The beauty of a network-printer is not hard to admit because several users can use one printer without any problem. But when your HP printer just goes out of sight from your network, you get frustrated. Don’t panic if you’re facing hp printer connectivity problems and your printer is not detected. There are a couple of suspects in mind, and nine times out of ten, the issue is resolved with a simple test. We’ve brought together the best 4 things you need to look into to get your HP printer working again here at PrinterNotWorking.
1. Test the Printer’s Network Connection
The most elementary and simplest thing to try is to verify if your HP printer is properly connected to your network. Most printer connectivity problems have a lost or missing connection on the printer end as their root.
- Wireless Connection: Look for a Wi-Fi icon on your printer’s display panel when you are printing wirelessly and make sure the printer is connected to your desired network. Look for any warning messages regarding the wireless connection. You might be prompted to re-enter your Wi-Fi password or rejoin the network from the printer menu.
- Wired (Ethernet) Link: If your printer is plugged in through an Ethernet cable, make sure the cable is firmly plugged into the printer and router or network switch. Check the indicator lights on both the Ethernet port on the devices; they should be normally lit up and perhaps flashing to ensure an active link.
Sometimes, restarting your printer will even solve temporary hp printer connection issues by reconnecting to the network.
2. Ensure Your Computer’s Network Connection
If your printer seems to be on the network, your computer’s connection could be the problem. If your computer is on a different network, or not connected at all, it cannot find the printer.
- Wi-Fi: Ensure your computer is well connected to the same Wi-Fi network your printer is connected to. Verify your Wi-Fi connection status and reconnect in case of loss of connection.
- Ethernet: In case your computer is connected through a wired connection, ensure that the Ethernet cable is well inserted and your network connection is on.
One of the easiest tests is to try to access the internet with your computer. If you cannot browse websites, something is wrong with your computer’s network, and this will also prevent it from finding your printer. Fixing these easy printer connection issues on your computer matters.
3. Restart Your Router
Your router is the hub of your network, and sometimes rebooting it could fix connection problems. It is part of the blanket fixes for most network problems, like when your hp printer connection problems are the printer not being recognized.
- Locate your router and pull it out from the power socket.
- Wait for a minute or 30 seconds.
- Restore the router to its power socket and allow it to fully boot.
Once your router is back online, try to locate your HP printer again from your computer. This will sometimes remove temporary network traffic or IP address conflicts that might otherwise be keeping the printer from being detected on the network.
4. Install the Right Printer Drivers
While not a networking connection issue in itself, the faulty or outdated printer drivers can prevent the computer from finding the printer even when it is connected to the network.
- Go to the HP support web site and look up your specific printer model.
- Download and install the latest drivers for your operating system.
- Install them with caution according to instructions.
There are some circumstances, however, that will leave you having had drivers installed originally but they become corrupted or system-upgrade-inecompatible. Removing and re-installing the proper drivers will be able to repair things in space where the computer just isn’t “seeing” the printer on the network when the network connection itself is fine. While the article is HP-specific, the same driver issues will lead to problems with other brands as well, which can lead to canon printer connection issues as well.
Conclusion: Getting Back to Printing
HP printer connection issues are not difficult to diagnose, yet by following these top 4 items in a step-by-step process, you can usually remedy and diagnose the issue. Start at the physical connection of your computer and printer, and then restart your router. Next, ensure you’re properly equipped with the correct and updated printer drivers. Doing these procedures will leave you in good standing to have your HP printer online and eliminating those pesky “printer not found” messages.