Alex Turner
Published: May 27, 2025 | Updated: May 27, 2025 | 9 min read

How to Reset HP Printer WiFi: Complete Guide for All Models

Resetting HP printer Wi-Fi – illustrated guide showing reset button and wireless troubleshooting for HP printers

Quick solution: Most HP printers reset WiFi by holding the WiFi button for 3 seconds or through the Wireless menu > Restore Network Defaults. But each HP series has its own quirks, so I'll show you exactly what works for your model.

Your HP printer decided to forget your WiFi network again, didn't it? One day it's printing happily from your laptop, the next day it's acting like your router doesn't exist. I've been through this dance with HP printers more times than I care to count - both at home and in various office setups.

HP makes decent printers, but their WiFi connectivity can be... let's call it "temperamental." The good news is that most HP WiFi issues can be solved with a proper network reset. The bad news is that HP has changed their reset procedures about six times over the years, so what works depends entirely on which model you have.

When Your HP Printer WiFi Needs a Reset (The Classic Signs)

After setting up HP printers in home offices, small businesses, and my own place, I've learned to spot the warning signs that usually mean "WiFi reset time." Here's what to watch for:

The disappearing act: Your printer shows up in your WiFi network list one minute, vanishes the next. Or worse - it shows connected but nothing can actually reach it. This is classic HP printer behavior when the network settings get corrupted.

HP Smart app meltdowns: The HP Smart app can't find your printer even though you're standing right next to it. Or it finds it but can't connect. I swear this app has a mind of its own sometimes.

Password confusion: You changed your WiFi password and now the printer is stuck trying to connect with the old credentials. HP printers are notorious for hanging onto old network settings like they're precious family heirlooms.

Router upgrade aftermath: You got a new router or updated your current one, and suddenly your HP printer acts like WiFi is a foreign concept. New routers often use different security protocols that confuse older HP printers.

Random disconnections: The printer works fine for a few days, then randomly drops off the network. You spend 10 minutes trying to reconnect it, it works for another few days, then repeat. Super annoying pattern that usually points to power management issues.

HP Envy Series: The Home Office Favorites

HP Envy printers are popular for good reason - they're sleek, capable, and usually reliable. But when their WiFi goes wonky, here's how to get them back online:

1 Touchscreen method - On models with touchscreens, tap the WiFi icon, then go to Settings > Network Setup > Restore Network Defaults. Confirm when prompted.

2 WiFi button method - For models with physical buttons, press and hold the WiFi button for 3 seconds until the WiFi light starts blinking.

3 Two-button reset - Some Envy models require holding both the WiFi button and Cancel button for 3 seconds simultaneously.

4 Wait for the reset - The printer will restart its network services. Give it about 2 minutes to complete the process.

5 Reconnect to WiFi - Use the HP Smart app or the printer's touchscreen to reconnect to your network. Have your WiFi password ready.

HP OfficeJet Series: The Small Business Workhorses

OfficeJet printers are built for small office environments, which means they usually have more robust network features. But they also have more ways to mess up WiFi connections:

1 Menu navigation method - Press the Setup button, navigate to Network > Restore Network Defaults using the arrow keys.

2 Control panel reset - On models with LCD displays, go to Setup > Network > Restore Defaults or Wireless > Restore Defaults.

3 WPS button sequence - Hold the WPS button for 3 seconds, then immediately hold the Cancel button for 3 seconds. This works on many OfficeJet models.

4 Advanced reset option - Some OfficeJet Pro models have a "Network Configuration Page" option that lets you see current settings before resetting.

5 Verify the reset - Print a network configuration page to confirm the WiFi settings have been cleared.

OfficeJet tip: If your OfficeJet has an Ethernet port, unplug the Ethernet cable before doing a WiFi reset. Some models get confused if they have both wired and wireless connections active.

HP LaserJet Series: The Corporate Champions

LaserJet printers are HP's business-grade machines. They're built to last and handle heavy workloads, but their network reset procedures can be a bit more involved:

1 Control panel access - Press the Setup or Home button, then navigate to Network > Restore Defaults or Administration > Reset > Network.

2 IP address method - Access the printer's web interface by typing its IP address in your browser, then look for Network > Reset options.

3 Cold reset procedure - Turn off the printer, hold the WiFi button, then turn on the printer while still holding the button for 10 seconds.

4 Factory network reset - For persistent issues, you might need to do a complete network stack reset through the administration menu.

5 Reconfigure security - LaserJet printers often have additional security settings that need to be reconfigured after a network reset.

HP DeskJet Series: The Budget-Friendly Options

DeskJet printers are HP's entry-level models, but they still pack WiFi capabilities. The reset procedures are usually simpler, which is both good and bad:

1 Simple button reset - Look for a WiFi button (usually has a wireless symbol) and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the light blinks.

2 Power cycle method - Turn off the printer, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and immediately hold the WiFi button.

3 HP Smart app reset - Open the HP Smart app, remove the printer completely, then reset the printer's WiFi and re-add it through the app.

4 WPS setup mode - Many DeskJet models enter WPS setup mode automatically after a WiFi reset, making reconnection easier.

HP PageWide Series: The High-Volume Specialists

PageWide printers are HP's answer to high-volume printing needs. They're fantastic machines, but their network setup can be more complex:

1 Touchscreen navigation - Go to Setup > Network > Wireless > Restore Wireless Defaults on the main touchscreen.

2 Admin panel reset - Access Setup > System Administration > Reset Options > Network Reset for a more comprehensive reset.

3 Service menu access - Some PageWide models have advanced service menus accessible through specific button combinations during startup.

4 Network diagnostic tool - Use the built-in network diagnostic to identify issues before resetting.

HP Smart Tank Series: The Ink Tank Champions

Smart Tank printers with their refillable ink tanks are great for high-volume printing, but they inherit all of HP's WiFi quirks:

1 Control panel method - Press the WiFi button, then navigate to WiFi Setup > Restore Network Defaults.

2 App-assisted reset - Use the HP Smart app to initiate the network reset remotely if the printer is still partially connected.

3 Manual button sequence - Hold WiFi + Cancel buttons for 3 seconds, then release and wait for the network reset confirmation.

Advanced HP WiFi Troubleshooting (When Basic Resets Fail)

HP Smart App Deep Cleaning

Complete app reset: Sometimes the HP Smart app itself gets corrupted. Delete the app completely from your phone, restart your phone, then reinstall the app fresh. This fixes more connectivity issues than you'd expect.

Network cache clearing: On your phone, go to WiFi settings and "forget" your home network, then reconnect. Sometimes your phone's network cache conflicts with the printer connection.

Router-Side Troubleshooting

5GHz vs 2.4GHz issues: Many HP printers only work on 2.4GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both frequencies with the same name, try creating separate network names for each band.

Router firmware updates: Newer router firmware sometimes breaks compatibility with older HP printers. Check if your router has a "legacy device" or "compatibility mode" setting.

DHCP reservation: Set up a static IP address for your HP printer in your router settings. This prevents the printer from getting a different IP address that breaks existing connections.

HP Printer Firmware Issues

Firmware corruption: If WiFi resets aren't working, the printer's firmware might be corrupted. HP has firmware recovery tools available on their support website for most models.

Downgrade firmware: Sometimes newer firmware causes WiFi problems. HP occasionally allows firmware downgrades for problematic updates.

What to Expect After Resetting HP Printer WiFi

Here's what happens after you reset your HP printer's WiFi and what you'll need to set up again:

Network credentials wiped: Your printer forgets your WiFi password and network name. You'll need to reconnect through the HP Smart app or the printer's control panel.

Mobile connections lost: Any devices connected through WiFi Direct or HP Smart app will need to be reconnected. The printer essentially becomes "new" from a network perspective.

Print settings preserved: The good news is that print quality settings, paper size preferences, and other non-network settings usually survive a WiFi reset.

HP Services reauthorization: If you use HP+ or Instant Ink, you might need to reauthorize these services after reconnecting to WiFi.

Computer rediscovery: Your computer might not immediately recognize the printer after a WiFi reset. You may need to remove and re-add the printer in your system settings.

Preventing Future HP WiFi Issues

Disable power management: HP printers love to go into deep sleep mode and forget about WiFi. In the printer settings, look for power management options and set them to never sleep or use minimal power saving.

Keep firmware updated: HP regularly releases firmware updates that fix WiFi issues. Check for updates monthly through the HP Smart app or HP support website.

Router placement matters: Keep your HP printer within good WiFi range of your router. HP printers seem more sensitive to weak signals than other devices.

Use 2.4GHz when possible: If your router has separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, connect your HP printer to the 2.4GHz network for better compatibility and range.

Questions I Get Asked All the Time

Will resetting HP printer WiFi delete all my settings?

A WiFi-only reset just clears network settings - your print quality preferences, paper settings, and other configurations stay intact. It's way better than a full factory reset. I always try the WiFi reset first because you don't lose all your customizations.

Why does my HP printer keep losing WiFi connection?

This is super common with HP printers, especially older models. Usually it's power management settings, router interference, or the printer going into deep sleep mode. I've found that disabling WiFi power saving in the printer settings helps a lot.

How do I reset HP Smart app connection issues?

The HP Smart app can be really finicky. First, delete the printer from the app completely, then reset the printer's WiFi, and finally re-add it through the app. Also make sure both your phone and printer are on the same WiFi network - that trips people up constantly.

Where is the WPS button on my HP printer?

Most HP printers have a WiFi button (looks like a wireless symbol) instead of a traditional WPS button. On newer models with touchscreens, you'll find WPS in the WiFi settings menu. Older models usually have the button on the back or side panel.

Final Thoughts

HP printer WiFi issues can be frustrating, but they're usually fixable with the right reset procedure for your specific model. The key is starting with a WiFi-only reset before going nuclear with a full factory reset.

I've found that most HP WiFi problems stem from power management settings or router compatibility issues rather than actual hardware failures. Once you get your HP printer connected and stable, it usually stays that way for months.

Remember to keep your firmware updated and consider disabling aggressive power saving if you're having frequent disconnection issues. HP printers work great when properly configured, but they do need a bit more babying than some other brands when it comes to WiFi connectivity.