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HP printers - Change from a USB to a Wi-Fi connection

If you set up your printer with a USB connection to your computer, convert to a network connection to print wirelessly from the computer or a mobile device.

This document is for HP printers that support both wireless and USB connections.

Note:

For Chromebooks, go to HP printer setup (Chromebook) for steps to connect the printer.

Remove the USB printer from the computer

Disconnect the USB printer from the computer, and then remove it from HP Smart if necessary.

Turn off the printer, and then turn off the computer.
Disconnect the USB cable from the printer and the computer.
Turn on printer and the computer.
Close any device setup prompts that display on the computer.
If you previously used HP Smart to set up the USB printer, remove the printer from the app.

On the app home screen, right-click the printer name and then select Forget This Printer.

Install the HP Smart app

Download the HP Smart app from your app store.

Microsoft Store (Windows): HP Smart (in English)
Mac App Store (macOS): HP Smart for Desktop (in English)
Google Play Store (Android): HP Smart (in English)
App Store (iOS): HP Smart (in English)

Note:

Having trouble downloading the app? Go to Unable to download and install the HP Smart printer app for more information.

For more printer setup information, go to HP printer setup (HP Smart app).

Set up your printer using the HP Smart app

Use the guided printer setup in the HP Smart app to connect your printer over USB or to the internet.

Note:

If you have an HP+ printer, go to HP+ printer setup (HP Smart app) to learn how to activate your advanced features during setup. HP+ printers have an 'e' in the model number. For example, HP OfficeJet Pro 9020e or ENVY Inspire 7200e printer.

If you are setting up the printer on a Wi-Fi network, prepare the printer for setup.
- Make sure your computer or mobile device operating system is up to date.
- Place the printer and the computer or mobile device near the Wi-Fi router.
- Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect it to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection method during the setup.
- Turn on Bluetooth so the HP Smart app can detect the printer during the setup.
- For mobile devices, make sure to enable the mobile device location service when prompted and allow the app to use your location to detect the printer and offer solutions during setup.
Open the HP Smart app.
If a Welcome to HP Smart screen displays, click Accept All.
Depending on what is shown in the HP Smart app window, click Set Up a New Printer or Add Printer.
If you are adding a printer to your network, choose to set up a new printer or connect to a printer that is already on your network.
- If your printer has never been set up before, click Get Started. If prompted to select a connection type, click the connection type and then Continue.
- If your printer has previously been set up and is connected to the network, click Add printer or Complete Now.
Find your printer in the list, click the printer name or Set Up, and then follow the prompts to finish the setup. It might take a few minutes before the printer displays.
If you are using a Wi-Fi connection and your printer is not found, continue to the next step.
Restore Wi-Fi setup mode.
- Printers with a touchscreen control panel: On the control panel, open the Wireless or Setup menu, select Network Setup or Settings, and then select Restore Network Settings.
- Printers without a touchscreen control panel: Use the control panel buttons to Restore Wi-Fi setup mode on your HP printer.
Within 2 hours, close and reopen the HP Smart app, and then set up the printer as a new printer.