can't now connect laptop to wireless HP deskjet 3050 printer

[Rob20202020]

Hi my Windows 11 laptop no longer connects with my wireless HP deskjet 3050A printer.  My wifi settings have not changed.  And I can see from the control panel on the printer that the printer is connected to my wifi network and it has a good signal and it has what looks like a valid IP address.

I used to be able to print ok but it stopped working a few days ago.  I have re-booted my router and laptop several times but it still doesn't work.

I uninstalled my HP printer drivers and tried to re-install them but when I get to the step to connect the printer, an error message comes up when I add the IP address.  The error message says the IP address I have entered is an auto IP address and it is a temporary address.  It says to try to reboot the router. I have done that several times but the same IP address comes up on the printer panel, and I can't get past this software installation step.

I don't have the USB cable with the specific connector which could connect my laptop to the printer so physically connecting the 2 devices isn't an option either.

Any ideas or suggestions on what I could try?

Thanks!

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Rob20202020,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your Windows 11 laptop is no longer connecting to your wireless HP DeskJet 3050A printer, even though the printer shows a valid Wi-Fi connection. Let’s go through a few steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue.

a. Power Cycle Printer and Laptop

Turn off the printer and unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and power on.

Restart your laptop as well to refresh network settings.

b. Check Printer IP Address

Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer control panel.

Verify that the IP address is in the same range as your router (e.g., 192.168.x.x).

If it shows an Auto IP (169.x.x.x), the printer isn’t getting a proper IP from your router.

c. Reconnect Printer to Wi-Fi

On the printer, go to Wireless Settings → Wireless Setup Wizard and reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network.

Make sure to enter the correct SSID and password.

d. Assign a Static IP Address (Optional)

In the printer’s network settings, assign a manual/static IP address within your network range.

This can prevent temporary Auto IP addresses that block connection.

e. Check Firewall or Security Software

Temporarily disable Windows Firewall or any third-party security software.

Try connecting to the printer again during the installation.

f. Reinstall HP Smart or Drivers

Uninstall any existing HP drivers.

Download the latest HP Smart app or full driver package from HP’s website.

Use the Wireless Setup option rather than manually entering the IP address if possible.

g. Test Printer Connectivity

From your laptop, open a command prompt and ping the printer’s IP address:
ping <printer_IP_address>

If it responds, the laptop can see the printer on the network.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Rob20202020]

Thanks for the advice Kuroi, that's very helpful.  Unfortunately, I still have the same problem.

I did step a and b.

I printed the HP network configuration page and the printer IP address is a 169.354 range address, and the configuration source is AutoIP.  My laptop's IP address starts with 81.110

I went to step C and tried the WPS option with my router.  The printer connected to the wifi but with the same 169 IP address as before.  There was also a PIN option and I tried that but I don't know how to enter that PIN in my routers configuration page.

So I didn't manage to go any further.

Any suggestions on what I should try next?

thanks

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Rob20202020,

Thank you for the response.

I understand your HP DeskJet 3050A printer is still getting an Auto IP (169.x.x.x) and won’t properly connect to your Windows 11 laptop over Wi-Fi. Let’s go through a few steps to fix the network assignment issue.

a. Confirm Router DHCP Is Enabled

Log in to your router’s admin page.

Make sure DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is enabled. This assigns proper IPs to devices automatically.

If DHCP is off, turn it on and reboot the router.

b. Forget & Reconnect Wi-Fi on Printer

On the printer, go to Wireless Settings → Wireless Setup Wizard → Delete or Forget Current Network.

Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network from scratch, entering the correct SSID and password.

c. Assign a Static IP on the Printer

Since the printer keeps getting a 169.x.x.x Auto IP, set a manual IP within your router’s subnet (e.g., if your laptop is 192.168.1.81, use 192.168.1.100).

Subnet Mask: usually 255.255.255.0

Gateway: your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1)

d. Disable Conflicting Connections

Ensure the printer is not connected via USB or any other previous network profiles on the laptop.

Temporarily disable VPNs, firewalls, or antivirus software on the laptop while connecting.

e. Use HP Smart Wireless Setup

Download and install the latest HP Smart app on your laptop.

Choose Set up a new printer → Wireless, and let the app detect the printer automatically.

If prompted for a PIN from the printer, enter the PIN exactly as displayed during the Wireless Setup process.

f. Reboot Network Devices

Power off the printer, laptop, and router.

Turn on the router first, then the printer, and finally the laptop.

This ensures the printer requests a new DHCP lease properly.

g. Test Connectivity

Once the printer gets a proper IP (e.g., 192.168.x.x), open a Command Prompt and type:
ping <printer_IP>

A successful reply confirms your laptop can reach the printer.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,