There is a very simple fix for HP connection problems that I did not learn about when calling HP Support until I made multiple calls for help. My internet provider clarified this solution with important details that HP support did not explain properly.
So, this post is about solving two problems related to printer set up on a wireless router;
- How to solve HP printer connection problems when the printer can’t seem to find my wireless router during set up.
- Why do printer continually disconnect from the router after going into sleep mode. In fact, the printer freezes up completely requiring users to unplug the printer and plug it back in again.
Printer Connection Solutions
My printer is an HP Deskjet 2700 series. But these solutions may apply to all printers because of one basic fact that is the same for all printers.
What is not stated in my HP connection instructions is that printers are designed to be more stable connecting to the 2.4 GHz setting on your wireless router. After multiple calls, HP support told me that printers do not do well on the 5 GHz connection. But here is what I had to learn from my internet provider after calling them to change my router settings. Many people have their 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz wireless connections on the same username and password. What you need to do is split the connections.
For non-techies you can split the wireless router settings by calling your internet provider. They will walk you through it. If your tech support doesn’t know what you mean, simply state that your 2.4 GHz wireless setting has to be a different name that your 5 GHz in order for your printer to work properly.
For those with a little technical knowledge, simply log into your router on a browser. Google your router brand. Quite often on new router set ups the user name is ‘admin’ and the password is ‘password’, But on your wireless router that is already set up, the log in will be your current 5 GHz name and password that your changed it to.
Connecting Printer to 2.4 GHz Wireless Connection
Once you are logged in, rename your 2.4 GHz wireless to something different than your 5 GHz. For example, if your wireless router is set up under the name MyFamily, rename the 2.4 setting to MyFamily-2.4. Your password can remain the same if you like or change it to whatever you desire.
Slitting wireless connections will enable your printer to show your 2.4 GHz router. The newly named 2.4 G connections is what you should connect your printer to.
In the case of our family, no one was using the 2.4 GHz wireless connection, so I didn’t have to notify anyone that the 2.4 GHz wireless sign up name had changed on their computer or phone. The sample will apply to any WiFi extender you may have set up in your house.
Happy Printing!