Received a new Xfinity router. I changed the name and password and now can't get printer connected.

[GingerMAC]

I have a MacBook Pro using Sequoia 15.3.2 using an HP MFP180nw Laser Jet. I received a new Xfinity XB8 router. Changed the network name and password but can't get the printer set up. Wifi is fine in all location of home. Followed all the disconnection processes. Still can't get it to recognize. I got a message when updating HP software that it would not be compatible with future MAC OS upgrades.

[Max3Aj]

@GingerMAC, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

Here's a step-by-step guide to reconnect your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M180nw to your new Xfinity XB8 router, especially since you changed both the SSID (Wi-Fi name) and password:

Reset Printer’s Network Settings

This will remove the old Wi-Fi settings and allow a fresh connection.

1. On the printer control panel, press the Wireless button until it blinks.
2. Then press and hold the Cancel button until the Power light blinks.
3. This resets the wireless settings to default (network reset).

Reconnect Printer Using HP Smart App (Mac)

You'll need to re-add the printer to your Wi-Fi:

1. Open the HP Smart app on your Mac. If not installed, download it from HP Smart for macOS.
2. Click the + to add a new printer.
3. It should detect the printer in Setup Mode (only valid for 2 hours after reset).
4. Select your new Wi-Fi network name and enter the password.
5. Let it complete setup — it may take a minute or two.

If HP Smart Doesn’t Detect the Printer:

Use USB setup as a backup:

1. Connect the printer to your Mac via USB cable.
2. Open HP Smart again and add the printer.
3. It should now offer a wireless setup via USB.
4. Follow on-screen instructions to input the new Wi-Fi name and password.

After Setup

Once the printer is connected:

• Disconnect the USB cable (if used).
• Make sure it appears as idle/online in System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
• Try a test print from Preview or Safari.

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[GingerMAC]

Hi MAX3Aj,

Thanks for offering to help with my situation. However, I have followed the directions you have provided before, I followed them again and had to us the USB connection. I find the printer, it finds the wireless network but I it doesn't allow me to input the new password. I have to click "Continue" and then it goes to the 4-stage setup - Printer found check, Printer prepared check and at Getting the IP address it spun for some time then went to a new screen "To get started, connect to Wi-Fi - Go to your Wi-Fi settings on this device and select "HP-Setup-..." from the WiFi network list. I never get to Finish connections.

I went to my wi-fi settings and I can see my network and the printer is listed under Other Networks, so I presumed that's what it is talking about. However, when I type in the password, I get a message "The Wi-Fi network "DIRECT-00-HP M180 LaserJet" requires a WPA2 Personal password. I read somewhere when I was trying to do this on my own, I needed to reset the WPA button on my router but this new router doesn't have any WPA reset button.

I'm also concerned because I just received another software update from Apple. The last one I received last week said that the printer would no longer be compatible with the next upgrade and to contact my printer company. I did contact HP and they had no response. Obviously, they're not willing to keep up with Apple's constant software updates and I guess, who can blame them. I had already lost 2-sided printing about a year after I purchased the printer, which was one of the reasons I bought it. Now I may be losing wireless printing. [sigh}

[Max3Aj]

@GingerMAC, Thank you for your response. 

It sounds like you're dealing with multiple issues, both with the Wi-Fi setup process and the future compatibility of your printer with Apple's updates. Let's break this down and address both concerns.

Wi-Fi Setup Issue:

The message you're seeing about the "DIRECT-00-HP M180 LaserJet" network means your printer is in Wi-Fi Direct mode, which is a temporary mode used for setup. This mode doesn't require the usual Wi-Fi credentials but instead creates a local network to connect your devices directly to the printer. The issue seems to be that the connection process isn't completing.

Steps to resolve:

1. Complete Wi-Fi Direct Setup:
   • When you're at the screen asking you to connect to the "HP-Setup" network, select that network from your Wi-Fi options. This is the printer’s temporary Wi-Fi Direct signal.
   • Once connected to this network, go back to the HP Smart app.
   • The app should prompt you to input the new Wi-Fi network name and password. If you don't get this prompt right away, wait for a few seconds and it should appear.
2. Manual Wi-Fi Setup via Printer Panel (If needed):
   • If this doesn't work, you can manually connect the printer to Wi-Fi from its control panel:
     1. On the printer, press the Wireless button and then OK to open the Wireless Setup Wizard.
     2. Follow the prompts to select your new network and input the password.
     3. Once completed, the printer should be connected to your home Wi-Fi.

About WPA2 and Router Reset:

The issue about WPA2 Personal password is usually related to Wi-Fi Direct, but since you're trying to set it up on your regular network, this shouldn't be the case. You don't need to press a WPA button on your router, but if you're still encountering Wi-Fi Direct, try disabling it temporarily to force the printer to use your home Wi-Fi network.

How to disable Wi-Fi Direct on your printer:

1. From the printer control panel, navigate to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Disable Wi-Fi Direct or switch it to off.
3. This should allow the printer to use the regular Wi-Fi setup instead of Wi-Fi Direct.

What you can try:

• Keep the Printer Driver Updated: Since you've mentioned an update from Apple, check for any firmware updates from HP’s website or through the HP Smart App. HP is likely to release an update to keep compatibility intact for newer macOS versions.

If wireless printing stops working with future updates:

• AirPrint: Apple devices support AirPrint, which might bypass the need for specific printer drivers. If the printer supports AirPrint, you can try setting it up through System Preferences > Printers & Scanners on macOS.

Two-Sided Printing Issue:

It's unfortunate that you've lost two-sided printing. It sounds like a driver or software issue, possibly due to an automatic update that caused the printer settings to change. If you're still under warranty, contacting HP again might be worth it, as they might offer a repair or solution for this problem.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[GingerMAC]

Thanks again for your response. However, when I follow your directions, Complete Wi-Fi Direct Setup:

• When you're at the screen asking you to connect to the "HP-Setup" network, select that network from your Wi-Fi options. This is the printer’s temporary Wi-Fi Direct signal. and type in the password, I get this:

 I don't know what their talking about when they refer to a WPA2 Personal password. The only password I have set up is the one for the router I'm trying to connect to. I'm seriously thinking the wi-fi connection is no longer possible. 

 

[GingerMAC]

I've decided to just give up. My printer only has the option to turn wireless on or off. When I run a test with it on and print the report, it indicates not connected. Thank you for your help. I really don't have the time to work on this and I'm not going to pay for a service that may not be able to do anything.

Have a great day!

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@GingerMAC, Thank you for your response,  

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support