Older HP printer can't connect to new mesh wi-fi network

[El_Ford]

I have an older HP Deskjet 3050A e-All-in-One Printer - J611g and recently installed a new mesh wi-fi system (TP-Link). My printer can't connect. I've "restored" the printer to original settings; I've changed wi-fi setting to just a 2.4 mhz network; tried installing as a "new" computer, restarted, etc. The HP printer utility I downloaded keeps saying the printer is "unrecognizable" on the network. Would like some help from anyone! 

[Raj_05]

Hi @El_Ford,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like your HP Deskjet 3050A e-All-in-One Printer is having trouble connecting to your new TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi network. Older printers, like yours, may face compatibility issues with modern mesh networks due to differences in network protocols or the way mesh networks handle device connections. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue.

Check Network Compatibility:

• 2.4 GHz Band: Ensure that your mesh network’s 2.4 GHz band is enabled and that the printer is trying to connect to this band. Older printers often do not support the 5 GHz band.
• Security Protocol: Check if your mesh network uses WPA3 encryption. If it does, try switching to WPA2, as some older devices may not support WPA3.

Update Printer Firmware:

• Check if there’s a firmware update available for your printer. Sometimes, updating the firmware can resolve compatibility issues with newer networks.
• You can usually find firmware updates on the HP Support website.

Manual IP Configuration:

• Static IP: Assign a static IP address to the printer from the router’s settings. This can sometimes help older devices stay connected to modern networks.
• DHCP Reservation: Alternatively, set a DHCP reservation for the printer’s MAC address in your router’s settings.

Use the WPS Method:

• WPS Button: If your TP-Link mesh router has a WPS button, try using the WPS method to connect the printer to the network. Press the WPS button on the router, and within two minutes, press the Wireless button on the printer.
• WPS PIN: You can also try connecting via WPS PIN if the router supports it.

Reinstall Printer on Network:

• Remove Old Installations: Uninstall the printer software from your computer, and then restart your computer.
• HP Print and Scan Doctor: Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor utility to help with the connection.
• Reinstall Software: Reinstall the printer using the HP Smart app or directly through the control panel, making sure to select the correct Wi-Fi network.

[Raj_05]

Check for Network Isolation:

• Ensure that your mesh network does not have client isolation or AP isolation enabled, as this can prevent the printer from communicating with devices on the same network.

Printer Reset and Retry:

• Factory Reset: If all else fails, perform a factory reset on the printer and try the setup process again.

Consider a USB or Ethernet Connection:

• If wireless connectivity remains an issue, you might consider connecting the printer via USB or using an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridge device to connect the printer to the network.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it could be due to an inherent incompatibility between the older printer and the modern mesh network.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support