Step-by-Step Guide: Effortlessly Change Your HP Printer’s Bonjour Name

Are you tired of seeing your HP printer listed with a generic name in your network’s devices list? Do you want to easily identify your printer and avoid confusion with other devices? This guide will walk you through the steps on how to change HP printer Bonjour name, making your printer easily identifiable on your network.

Understanding Bonjour and Printer Discovery

Bonjour is a networking protocol developed by Apple that allows devices on a local network to discover each other without the need for manual configuration. When you print from your computer, your operating system uses Bonjour to find available printers on your network.
Your HP printer‘s Bonjour name is the name that appears in the list of available printers on your computer or mobile device. By default, this name is usually a generic name like “HP DeskJet 3700 series” or “HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series.”

Why Change Your HP Printer’s Bonjour Name?

Changing your HP printer‘s Bonjour name offers several advantages:

• Easy Identification: A custom name makes it easy to distinguish your printer from other devices on your network, especially if you have multiple printers.
• Organization: You can use descriptive names like “Office Printer” or “Home Printer” to organize your printers based on their location or purpose.
• Troubleshooting: A unique Bonjour name can be helpful when troubleshooting printing issues, as it helps you quickly identify the correct printer.

How to Change Your HP Printer’s Bonjour Name

The process of changing your HP printer’s Bonjour name varies slightly depending on your printer model and operating system. Here are the general steps for most HP printers:

1. Access the Printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS)

• Wireless Connection: Connect to your printer’s wireless network.
• Wired Connection: Make sure your printer is connected to your computer via a USB cable.
• Open Web Browser: Open a web browser on your computer and type the IP address of your printer into the address bar. You can find the IP address on the printer’s control panel or in your network settings.
• Login (If Required): Some printers may require you to log in with a username and password. Check your printer’s documentation for the default credentials.

2. Navigate to the Network Settings

Once you’ve accessed the EWS, look for the “Network” or “Wireless” settings. The exact location of these settings may vary depending on your printer model.

3. Locate and Change the Bonjour Name

• Bonjour Name: Look for an option titled “Bonjour Name,” “AppleTalk Name,” or something similar.
• Enter New Name: Enter the desired name for your printer. Keep it simple and descriptive.
• Save Changes: Click “Apply,” “Save,” or “OK” to confirm the changes.

4. Restart the Printer

After changing the Bonjour name, restart your printer to apply the changes. This ensures that the new name is reflected in your network’s device list.

Changing HP Printer Bonjour Name on a Mac

If you’re using a Mac computer, you can change your HP printer‘s Bonjour name directly from your system settings:
1. Open System Preferences: Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
2. Select Printers & Scanners: Click on the “Printers & Scanners” icon.
3. Select Your Printer: In the list of printers, select your HP printer.
4. Click “Open Print Queue“: This will open a new window with your printer’s print queue.
5. Click “Name & Location”: Click on the “Name & Location” tab.
6. Change the Bonjour Name: In the “Bonjour Name” field, enter the desired name for your printer.
7. Click “Apply”: Click on the “Apply” button to save the changes.

Changing HP Printer Bonjour Name on Windows

While Windows doesn‘t offer a direct way to change the Bonjour name, you can modify it using a third-party tool:
1. Download Bonjour Print Service: Search for “Bonjour Print Service” on the web and download the latest version. This is a free tool that enables Bonjour support on Windows computers.
2. Install and Run: Install the Bonjour Print Service and run it.
3. Access the Bonjour Service: Once the service is running, you can access its settings by searching for “Bonjour Print Service” in the Windows search bar.
4. Change the Printer Name: In the Bonjour Print Service settings, find your HP printer and change its Bonjour name.
5. Save Changes: Save the changes and restart your computer.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having trouble changing your HP printer‘s Bonjour name, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Check Your Network Connection: Ensure that your printer is connected to your network properly.
• Restart Your Devices: Restart your computer and printer to refresh network connections.
• Verify IP Address: Double-check the IP address of your printer and ensure it’s correct.
• Update Printer Drivers: Update your printer drivers to the latest version.
• Contact HP Support: If you’re still experiencing issues, contact HP support for assistance.

The Importance of a Unique Bonjour Name

A unique Bonjour name is crucial for efficient network management and printing. It eliminates confusion, streamlines troubleshooting, and allows for easy identification of your printer among other devices on your network. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily change your HP printer‘s Bonjour name and enjoy the benefits of a well-organized printing experience.

Top Questions Asked

Q1: Can I change the Bonjour name to anything I want?

A: Yes, you can use any name you want, but it’s best to keep it short, descriptive, and easy to remember. Avoid using special characters or spaces.

Q2: Will changing the Bonjour name affect my printer’s functionality?

A: No, changing the Bonjour name won’t affect your printer’s functionality. It only affects the way your printer is identified on your network.

Q3: Does changing the Bonjour name require me to re-install the printer drivers?

A: No, you don’t need to re-install the printer drivers after changing the Bonjour name.

Q4: Can I change the Bonjour name of multiple printers?

A: Yes, you can change the Bonjour name of each printer individually using the steps outlined in this guide.

Q5: What if I forget the new Bonjour name I set?

A: You can usually find the new Bonjour name in your computer’s or mobile device‘s list of available printers. You can also check the printer’s EWS to see the current Bonjour name.