Problems connecting my Wi-Fi only HP Tango and HP Envy printers

[radiodave2]

Problems connecting my Wi-Fi only HP Tango and HP Eny printers

1. Can I connect to the printer via Wi-Fi Direct and stay connected to my Wi-Fi at the same time? For instance, I’d hate to have to switch back and forth each time I read an email and then print it. But it seems unlikely that my laptop would support two Wi-Fi connections simultaneously. I read somewhere that it is possible but so far haven’t been able to stay connected to both.
2. Is there an easy way to switch the printer between Wi-Fi networks? I need to switch between my home Wi-Fi at home, my Verizon hotspot on the road, and someone else’s Wi-fi sometimes. Do I have to go through the whole connection process each time I switch? It would be nice if the printer would remember the Wi-Fi networks and switch automatically like my laptop does.
3. It takes a few minutes to connect to Wi-Fi, most of it waiting for the printer to respond. Is there a faster way? Especially with networks it has connected to before. (See #2)

[Irfan_06 · Accepted solution]

Hi @radiodave2,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

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

Connecting and managing Wi-Fi-only printers like the HP Tango and HP ENVY can be a bit tricky when dealing with multiple networks or using Wi-Fi Direct. Here are some insights and recommendations to address your questions:

1. Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct and staying connected to Wi-Fi

• Single Wi-Fi Connection Limitation: Most laptops only support one active Wi-Fi connection at a time, meaning you can either connect to a traditional Wi-Fi network or the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network, but not both simultaneously.

• Workarounds:
  • Print via USB or Mobile Hotspot: If your laptop can connect to a mobile hotspot (e.g., from your phone), you could tether both your printer and laptop to the same network, allowing them to communicate without needing Wi-Fi Direct.
  • Enable Internet Through Wi-Fi Direct: Some HP printers support a mode called "Wi-Fi Direct with Internet," where the printer allows devices connected via Wi-Fi Direct to access the internet through the printer. Check your printer’s settings or manual to enable this if available.

2. Switching Between Wi-Fi Networks

HP Smart App: Using the HP Smart app, you can easily reconnect your printer to different networks without reconfiguring from scratch each time. When switching between networks:

• Ensure you’ve saved the SSID and password for each Wi-Fi network within the app.
• Many HP printers can remember multiple Wi-Fi networks, similar to laptops, so it should reconnect automatically when in range of a known network.

Tips:

• Use Hotspot Consistently: If possible, keep a portable hotspot (like your Verizon hotspot) as a primary connection for both home and travel. This reduces the need for frequent switching.

• Smart Network Switching: If your home router supports guest networks, consider using it as a second network to simulate switching environments for practice.

3. Faster Wi-Fi Connections

• Automatic Connection: For previously connected networks, the printer should automatically reconnect without needing manual intervention unless the network credentials have changed.

• Speed-Up Tips:
  • Firmware Updates: Ensure your printer firmware is up-to-date for optimized reconnection times.
  • Avoid Network Clutter: Limit the number of devices on the printer's Wi-Fi network to reduce reconnection delays.
  • Use a Consistent SSID: If possible, set the same SSID and password for your home network and hotspot to simplify connections.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Irwin6

HP Support