The convenience of wireless printing has transformed the way we handle printing tasks at home and in the office. No longer tethered to a computer by cords, users can print from multiple devices, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or laptop, from anywhere in the same network. To achieve this seamless connection, HP printers offer several wireless setup methods, one of which is Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). If you are trying to set up a wireless connection for your HP printer using the WPS PIN method, you’re likely wondering, “where is the wps pin on my hp printer”
In this article, we will explain what the WPS PIN is, why it’s essential, and provide a detailed guide on how to find the WPS PIN on your HP printer. We’ll also go over how to use it to connect your printer to a wireless network.
What is the WPS PIN?
The WPS PIN is an eight-digit number generated by the HP printer when using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup process. This method allows devices such as printers to connect securely to a wireless network without the need to manually enter the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. WPS is a popular feature on routers and printers because it simplifies the setup process for wireless devices, while still maintaining a good level of security.
There are two ways to connect using WPS:
- WPS Button Method – Press a physical WPS button on both the printer and router to establish a connection.
- WPS PIN Method – Enter a unique 8-digit PIN, displayed on the printer, into the router’s configuration page.
The WPS PIN Method is particularly useful when the router does not have a physical WPS button, or when you’re connecting multiple devices.
Why Do You Need the WPS PIN?
The WPS PIN is necessary when you’re trying to connect your HP printer to your wireless network using the WPS method. This allows your printer to communicate with your router and ensures that the connection is authorized and secure.
Here are some reasons why you would use the WPS PIN:
- Ease of Use: The WPS PIN simplifies connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network, especially for non-tech-savvy users who find manually entering complex Wi-Fi passwords challenging.
- Security: Instead of broadcasting your entire Wi-Fi password, the WPS PIN method only requires you to input a temporary 8-digit code, which expires after a short period.
- Multiple Device Connectivity: The WPS PIN allows you to connect several devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to the printer over the same wireless network.
How to Find the WPS PIN on Your HP Printer
The location of the WPS PIN on your HP printer depends on the model of the printer. Typically, printers with touchscreens will display the WPS PIN on the screen, while other models may require you to print it or access it via a computer application.
1. Finding the WPS PIN on HP Printers with a Touchscreen
If your HP printer has a touchscreen display, finding the WPS PIN is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
Steps:
- Turn on your HP printer and ensure that it is ready (not in sleep or standby mode).
- On the printer’s home screen, tap on the Wireless or Network Settings icon. This will open the wireless settings menu.
- In the wireless settings, look for the option that says Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or simply Wireless Setup Wizard.
- Choose the option labeled WPS PIN. The printer will generate an 8-digit WPS PIN and display it on the screen.
- Write down the PIN or memorize it, as you will need to enter it into your router’s settings to complete the connection.
Note: The WPS PIN is temporary, and you’ll need to enter it within a few minutes before it expires.
2. Finding the WPS PIN on HP Printers without a Touchscreen
For HP printers that do not have a touchscreen, finding the WPS PIN can be slightly different. In this case, you’ll need to use buttons on the printer or print a network configuration page to locate the PIN.
Steps:
- Turn on your printer and make sure it is in a ready state.
- Press and hold the Wireless button on your printer for a few seconds, until the wireless light starts blinking. This indicates that the printer is in WPS setup mode.
- Print a Network Configuration page or Wireless Network Test report. This can usually be done by pressing a combination of the Wireless and Information buttons, or the Wi-Fi and Resume buttons, depending on the model.
- Once the configuration page is printed, look for the WPS PIN in the network settings section.
If the WPS PIN is not listed on the printed configuration page, consult the printer’s manual to confirm the proper steps, or use the HP Smart app to retrieve the WPS PIN.
3. Finding the WPS PIN Using the HP Smart App
For those who prefer a mobile or PC solution, you can use the HP Smart app to find the WPS PIN on supported HP printers. This is an especially helpful method for users who want to manage their printer settings directly from their device.
Steps:
- Download and install the HP Smart app from the HP website or your device’s app store.
- Open the app and connect it to your HP printer. If the printer is already on your Wi-Fi network, it should automatically detect it.
- Go to the Network Settings or Advanced Settings section within the app.
- In the settings menu, select Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).
- The app will display the WPS PIN that you can use to connect the printer to the network.
This is a user-friendly way to manage your printer settings, especially if you do not have access to the printer’s control panel.
How to Use the WPS PIN to Connect Your HP Printer to Wi-Fi
Once you have located the WPS PIN, the next step is to enter it into your router’s configuration to complete the wireless setup process. Follow these steps to connect your printer to Wi-Fi using the WPS PIN:
Steps:
- Log in to your router’s admin panel by entering the router’s IP address into a web browser. This is typically something like 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1.
- Enter the admin username and password for your router. The default username is often “admin,” and the password could be “admin” or “password,” but this depends on your router model.
- Once logged in, navigate to the WPS Setup section of your router’s settings. This is usually under the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings tab.
- Select the option for WPS PIN and input the 8-digit WPS PIN from your HP printer.
- Save the settings, and the printer should now be connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Once connected, the printer’s wireless light should stop blinking and remain solid, confirming the successful connection.
Note: If the WPS PIN expires before you can enter it, simply generate a new PIN from the printer and try again.
Troubleshooting WPS PIN Connection Issues
While the WPS PIN method is relatively simple, issues can arise during setup. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
1. WPS PIN Not Accepted
- Re-enter the PIN: Ensure that you are entering the WPS PIN within the specified time limit (typically 90-120 seconds). If the PIN has expired, generate a new one from your printer.
- Check for errors: Verify that you are entering the correct 8-digit WPS PIN. It’s easy to make a mistake when copying the numbers.
- Update router firmware: If your router’s firmware is outdated, it may not accept the WPS PIN. Updating the firmware can resolve this issue.
2. Printer Not Connecting to Wi-Fi
- Check signal strength: Ensure that your printer is within range of your Wi-Fi router. Poor signal strength can prevent a successful connection.
- Restart both devices: Sometimes, restarting both the printer and the router can fix connectivity issues.
- Try a different method: If the WPS PIN method doesn’t work, consider using the WPS Button method or manually entering the Wi-Fi credentials.
3. WPS PIN Not Displayed on Printer
- Print a Network Configuration Page: If your printer doesn’t display the WPS PIN on its control panel, print a network configuration page to see the WPS PIN.
- Use HP Smart App: As a backup, you can use the HP Smart app to find the WPS PIN for your printer.
Alternatives to WPS PIN Setup
If you’re unable to use the WPS PIN method, or if your router or printer does not support it, there are other ways to connect your HP printer to Wi-Fi:
1. WPS Button Method
Many routers and printers have a physical WPS Button that makes connecting devices simple. All you need to do is press the WPS button on the router, followed by the WPS button on the printer.
2. Manual Wi-Fi Setup
If the WPS method isn’t working, you can manually connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network by entering your Wi-Fi password through the printer’s control panel or using the HP Smart app.
Conclusion
Finding the WPS PIN on your HP printer is essential for setting up a secure and hassle-free wireless connection. Whether your printer has a touchscreen, requires a configuration page printout, or is managed through the HP Smart app, accessing the WPS PIN is straightforward. Once you’ve located the WPS PIN, connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network is a breeze, allowing you to print wirelessly from any device on the same network.
If you encounter issues during the process, troubleshooting steps such as restarting devices, ensuring proper signal strength, or using alternative connection methods can help you resolve them. With a successfully connected printer, you can enjoy the convenience and flexibility of wireless printing.