How To Find The WiFi Password On The HP Deskjet Printer?
By Trae Jacobs,
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HP Deskjet printers are a convenient accessory in any home or small business office. They have high-quality printing capabilities and rather quick printing output. These devices include smart features such as wireless printing. Those looking to use this feature often ask how to find the WiFi password on the HP Deskjet printer?
The steps involved in finding the WiFi password for this printer, especially if you have certain types of devices, such as a Windows computer or a Mac, are not always as easy as they seem. Keep reading to find out the best way to find the pin and password for all scenarios.
Locating the Pin or Password
Each type of device has different instructions for finding the appropriate pin or password needed to set up the WiFi feature on the HP Deskjet printer. Each device is made with different software and hardware, meaning each two devices are not the same. Thus a user must use the right directions for the right product.
When setting up the HP Deskjet printer, you will be prompted to enter the WiFi Pin or password. This password or pin is printed onto a piece of paper during the initial printer installation and setup. This is the pin you will need to use to access this function.
While this is true for every instance of HP Deskjet printer setup, it might not be as helpful as it appears. Sometimes more windows, more dialogue, and more buttons need to be pushed before the setup of the WiFi printing function is truly complete. Read on to learn how to set up different device brands.
You will need this information if you’re having connectivity issues or are coming out of a factory reset. You will also need this to establish a connection for wireless printing.
Find the Pin First
It is most important that a user finds the pin for the printer first. When they go to set up the WiFi function on their home computer, the pin will be needed within the first 90 seconds of setup. After this 90-second window, the pin will become invalid. This means the process will need to be repeated to get a new pin.
While this is not ideal, it is possible. When you do get your pin, follow these instructions to enter it onto the computer:
- Find the pin on the printed paper from the HP or on its control panel.
- Enter the pin provided in the window prompt and then select next.
- The setup process should continue to initialize. If it doesn’t, you may need to follow the steps for a device-specific installation.
The easy setup that is included with the HP Deskjet printer is ideal for anyone who is less than tech-savvy. Although it works most of the time, occasionally, it can stall and fail. When this is the case, you may need to use different directions or restart and try again.
The Router has a Wireless Password
Instead of using a pin, HP may ask for a wireless password. Some people know the answer instantly, while others are in the dark. This password can be located and used to set up the HP Deskjet printer. Follow these instructions to find the password on the router:
- Look at the side or bottom of your router and find the label that the manufacturer prints onto it.
- Find the box on the label that is labeled Network Key, Wireless security key/password, or some other deviation of WiFi password.
- Note this key down. This is the key needed for set up in most instances.
Now that you have found the wireless password, you can begin to install the HP Deskjet printer on your computer or another Bluetooth-enabled device. It is a great way to print anywhere in the house, absolutely wire-free.
If your HP Deskjet is offline, you might have problems setting this up, but don’t worry, we can fix this!
Windows and the WiFi Password
Windows OS users have an alternative method they can use to find the WiFi password to hook up the HP Deskjet printer. This alternative is not as easy as looking at the bottom of the router, but it does work. Follow these steps to find it:
- Go to the Windows icon in the bottom left tray of the computer, or press the Windows button on your keyboard to pull it up.
- In the search bar, type in WiFi settings and click search.
- Find the section called related settings.
- Select Change adapter options.
- Find your wireless network and right-click it.
- Select status.
- Go to connection and select wireless properties.
- Select the Security tab.
- Find show characters and click it.
- Note down your wireless network password.
Windows makes it easy to find your network password in case you have forgotten it. This is only the case if the network is connected to another device and is functioning properly. If the device is not connected to the internet, you will not find the password there.
Mac and the WiFi Password
Mac devices use a different method to store and find network passwords. This is because they have a different operating system than Windows. If you are new to a Mac and need to find the password, follow these steps:
- Go to Finder, which looks like a face.
- Select the Go menu.
- Find and select utilities.
- Select Keychain Access.
- Find System Keychains and select System.
- Find your WiFi name and double-click it.
- Click the box located next to the words to ‘show password.’
- Note down your password.
Once you have the password, you can continue to set up the Deskjet printer as per the instructions on the screen. It should be relatively straightforward once the WiFI password is entered.
Troubleshooting WiFi Passwords
Sometimes no matter what option you try, you cannot obtain the appropriate WiFi password for the network. This is frustrating because it means that the printer will not be able to print wirelessly. Another common problem is that the password you think is correct does not actually work. Keep reading for some troubleshooting tips to prevent this:
Reset The Password
Sometimes the network gets a little confused, and the password you thought would work is a bust. When this is the case, it is time to reset the password. You can do this by logging into your router’s settings and entering your administrator credentials. Once these credentials are entered, navigate to the password and opt to change it. Then try to connect again.
Tried and True
HP tends to use a ‘dummy’ password for its printers and products. Any printer or product that needs a password to connect is automatically set to this generic password. This password, according to the HP website, is 12345678. Try entering this password in and see if it connects.
Where There is a Will, There is a Way
Although it can become a process to find the WiFi password to set up an HP Deskjet printer, there is a way to do it with every type of popular device brand. This makes it easy for users to find what they need and get connected so that they can print from anywhere in their homes.