HP Deskjet Printer Won’t Connect – Troubleshooting
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Using a new smart printer to print on the go or anywhere from your home without a cord is extremely convenient and satisfying. This newer function allows fewer wire messes and more time to focus on the work at hand. Sometimes there are connectivity issues. This leads to the question, why won’t my HP Deskjet printer connect?
If the HP Deskjet printer says it is not connected, this is likely an issue with the internet connection that the printer is hooked into. It is important to check the internet connection and ensure there is good wiring and a strong, steady signal for the HP to pick it up.
Occasionally, other things can cause the HP printer to stop connecting. They can be problems with the printer itself, the network it is connected to, or the hardware supplying the internet connection to the home. Read on to find out how to troubleshoot the most common issues that cause an HP Deskjet Printer to stop connecting.
Troubleshooting Steps
Before resorting to a factory reset or going out and buying a new HP Deskjet printer, there are some quick troubleshooting steps to try to see what’s going on and to get it fixed.
- Reset and unplug the printer.
- Check your router and WiFi connection.
- Check the printer’s configuration.
- Update the drivers.
- Check the printer’s cords.
- Connect the printer via ethernet or USB cord.
- Try printing from another device.
Many times it’s just a small issue that can be fixed with any of the above. Very rarely will you have to go out and purchase a new printer. Keep reading to learn how to do these things.
Take a Minute to Reset
Before going off the deep end, take a minute to troubleshoot the device by turning it off and unplugging it for five minutes. Also, turn off your router and unplug it for five minutes. This will allow both devices to refresh and recycle. Turn them back on and try to connect again. It may have been just enough to get the fresh update it needed to work properly.
Check Your Router
It is always important to double-check your router to ensure it is in good working order. Look to see if any lights are blinking a different color. Also, ensure that the power is on and the router has secure connections to its cables. A loose wire or unpowered device could be the root cause of the problem.
While you’re checking your router, you should also check the printer to see if there are any blinking lights, specifically the WiFi light.
Check for Configuration Errors
Sometimes when the printer is set up, a configuration error can occur. Go to the control panel within the HP. This can be achieved on the touch screen of the printer. Go to settings and select network configuration. See if an error is listed within this section. If it is, try to compare it to the owner’s manual to see what is wrong and fix the issue.
Strong Signal
These newer printers have minimum requirements for operating. This does not mean it needs a certain amount of power. It also means it needs a specific signal strength from an internet provider or router to function properly. Ensure that your internet signal pushes 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz before continuing. If it is not, it may be time for an internet upgrade.
Extend Your Network
If the router is at one end of the house and the printer is at the opposite end of the house, it could be part of the problem. Sometimes routers and WiFi systems cannot produce a strong enough signal to reach far distances. Consider buying a WiFi extender to solve this problem.
Driver or Software Issues
Sometimes a printer will sit around in a warehouse for a while before it is taken home and installed. This is fine, but the software and drivers can get out of date quickly during that time. HP is constantly updating its drivers and software, so it may be why it won’t connect. Go onto the HP website, download the latest updates, and try connecting again.
You may also come across something stating the driver is unavailable. If this is the case, there are some easy fixes for you to try.
Check the Cables
A bad wire can cause the connectivity to fail. It is important to check all wires for kinks, breaks, or coils. Wires that are broken should be replaced immediately with a new cord. This is not only a safety concern but a functionality concern. If a broken wire is used, it can short the entire system, and instead of no connectivity, you will have no printer.
Hardwire the Printer
It can be tempting to set the entire printer up wireless so that you do not have to be troubled with cords and wires. While this is a convenience, it can also be a detriment. Try connecting the printer to the internet source with an ethernet cable and setting it up again. This may solve the connectivity issues, and the ethernet cable can be disconnected later.
Your printer should have also come with a USB cable to connect to your computer to see if there’s difficulty communicating between the printer and computer.
Connect Wirelessly
The opposite can also do the trick. Sometimes the ethernet cable can confuse the printer when you are trying to connect wirelessly. This is because it continues to try to read the printer’s internet source from the hardwire and forgets about the wireless ability. Remove the ethernet cable and try again. You might just get lucky.
A Lost Connection
Just because the WiFi connection is lost, does not mean all hope is lost. Sometimes printers malfunction and cause us ire. When this is the case, just breathe and try the troubleshooting tips above. If this still doesn’t solve the problem, you may be better off buying a new printer. After all, they are becoming more and more affordable as technology progresses.
