Your computer wants a WPS PIN, but your HP printer has several numbers and passwords to choose from. For Windows printer pairing, the code comes from the printer’s display or a sheet printed during setup. Here’s where to look, how to replace an expired code, and how to connect another way.
Look at the printer when the PIN prompt appears
Start printer setup on your computer. The pairing PIN is generated during that connection attempt.
When the computer requests a WPS PIN, check the printer’s control panel or the sheet it just printed for the new code. Some HP printers print the PIN instead of displaying it.
Enter that code on the computer. For most models, it expires after 90 seconds.
Select Next to continue setup.
Find the code on a fresh printout
Load paper before starting the connection process.
Begin printer setup on the computer.
When the computer requests a WPS PIN, retrieve the information sheet the printer produces for that attempt.
Enter the PIN from that sheet on the computer.
Select Next before the code expires, after 90 seconds on most models.
For a dedicated PIN page on one of the DeskJet families below, start with the printer turned on.
Load paper for the PIN page.
On an HP DeskJet 2800, 4200, or 4900 series printer, hold Wireless and Information together for three seconds.
On an HP DeskJet 2900, 4300, 5100, or 5800 series printer, hold Wireless and Information together for five seconds.
Read the code on the resulting WPS PIN Code Page.
Watch the timing: a brief simultaneous press on the DeskJet 2800, 4200, and 4900 families prints network reports instead.
If the PIN expires, start a new pairing attempt
A fresh Windows Wi-Fi Direct pairing attempt replaces an expired PIN.
Close the Windows Printers & scanners window.
In Windows 11, reopen Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Start adding your printer with Add device or Add a printer or scanner, depending on your Windows build.
For a compatible wireless HP LaserJet Pro, select Show Wi-Fi direct printers if that option appears.
Choose the printer whose name contains DIRECT.
Select Add device.
Read the new PIN from the printer’s display or newly printed sheet.
Enter the new code within 90 seconds.
When the router needs a printer PIN
Entering a printer PIN in your router’s configuration utility enrolls the printer with the router. That is a separate task from Windows Wi-Fi Direct pairing, and these button combinations apply only to the named printer families.
On an HP ENVY 6000 All-in-One series printer, hold Information until all control-panel buttons illuminate.
Hold Information and Resume together for at least five seconds to print the PIN.
Enter the printed PIN in your router’s configuration utility. The menu labels depend on your router.
On an HP Smart Tank Plus 550 series printer, hold Wireless and Information together for five seconds.
Read the PIN at the top of the printed information page.
Enter that PIN in your router’s configuration utility to enroll the printer.
Use the HP app to get past the Windows PIN workflow
Open HP’s official setup page.
Identify your printer to get its setup and download instructions.
Install the print app offered for your printer and operating system.
Open the app.
Follow its guided printer setup.
Stick with the software HP offers for your device: the HP app is the current choice, while HP Smart remains specified for exceptions including Windows 10 32-bit and devices where the replacement is unavailable.
The other passwords that can cause confusion
The temporary WPS pairing PIN, your home Wi-Fi password, and the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct password serve different purposes. Don’t substitute a router sticker code, the printer’s serial number, or an assumed default password for the pairing PIN.
On a supported touchscreen printer, select the Wi-Fi Direct icon to see its network name and password. On button-only printers that support this report, press Information to print those connection details. A Wi-Fi Direct password on that report is a separate credential from the temporary pairing PIN.
For printers that use a factory-label PIN to authenticate access to their web administration interface, look inside the cartridge access area or printer door for the label. Use that PIN for the administration login. The Windows pairing prompt needs the newly generated code from the display or setup printout.
Connect to your router without a PIN
For a touchscreen printer with Wireless Setup Wizard, open that option under Setup, Network, or Wireless settings, depending on the model.
Choose your home network.
Enter its Wi-Fi password.
For a compatible touchscreen printer and router with WPS support, open the printer’s Setup, Network, or Wireless Settings menu.
Select Wi-Fi Protected Setup > Push Button > Start.
Within two minutes, hold the router’s WPS button until the connection starts. A steady wireless indicator on the printer confirms the connection.
If these methods fail, try guided setup through the HP app or identify your printer on HP’s driver download page for another compatible driver or setup method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover an expired WPS PIN through the printer’s web interface?
No. The web administration controls manage Wi-Fi Direct settings and its password; they do not retrieve an expired pairing PIN. Start another Windows Wi-Fi Direct printer-add attempt to generate a new code.
Does the ENVY 6000 PIN shortcut also apply to ENVY 6100 or 6500 printers?
The Information and Resume shortcut applies specifically to the ENVY 6000 All-in-One series. A similar model name does not establish support for that combination on the ENVY 6100 or 6500.
Should I reinstall HP Smart to recover the PIN?
No. Reinstalling HP Smart is not a PIN-recovery method. On devices where the HP app has replaced it, HP says HP Smart becomes obsolete and cannot be reinstalled. Use the HP app on those devices.
Can I change the Wi-Fi Direct password in a browser?
Yes, on printers with the supported web administration interface. Open the printer’s IP address in your browser, or 192.168.223.1 while connected through Wi-Fi Direct. Navigate to Network > Wi-Fi Direct > Status > Edit Settings. Change the connection password there. Authenticate with the administrator credentials if prompted.