HP printer displays an"Invalid WPA Passphrase" error when attempting to connect to a wireless network. The printer can detect the wireless network (SSID), but repeatedly rejects the wireless password even when the correct passphrase is entered. The issue occurred after the internet provider replaced the wireless modem/router.
Printer detects the wireless network.
"Invalid WPA Passphrase" message appears during wireless setup.
Wireless connection fails despite entering the correct password.
Other devices connect successfully to the same network.
Printing works through USB but not through Wi-Fi.
Printer may connect when wireless security is temporarily disabled.
Causes
Incorrect wireless security settings on the router.
Incompatible modem/router firmware or hardware.
Router configured with unsupported security settings.
Conflict between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless bands.
Corrupted wireless settings stored on the printer.
Gateway modem/router compatibility issues.
Troubleshooting Steps
1: Restore Network Defaults on the Printer
Reset the printer's wireless network settings.
Open the printer's Network or Wireless menu.
Select Restore Network Defaults.
Confirm the reset.
Allow the printer to restart.
Removes incorrect wireless credentials and stored network configurations.
2: Reconnect Using Wireless Setup Wizard
Open the printer control panel.
Navigate to Wireless Settings.
Select Wireless Setup Wizard.
Choose the correct network name (SSID).
Carefully enter the wireless password.
Re-establishes a fresh wireless connection using current network settings.
3: Verify the Router is Broadcasting a 2.4 GHz Network
HP wireless printers support only the 2.4 GHz wireless band.
Access the router's configuration page.
Verify that the 2.4 GHz wireless band is enabled.
If both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks are enabled, assign different SSID names.
Prevents the printer from attempting to connect to an unsupported wireless band.
4: Configure a Fixed Wireless Channel
Open the router settings.
Locate Wireless Channel settings.
Change the setting from Auto to:
Channel 1
Channel 6
Channel 11
Save the changes and restart the router.
Reduces wireless interference and improves connectivity reliability.
5: Verify Wireless Security Settings
Access the router's wireless security settings.
Confirm that WPA/WPA2 security is enabled.
Re-enter the wireless password.
Avoid unsupported or mixed security modes when possible.
Security mismatches can cause WPA authentication failures.
6: Test Connection Without Wireless Security
Perform this test only temporarily for troubleshooting.
Access the router settings.
Temporarily disable wireless security.
Attempt to connect the printer to the wireless network.
If successful, re-enable security and test again.
If the printer connects without a password but fails when security is enabled, the issue is likely related to security compatibility between the printer and router.
7: Try WPA Security Mode
If WPA2 authentication continues to fail:
Access router wireless security settings.
Change the security mode to WPA.
Reconnect the printer.
Test printing functionality.
Some older wireless devices may experience compatibility issues with certain WPA2 implementations.
8: Disable IPv6 on the Printer
Open the printer's network settings.
Locate IPv6 configuration.
Disable IPv6.
Reboot the printer and test connectivity.
Eliminates potential communication conflicts within the network environment
9: Verify Printer Placement
Position the printer at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) away from the router.
Avoid placing the printer near cordless phones, microwave ovens, or other wireless devices.
Reduces wireless signal interference.
10: Reconfigure the Printer Through USB (If Required)
If the printer cannot be connected using the control panel:
Connect the printer to a computer using a USB cable.
Open HP printer software.
Launch wireless setup configuration.
Enter the wireless settings and reconnect the printer.
Allows the printer to receive wireless settings directly from the computer.
11: Evaluate Router Compatibility
In the reported case, the printer continued displaying Invalid WPA Passphrase when connected to a Technicolor TC8717T gateway. After replacing the gateway with an Arris modem, the wireless connection and printing worked normally. This indicates a possible router compatibility issue.
Recommendation:
Update router firmware.
Test with another router if available.
Contact the ISP regarding modem/router compatibility.
Consider replacing the gateway if all troubleshooting steps fail.
