HP Printer Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi Using WPS: Troubleshooting Guide
Connecting an HP printer to Wi-Fi using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is usually one of the quickest ways to complete the wireless setup. With WPS, you can connect the printer to your router without manually entering your Wi-Fi password. However, sometimes the setup does not work, and the printer fails to connect to the wireless network.
This problem can occur because of router settings, an expired WPS PIN, weak Wi-Fi signals, or outdated printer software. Fortunately, most WPS connection problems can be solved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.
What Is WPS?
WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
It is a feature that allows compatible printers and routers to connect securely without manually entering the wireless password.
Depending on your printer and router, you may connect using the WPS Push Button method or the WPS PIN method.
Why Won’t My HP Printer Connect Using WPS?
If the WPS connection fails, it usually means the printer and router were unable to establish a secure wireless connection.
The problem may be related to network settings, software issues, or the setup process itself.
Make Sure Your Router Supports WPS
- Not every router supports WPS.
- Check your router settings to confirm that the WPS feature is available and enabled.
- If WPS is disabled, enable it before starting the printer setup.
Start the WPS Setup Again
- If the setup was interrupted or timed out, begin the process again.
- For the WPS Push Button method, press the router’s WPS button and then activate WPS on the printer within the required time.
- For the WPS PIN method, generate a new PIN and use it immediately, as the code expires after a short period.
Move the Printer Closer to the Router
- A weak wireless signal can prevent the printer from connecting.
- Place the printer near the router during the setup process.
- After the connection is complete, you can move the printer back to its usual location if the signal remains strong.
Restart the Printer and Router
- Temporary communication issues can interrupt the WPS process.
- Turn off the printer.
- Restart your wireless router.
- Once the router is fully operational, turn the printer back on and try the WPS setup again.
Check the Wi-Fi Band
- Some HP printer models work only with the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.
- If your router is using only 5 GHz, the printer may not connect.
- Enable the compatible Wi-Fi band if your router supports both.
Generate a New WPS PIN
- If you are using the PIN method, remember that the WPS PIN is temporary.
- If the PIN expires, restart the WPS setup to generate a new one.
- Use the new PIN immediately during the connection process.
Update the Printer Driver
- An outdated printer driver can interfere with wireless setup.
- Install the latest driver for your HP printer model and operating system.
- Restart your computer after the installation.
Update the Printer Firmware
- Firmware updates improve wireless performance and resolve known software issues.
- Keeping your HP printer updated helps prevent connection problems.
Use the HP Smart App
- If the WPS method continues to fail, try connecting your printer with the HP Smart app.
- The app provides an alternative wireless setup method and often detects the printer automatically.
Print a Wireless Test Report
- After completing the setup, print a wireless network or test report if your printer supports it.
- This confirms whether the printer has connected successfully to your Wi-Fi network.
Common Reasons WPS Setup Fails
If your HP printer still cannot connect, one of these issues may be responsible:
- WPS is disabled on the router.
- Router does not support WPS.
- Expired WPS PIN.
- Weak Wi-Fi signal.
- Printer too far from the router.
- Unsupported Wi-Fi band.
- Outdated printer driver.
- Outdated printer firmware.
- Incorrect wireless settings.
- Temporary software issues.
- Network communication problems.
- Router configuration errors.
Reviewing these possible causes can help you identify the problem more quickly.
Tips for a Successful WPS Connection
These simple practices can improve your wireless setup experience.
- Keep the printer close to the router during setup.
- Use the WPS PIN immediately after it appears.
- Update the printer driver regularly.
- Install firmware updates whenever available.
- Verify that WPS is enabled on the router.
- Restart the printer before repeating the setup.
- Avoid interrupting the connection process.
- Print a test page after connecting.
These habits help maintain a reliable wireless connection.
FAQs
Why won’t my HP printer connect using WPS?
This is commonly caused by disabled WPS settings, an expired WPS PIN, weak Wi-Fi signals, unsupported router settings, or outdated printer software.
Does every router support WPS?
No. Some routers have WPS disabled or do not include the feature.
Why does my WPS PIN keep expiring?
The WPS PIN is temporary for security reasons. A new PIN is generated each time you restart the WPS setup.
Can I connect my HP printer without WPS?
Yes. You can connect manually by entering your Wi-Fi password or by using the HP Smart app.
Should I update my printer before connecting it to Wi-Fi?
Yes. Updating the printer driver and firmware improves compatibility and helps prevent wireless setup issues.
What should I do if WPS still doesn’t work?
Restart the printer and router, verify that WPS is enabled, generate a new WPS PIN if required, update the printer driver and firmware, try the HP Smart app, and print a wireless test report after setup. If the issue continues, further troubleshooting may be required.
Conclusion
An HP printer that won’t connect to Wi-Fi using WPS is usually experiencing a network or software issue rather than a hardware failure. Router settings, expired WPS PINs, outdated software, and weak wireless signals are among the most common causes.
By checking your router, restarting the WPS setup, generating a new PIN when necessary, updating the printer software, and using the HP Smart app if needed, you can resolve most WPS connection problems and complete the wireless setup successfully