Unable to enter character slash (/) contained in wifi password

[Michal2025]

I am unable to connect my printer to the wifi most probably because I cannot enter the correct password, which contains slash, e.g. pass/word. This character seem to be missing on the printer. Any idea how to go around this? I am not owner of the wifi, so I cannot change the password. Thank you very much.

[TheOutlawed]

Hi @Michal2025 

That is a very common problem with older printer control panels that have a limited character set, especially when dealing with complex network passwords. Since you cannot change the Wi-Fi password, you need to bypass the printer's limited on-screen keyboard.

The best way to get around this limitation on your printer is to use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) from your computer.

This method involves temporarily connecting the printer to your computer via a USB cable to configure the wireless settings using a full keyboard interface.

1. Get the Printer's Software/Driver:

   • Ensure your HP printer's full software and driver are installed on your Windows 11 computer.

2. Connect via USB Cable:

   • Connect the printer directly to your computer using a standard USB printer cable.

3. Run the Wireless Setup Wizard (on PC):

   • In the printer software you installed, look for a "Wireless Setup Wizard," "Printer Setup," or "Network Setup" utility.

   • The utility will detect the printer via the USB connection. When prompted, select to"Connect through a network"or "Help me set up a first-time wireless connection."

   • Follow the on-screen prompts to select your Wi-Fi network.

4. Enter the Password:

   • When the utility asks for the Wi-Fi password, you will be typing it on your computer's full keyboard, allowing you to correctly enter the slash (/) character.

   • The utility will then push the complete network settings to the printer.

5. Disconnect and Test:

   • Once the setup is complete, you can disconnect the USB cable.

   • The printer should now connect to the Wi-Fi network wirelessly. You can confirm by printing a Network Configuration Page from the printer's control panel (look for Setup > Network Setup > Print Reports or similar).

Alternative: Temporary Direct Network Access (Advanced)

If the USB setup wizard is unavailable or fails, you can try to connect the printer using its current IP or another method and then access the EWS:

1. Connect to Ethernet (If Available): If your printer is near the router, temporarily connect it with an Ethernet cable. The router will assign it an IP address.

2. Find the IP Address: Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer's control panel. Find the assigned IP Address on this page.

3. Access EWS: Open a web browser on your computer and type the printer's IP address into the address bar (e.g., 192.168.1.15). This opens the Embedded Web Server.

4. Configure Wireless: In the EWS, navigate to the Networking or Wireless settings. You can use your computer's full keyboard to input the complex Wi-Fi password and save the settings.

5. Disconnect Ethernet: Once successfully connected to Wi-Fi, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable.

Using the full keyboard interface of a computer is the established workaround for printer control panels that lack access to all standard special characters.