Finding the WPS PIN on your HP printer is a common step when connecting it to your Wi-Fi network without using a USB cable. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) simplifies the connection process, and the PIN acts as a security key to establish a connection between your printer and wireless router. If you’re struggling to locate this PIN, this guide will help you find it quickly and easily.
Generally, HP printers don’t display a WPS PIN directly on a sticker or a readily visible screen like some routers do. Instead, the WPS PIN for HP printers is usually generated on demand through the printer’s control panel when you initiate the WPS connection process. Here’s how to typically find and use it:
Steps to Locate and Use the WPS PIN on Your HP Printer:
-
Access the Printer Control Panel: Most HP printers have a touchscreen or button-based control panel. Navigate this panel to find the ‘Network’ or ‘Wireless’ settings. The exact path can vary slightly depending on your printer model, but common options include icons that look like a Wi-Fi symbol or words like “Wireless,” “Network Setup,” or “Settings.”
-
Navigate to Wireless Setup Wizard or WPS Settings: Within the ‘Network’ or ‘Wireless’ menu, look for options like “Wireless Setup Wizard” or “Wi-Fi Protected Setup.” Selecting “Wireless Setup Wizard” is a common way to initiate a wireless connection, and WPS is often an option within this wizard. Alternatively, there might be a direct “WPS Setup” or “WPS PIN” option.
-
Initiate WPS PIN Method: When you select “Wireless Setup Wizard” or a similar option, the printer will usually guide you through different connection methods. Choose the “WPS PIN” method if prompted. If there’s a direct “WPS Setup” option, selecting it should also lead you to the PIN generation process.
-
Generate the WPS PIN: Once you select the WPS PIN method, your HP printer will generate a unique WPS PIN. This PIN will typically be displayed on the printer’s control panel screen. It’s usually an 8-digit number.
-
Use the WPS PIN to Connect: With the WPS PIN displayed on your printer, you now need to enter this PIN into your wireless router’s WPS settings. This is usually done through your router’s web interface (accessed via a web browser by typing your router’s IP address) or by pressing a WPS button on the router itself (depending on your router model – check your router’s manual for specific WPS instructions). When prompted on the router’s interface, select the WPS PIN method and enter the PIN shown on your HP printer.
-
Wait for Connection: After entering the WPS PIN into your router, the router and printer will communicate and establish a wireless connection automatically. This process usually takes a few minutes. Your printer’s control panel will typically display a confirmation message once the connection is successful.
Example using Wireless Setup Wizard (based on original article steps):
Let’s illustrate with steps similar to the original article, but focusing on finding WPS PIN within the Wireless Setup Wizard:
- Access Dashboard: On your printer control panel, touch or swipe down the tab at the top to open the Dashboard.
- Go to Wireless Settings: Touch the (Wireless) icon, then (Settings), and then “Wireless Settings.”
- Start Wireless Setup Wizard: Touch “Wireless Setup Wizard.” The printer will now search for available networks and guide you through the setup.
- Choose WPS PIN (if prompted): During the Wireless Setup Wizard, you might be given options for connection methods. Look for and select the “WPS PIN” option. If the wizard directly starts searching for networks without asking for a method, it might be directly using WPS Push Button by default. In that case, you might need to navigate to a specific “WPS Setup” menu option if your printer has one to explicitly choose WPS PIN.
- Locate the WPS PIN: Once you’ve selected or initiated the WPS PIN method, the printer will display the WPS PIN on the screen.
If you cannot find a WPS PIN option directly:
Some HP printer models might primarily use the WPS “Push Button” method or other connection methods in their Wireless Setup Wizard. If you cannot find a WPS PIN option in the wizard or a dedicated WPS menu, you may need to consult your printer’s manual or HP support website for model-specific instructions on WPS PIN or alternative wireless connection methods.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- PIN Expiration: WPS PINs are usually temporary and expire after a few minutes. If the connection fails, generate a new PIN and try again quickly.
- Router Compatibility: Ensure your wireless router supports WPS and WPS PIN method. Most modern routers do, but older models might not.
- Printer Manual: Your printer’s manual (usually available online on the HP support website by searching for your printer model) is the best resource for specific instructions on finding the WPS PIN and connecting to Wi-Fi.
By following these steps, you should be able to locate and use the WPS PIN on your HP printer to establish a wireless connection. If you continue to experience difficulties, HP support resources and your printer’s documentation are valuable next steps.
