Your HP printer is unpacked, but getting it connected means choosing the right software and setup method for your model. Start with HP’s setup page, then use the instructions for your computer or phone below. If the printer doesn't appear during setup, restore its Wi-Fi setup mode before trying again.
Start with HP’s setup software
Remove the printer’s shipping materials, connect the power, and load paper. Install the ink or toner using your model’s setup instructions. Cartridge, toner, and refillable-tank printers have different requirements.
For HP DeskJet and ENVY 6100/6500 families, install the supplied setup cartridges. Touch Align to print the alignment sheet, then place the sheet face-down on the scanner glass at the indicated corner. Close the scanner lid and touch Scan.
Open HP’s setup page, search for your printer, and install the software HP recommends for your device. For wireless setup, connect your computer or mobile device to your home Wi-Fi, enable Bluetooth on that device, and allow the requested location access on mobile devices.
In the HP app, select plus sign > Add a device > Set Up a New Printer. If you previously used the printer on this device, use Choose an available printer instead. Select your printer to begin its setup prompts. On supported HP+ models, complete the HP account and Connected Printing Services prompts.
Approve the connection with the printer’s check icon or Information button when requested. Review any optional Instant Ink offer separately. Subscription enrollment is distinct from printer installation.
If setup fails, try a connection method below. If the software download is missing or incompatible, use HP’s printer driver page: enter your product name, product number, or serial number in the search field. Select Submit, then choose the matching printer and operating system. If the initial setup software still cannot complete installation, try the applicable driver or installation package offered for that printer and operating system.
Choose a connection that suits your printer
Use the printer’s touchscreen wizard to connect to home Wi-Fi when that option is available. USB and Ethernet are alternatives for models with those ports.
For touchscreen Wi-Fi setup, open Setup, Network, or Wireless settings, then select Wireless Setup Wizard. Choose your home network and enter its Wi-Fi password. After the connection completes, add the printer on each computer or mobile device using the relevant instructions below.
For USB setup, complete any online activation required by your printer model first. Start HP’s software installation with the USB cable disconnected, then connect the cable directly to your computer when setup requests it.
For Ethernet setup, turn on the printer with paper loaded and remove any cover from the Ethernet port. Connect the printer to your router or switch with an Ethernet cable, then connect your computer or mobile device to the same local network. Run HP’s recommended setup software, or add the printer through your device’s printer settings below.
Restore Wi-Fi setup mode if the printer is missing
An unconfigured printer outside Wi-Fi setup mode needs that mode restored for wireless setup in the HP app.
On a touchscreen model covered by HP’s general reset instructions, open Setup or Wireless, then Network setup or Settings. Select Restore Network Settings, and if a confirmation prompt appears, touch Yes.
For most button-only inkjets covered by those instructions, press Cancel. Then hold Wireless and Cancel until the Power light blinks.
For most covered button-only LaserJets, press Cancel. Then hold Wireless until the Attention light blinks.
Use your model’s specific reset combination where it differs. DeskJet Plus 6000/6400 and ENVY 6000/6000e/6400e/Pro 6400 models require holding the rear Wireless button for five seconds instead.
After a general reset, wait about 60 seconds. Return to the HP app and complete wireless setup within two hours of restoring setup mode.
Add the printer in Windows 11
For network installation, connect your printer and PC to the same network. For Windows automatic USB installation, turn on the printer, then connect its USB cable directly to the PC so Windows can install it automatically.
To add a network printer or a USB printer that wasn't installed automatically, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select Add device, then choose Add Device beside your HP printer.
If the printer is missing, select Add a new device manually beside The printer that I want isn't listed. For a network printer whose IP address you have, select Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname, then select Next. Set Device type to Autodetect, enter the printer’s IP address, and select Next. Complete the driver selection using a driver compatible with your PC’s architecture.
For an earlier failed or duplicate installation, select the unwanted printer entry in Printers & scanners. Choose Remove, then use Add device to install it again.
Tip: Microsoft recommends Windows’ built-in printer installation when a manufacturer’s installer fails on an ARM PC.
Set up printing on a Mac
Connect your Mac and printer to the same network, or connect the printer by USB. macOS supports AirPrint-compatible HP printers and models with compatible manufacturer software.
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax. Select your HP printer and click Add.
For a compatible network printer that needs manual setup, select IP in the add-printer window. Complete Address, Protocol, Queue, and Use with the settings for your printer, then select Add.
If installation still fails, reset the printing system. This removes every printer and scanner setup, so each one needs to be added again.
In Printers & Scanners, Control-click or right-click the printer list, then select Reset printing system. Restart the HP printer, open Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, select your printer, and click Add.
If installation still fails, try the compatible Mac software offered for your model on HP’s printer driver page.
Print from phones, tablets, and Chromebooks
On an iPhone or iPad, connect to the same network as your AirPrint-enabled HP printer. No separate HP driver installation is required.
To print from a supported iPhone or iPad app, use Share or Actions, then Print > No Printer Selected. Choose your HP printer and print options. Tap Print.
On Android, install or update HP Print Service Plugin; it enables automatically on Android 7 and later. With your device and supported HP printer on the same network, select the printer through a supported app’s Print command or Share > HP Print Service Plugin.
On a Chromebook, connect the printer by USB or put both devices on the same network. Select it through Ctrl+P > Destination > See more.... To save it, use Settings > Device > Printers and scanners > Print > Other available printers and select Save beside the printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my printers when HP Smart updates to the HP app?
Existing printers and settings transfer during the app-store update. If you uninstalled HP Smart first, open the HP app and select plus sign > Add Existing to reconnect your printer.
Can I connect an HP printer without a router?
Yes, supported printers offer Wi-Fi Direct. Enable Wi-Fi Direct on the printer. Connect your device to its DIRECT-xx-HP network using the displayed or printed password. If prompted, confirm the connection on the printer. Select the printer in a compatible printing app.
Does enabling Bluetooth mean the printer prints over Bluetooth?
No. Bluetooth Low Energy helps discover the printer during HP setup; it does not establish a Bluetooth printing connection.
How do I make my HP printer the default in Windows 11?
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Turn off Let Windows manage my default printer. Select your HP printer. Choose Set as default.