I can imagine how frustrating it must feel when the printer says “ready” but still refuses to connect. Let’s go step by step to clear this network hiccup.

Here are some detailed checks and actions you can try:

Confirm Wi-Fi Band

• Ensure both your printer and computer are connected to the same 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. Many printers don’t maintain stable connections on 5 GHz networks.

Check IP Address Consistency

• On the printer’s control panel, print a Network Configuration Page.
• Verify that the IP address listed matches what the HP App shows.
• If the IP changes frequently, assign a static IP through your router settings.

Firewall and Security Software

• On Windows or macOS, temporarily disable firewall/security software and try printing.
• If printing works, add the HP App and printer communication ports as exceptions.

Router Restart and Channel Check

• Restart your router and ensure it is not set to auto-switch channels too aggressively.
• Printers can lose connection if the router hops channels often.

Direct Connection Test

• Try connecting the printer via Wi-Fi Direct.
• On the printer, enable Wi-Fi Direct and connect your computer directly to that SSID.
• If printing works here, the issue lies in router communication.

Re-add Printer in HP App

• Remove the printer from the HP App.
• Add it again using “Set up a new printer” instead of “Add existing.”
• This forces a fresh handshake between the app and printer.

Check Proxy or VPN

• If your computer uses a VPN or proxy, disable it temporarily.
• These can block local network traffic even when devices appear connected.

Firmware Update

• On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Settings → Printer Maintenance → Update Printer.
• Ensure the firmware is current, as older versions may cause network instability.

You’ve already done the heavy lifting with resets and reinstalls, so these steps focus on the finer points of network communication. Often, the breakthrough comes from stabilizing the IP or adjusting router settings.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye