Top Tips for Connecting Your HP LaserJet Pro M404N Printer to WiFi

Connecting your HP LaserJet Pro M404n printer to your Wi-Fi network allows you to print wirelessly from any device in your home or office, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to establish a seamless wireless connection for your printer.

Essential Requirements

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• HP LaserJet Pro M404n printer: Make sure your printer is powered on and within range of your Wi-Fi router.
• Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password: You’ll need this information to connect your printer to your network.
• Internet connection: A working internet connection is required for certain printer functions, such as firmware updates and web services.
• Computer or mobile device: You’ll use a connected device to configure the wireless connection.

Connecting Via the Printer Control Panel

The most direct way to connect your HP LaserJet Pro M404n printer to Wi-Fi is through the printer’s control panel:
1. Power on your printer: Ensure the printer is turned on and ready.
2. Access the wireless settings: Locate the “Wireless” or “Network” icon on the printer’s control panel. This is typically represented by a Wi-Fi symbol.
3. Select “Connect to a Wireless Network”: Navigate to the option for connecting to a wireless network.
4. Choose your network: From the list of available Wi-Fi networks, select your network SSID.
5. Enter the password: When prompted, enter the password for your Wi-Fi network.
6. Confirm the connection: Your printer will attempt to connect to the network. If successful, you’ll receive a confirmation message.

Connecting Using the HP Smart App

The HP Smart app offers a user-friendly interface for connecting your printer to Wi-Fi:
1. Download the HP Smart app: Download and install the HP Smart app on your smartphone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and create an account: If you don’t already have an HP Smart account, create one.
3. Add a new printer: In the app, tap the “Add a Printer” icon or select “Set Up a New Printer.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The app will guide you through the process of connecting your printer to Wi-Fi. You’ll likely need to enter your network password during this process.
5. Complete the setup: Once the connection is established, the app will confirm the successful setup.

Connecting Using the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS)

The HP EWS provides a web-based interface for managing your printer’s settings, including Wi-Fi connectivity:
1. Find your printer’s IP address: The IP address is usually printed on the printer’s information page or can be found in the network settings of your router.
2. Open a web browser: On your computer, open a web browser and type in the printer’s IP address in the address bar.
3. Login to the EWS: You may be prompted to log in to the EWS. If so, use the default credentials (typically “admin” for both username and password).
4. Access the networking settings: Navigate to the “Network” or “Wireless” section within the EWS.
5. Connect to a network: Select “Connect to a Wireless Network” and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to enter your Wi-Fi network SSID and password.
6. Confirm the connection: Once the connection is established, the EWS will display a confirmation message.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Connection Issues

If you encounter difficulties connecting your HP LaserJet Pro M404n printer to Wi-Fi, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Check your Wi-Fi signal strength: Ensure your printer is within range of your router and that the signal is strong.
• Restart your router and printer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues.
• Verify your network password: Ensure you’re entering the correct password for your Wi-Fi network.
• Check for firmware updates: Outdated firmware can cause connectivity problems. Update your printer’s firmware through the HP Smart app or the EWS.
• Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software: These programs can sometimes interfere with network connections.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Wireless Settings

For more advanced users, the EWS offers a range of wireless settings, including:

• Wi-Fi security: You can configure the type of security used on your printer’s Wi-Fi connection, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
• Wireless channel: You can choose a specific wireless channel to optimize your printer’s connection.
• Wireless network name: You can change the name of the printer’s Wi-Fi network (SSID).
• Wireless network password: You can change the password for your printer’s Wi-Fi network.

Enjoy the Benefits of Wireless Printing

Connecting your HP LaserJet Pro M404n printer to Wi-Fi unlocks a world of convenience and flexibility:

• Print from anywhere: Print documents and photos from your computer, smartphone, or tablet without needing to be physically connected to your printer.
• Share the printer: Allow multiple devices to share the printer seamlessly, eliminating the need for individual connections.
• Easy access: Print from any room in your home or office without having to move your printer.
• Enhanced productivity: Streamline your workflow and save time by eliminating the need for physical connections.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I connect my HP LaserJet Pro M404n printer to multiple Wi-Fi networks?
A: No, your printer can only be connected to one Wi-Fi network at a time. However, you can easily switch between networks by following the steps outlined above.
Q: What if I forget my Wi-Fi password?
A: If you forget your Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to reset your router to its factory settings. This will erase all existing network settings, including your password. You’ll then need to set up your router again and create a new password.
Q: How do I know if my printer is connected to Wi-Fi?
A: You can check the printer’s control panel for a Wi-Fi symbol or a notification indicating a successful connection. You can also check the network settings on your computer or mobile device for a list of connected devices.
Q: Why is my printer printing slowly?
A: Slow printing speeds can be caused by a number of factors, including a weak Wi-Fi signal, outdated printer drivers, or a low-quality print job. Try troubleshooting these issues to improve printing speed.