problems connecting the deskjet 4120 printer to the computer and app.

[JPH14]

Cant seem to establish a permanent connection between the printer and either my i phone or my mac. I have to close unplug my mac every time and wait 60 seconds. Should the printer WiFi Direct password match my router password?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @JPH14,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

When connecting your HP DeskJet 4120 printer to your devices, here are some tips to establish a more stable connection:

1. Wi-Fi Direct Password

• The Wi-Fi Direct password does not need to match your router password. The Wi-Fi Direct feature allows your devices to connect directly to the printer without needing to go through a router, but it uses a separate password.

2. Check Network Connection

• Make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac and iPhone.
  • On the printer, go to the Wireless settings and confirm the network name (SSID) matches your home network.

3. Use the HP Smart App

1. Download the HP Smart app on your Mac and iPhone if you haven’t already.
2. Open the app and follow the prompts to add your printer.
3. Ensure your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

4. Reset Network Settings

• If you're experiencing ongoing connectivity issues, consider resetting the printer's network settings:
  1. On the printer's control panel, navigate to Setup (the gear icon).
  2. Go to Network Setup.
  3. Select Restore Network Defaults.

5. Restart Devices

• Power cycle your printer, Mac, and iPhone. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues.

6. Check for Interference

• Ensure there are no physical obstructions or electronic devices (like microwaves) causing interference between the printer and your router.

7. Update Drivers and Firmware

• Ensure that both the HP Smart app and your printer firmware are up to date:
  • In the HP Smart app, check for any available updates.

8. Manual Connection

• If the automatic connection fails, try manually adding the printer:
  1. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  2. Click the + button to add a printer.
  3. Select your printer from the list and follow the prompts.

9. Use USB Connection (Temporarily)

• If you continue to have issues, you can temporarily connect your printer to your Mac via USB to establish the initial setup, then switch back to wireless.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

Rachel571

HP Support