Setting up your HP printer on a WiFi network should be a straightforward process, but sometimes you might encounter a few bumps along the way. This guide will walk you through resetting your printer’s WiFi setup and point you to helpful resources to get you connected.
If you’re having trouble connecting your HP printer to your WiFi, or if you’ve changed your router or network settings, resetting the WiFi setup mode on your printer is often the first step to take. For many HP printers, you can restore the Wi-Fi setup mode by following a simple button combination.
For a general reset to get your printer ready for WiFi setup, try this:
Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button at the same time until the power light blinks. The printer will restart, and then the Wireless light should start blinking blue. This blinking blue light indicates that your HP printer is now in Auto Wireless Connect (AWC) setup mode, and it’s ready to connect to your network. This setup mode typically lasts for a couple of hours, giving you ample time to establish a connection.
If resetting the WiFi setup mode isn’t enough, you might need to perform a factory reset of the printer’s NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory). This will erase all settings and preferences and return your printer to its original factory state. Here’s how to do a factory reset on an HP 1202 printer as an example, note that steps may vary for different models:
- Turn off the printer: Press the Power button to completely turn off the device.
- Press and hold the Resume button: Locate and hold down the Resume button.
- Press the Power button to turn on the printer: While still holding the Resume button, press the Power button to power the printer back on.
- Continue to hold the Resume button: Keep holding the Resume button until the Attention light turns on.
- Release the Resume button: Once the Attention light illuminates, you can release the Resume button.
- Print a configuration page: Press the Resume button one more time. The printer should now print a configuration page, which confirms that the NVRAM has been successfully reset to its factory defaults.
- Verify the reset: Review the configuration page to confirm that the NVRAM reset was successful and that default settings are displayed.
Remember that a factory reset will erase all custom settings, so note down any important configurations before proceeding.
For further assistance and more detailed instructions specific to your printer model, HP provides comprehensive support resources. You can use HP Smart for guided printer connection help, or visit the HP Support website for model-specific information, software downloads, and troubleshooting. You can also download the full feature software for enhanced functionality and setup options.
If you utilize a complex network system with WiFi boosters or repeaters, the setup process might be more intricate. For these situations, consulting HP support documentation or community forums can provide tailored guidance.
