First identify whether you mean an HP computer or an HP printer: the checks are different. On a PC, start with its wireless control and Windows troubleshooting; on a printer, check its Wi‑Fi setup, network credentials, and whether it is on the same network as the device you are using.
Start by identifying the problem
Check whether the HP device itself is offline or whether it is connected but cannot reach the internet or be found by an app. Also check another phone or computer on the same Wi‑Fi. If only the HP device has trouble, focus on its wireless setting, credentials, or setup. If several devices cannot connect, investigate the router or internet connection instead. HP provides separate guidance for PC connection problems and printer wireless problems.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If an HP PC won’t connect
- Make sure Wi‑Fi is enabled. Check the keyboard wireless key, physical switch, or wireless control on the computer. The exact control varies by model.
- Run Windows’ network troubleshooter. Open Windows Settings and go to Network & internet, then Network troubleshooter. Follow the actions Windows reports for the connection problem.
- Check whether the issue is network-wide. If other devices also cannot connect, restart the PC and the router, gateway, or modem. HP advises disconnecting router/modem power for at least five seconds, reconnecting it, and waiting for its status lights before testing again.
- Test the signal. Move closer to the access point temporarily. If the connection improves, distance, obstacles, or interference may be contributing; if it does not, keep checking the wireless setting and network rather than assuming coverage is the cause.
For a work- or school-managed PC, ask your organization’s IT support before changing network or security settings.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf an HP printer won’t connect
Check Wi‑Fi and credentials
- Confirm the printer and router are on and that the printer’s wireless radio is enabled.
- Check that you selected the intended Wi‑Fi network name (SSID) and entered its security password correctly.
- Confirm that the printer and the computer or phone used for setup are connected to the same network. A printer configuration page or Wi‑Fi test report can show the printer’s current network and connection status.
These first checks follow HP’s wireless troubleshooting guidance for Color LaserJet Pro printers; menus and report options can differ on other printer models.
#1 Best Overall
- PERFECT FOR BASIC PRINTING NEEDS – Print everyday color documents like to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray, plus mobile and wireless printing
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- ICON LCD – Print your basic documents with ease from the intuitive control panel
- PRINT SPEED – Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
If the app cannot find the printer
- Restart the printer and the phone or computer running the HP app.
- Reconnect that phone or computer to the Wi‑Fi network you intend the printer to use.
- Put the printer back into Wi‑Fi setup mode using its control panel or the button sequence for its exact model.
- Open the HP app and follow its printer setup flow while setup mode is active.
HP says setup mode remains active until the printer connects or two hours pass. The method for enabling it is model-specific, so use the instructions for your printer rather than trying a button sequence from a different model. See HP printer Wi‑Fi setup guidance and steps for a printer the app or operating system cannot find.
Check which network you joined
For normal app setup, do not treat a printer’s DIRECT-xx-HP network as the household Wi‑Fi network. HP’s discovery guidance warns against joining that printer network for this setup. Public or guest Wi‑Fi that requires a login page or confirmation can also prevent normal printer discovery or connection; Wi‑Fi Direct may be an alternative in some situations.
Rank #2
- The OfficeJet Pro 8125e is perfect for home offices printing professional-quality color documents like business documents, reports, presentations and flyers. Print speeds up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 225-sheet input tra
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
Use the symptom to choose the next check
| What you observe | Where to focus |
|---|---|
| Other devices connect, but the HP PC does not | Check that PC’s wireless control and run Windows’ network troubleshooter. |
| Several devices fail on the same Wi‑Fi | Restart and check the router, gateway, or modem; determine whether the network itself is available. |
| The printer is not connected to Wi‑Fi | Check its wireless radio, selected SSID, password, and connection report. |
| The printer appears connected, but the app cannot find it | Check that the printer and client use the same network, then restore printer setup mode and retry discovery. |
| Devices work near the router but fail in one location | Investigate signal strength, distance, obstructions, or interference before considering any coverage remedy. |
When the basic steps do not work
For a printer, note its exact model, any error message, the wireless light’s state, and whether other devices can connect. Then use the support instructions for that model: HP’s setup and discovery procedures vary by printer. For a PC, retain the specific message reported by Windows’ troubleshooter and whether the same Wi‑Fi works on other devices; those details help distinguish a PC issue from a wider network failure.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports plus auto 2-sided printing. Perfect for up to 7 people
- SUPER-FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
- STAYS CONNECTED – Intelligent Wi-Fi looks for the best connection to stay online and ready to print
- PROTECTS YOUR DATA – Includes HP Wolf Pro Security with customizable settings so your printer and information are always secure
- PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Wireless printing from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Ethernet and Bluetooth included. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more
Rank #3
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The Envy 6155 is perfect for homes printing everyday high-quality color documents like homework and borderless photos. Print speeds up to 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink. After 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy and scan, plus auto 2-sided printing and a 100-sheet input tray
- HP'S MOST INTUITIVE COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – Smoothly navigate your printer with the easy-to-use 2.4" touchscreen
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.




