To connect an HP printer, you can use either a **wired USB connection** or a **wireless Wi-Fi connection**, depending on your preference and setup environment.
For a **wired USB connection**, simply plug one end of a USB cable into the printer and the other end into your computer. The computer should detect the printer automatically, allowing immediate printing without additional software in most cases[1].
For a **wireless connection**, follow these steps:
– Ensure your printer is powered on and placed within range of your Wi-Fi network.
– Access the printer’s control panel or use the HP Smart app on your computer to find your Wi-Fi network.
– Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password to connect.
– Once connected, you can print wirelessly from any device on the same network. This method allows flexible printer placement and easy sharing among multiple devices[1][3].
Alternatively, you can use the **Wireless Setup Wizard** directly on printers with a touchscreen to select your network and enter the password[5].
Using the **HP Smart app** (available on Windows and other platforms) can simplify this process by helping you find and add the printer to your network and computer[2][4][5].
If your printer supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can press the WPS button on your router and then on the printer to connect automatically without entering a password manually[3][5].
In summary:
| Connection Type | How to Connect | Pros | Cons |
|——————-|———————————————-|——————————-|——————————–|
| USB Wired | Plug USB cable printer ↔ computer | Simple, reliable, fast speeds | No wireless printing, less flexible |
| Wi-Fi Wireless | Connect via printer menu or HP Smart app | Flexibility, multiple devices | Setup may require Wi-Fi password entry |
Choose the method best suited to your needs: USB for simplicity and reliability; Wi-Fi for convenience and device sharing[1][3][5].