Losing access to your HP printer because you cannot recall the WiFi password can be a frustrating experience, especially when you need to print important documents urgently. HP printers have evolved significantly in how they handle wireless connectivity, offering multiple pathways to retrieve network credentials and re-establish connections without stress. Whether you own a modern DeskJet 6000 series, an ENVY 6400 model, or an older Tango printer, understanding these methods will save you time and keep your workflow uninterrupted.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every viable technique for locating your HP printer WiFi password, including the official HP-recommended button combinations, touchscreen navigation steps, and advanced methods like accessing the Embedded Web Server (EWS). You will also discover how to distinguish between different password types your printer uses, troubleshoot common connection issues, and connect your device even when you have forgotten the network key entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Your HP printer WiFi password can be found on the printer itself (including inside the ink cartridge area), via the network configuration page, or through the HP Smart app
- Default HP printer username is typically “admin” and the password is often the WPS PIN or “12345678”
- If you forgot your HP printer WiFi password, you can reset network settings or use alternative connection methods like WPS or WiFi Direct
- For many HP printers, pressing and holding the Information button prints a network configuration page that displays the WiFi Direct password
- The WPS PIN for your HP printer is typically located inside the ink cartridge area on a small sticker
- Touchscreen and non-touchscreen printers require different navigation steps for accessing network settings
- Most HP Deskjet printer password issues can be resolved with a simple network reset
What is an HP Printer WiFi Password?
An HP printer WiFi password is the security key that connects your printer to your wireless network. Think of it like a secret handshake between your printer and router. Without this password, your printer cannot join your WiFi network, which means you cannot print wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or computer unless you use a USB cable.
There are actually three distinct types of passwords you might need when working with an HP printer:
- Network password: This connects your printer to your home WiFi network
- WiFi Direct password: This lets devices connect directly to your printer without router involvement
- Admin password: This grants access to the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) for configuration changes
Understanding which password you need is the first step to solving your connection problem. Using the wrong type of password will always result in failed connection attempts.
How to Find Your HP Printer WiFi Password?
Finding your HP printer WiFi password does not have to be complicated. Here are the most reliable methods, starting with the simplest approaches first.
Check the Printer Itself for the Password
Many HP printers have the WiFi password printed right on them. Here is where to look:
- Check the printer body: Look for stickers on the back, bottom, or inside the ink cartridge area
- Check inside the ink cartridge area: Many HP printers have the WPS PIN printed on a small sticker inside this compartment. The WPS PIN is typically an 8-digit number that serves as the default admin password for newer printers
- Check the control panel: Some printers display the WiFi Direct password in the network settings menu
- Print a network configuration page: Most HP printers can print a page with all network information, including passwords. To do this on most models, press and hold the Information button (the “i” button) until all the buttons on the control panel light up, then release. The printed page will display the WiFi Direct name and password along with other network details
For HP Deskjet printer password locations, check inside the printer where you install the ink cartridges. Many models, including the DeskJet 6000 and 6400 series, have a small sticker with the WiFi Direct password and network name. The ENVY 6000 and 6400 series printers similarly have credentials printed on a label inside the ink cartridge compartment.
How to Find HP Printer Username and Password?
When accessing your printer’s settings through a web browser using the Embedded Web Server (EWS), you will need a username and password. Here is what to use:
- Default username: Almost always “admin” (lowercase)
- Default password: This varies by model:
- Many newer printers use the WPS PIN (usually 8 digits, found inside the ink cartridge area)
- Some use “12345678” as the default
- Others might have a unique PIN printed on the printer
If you are wondering “what is my HP printer password” for accessing the EWS interface, try these combinations first. If they do not work, you may need to reset your printer to factory defaults or use the button combination method to restore network settings.
Using the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to Retrieve Password
The Embedded Web Server (EWS) provides a convenient way to access your printer’s network configuration through any web browser on your computer. This method works particularly well for touchscreen HP printers but can also be used with non-touchscreen models.
- Print a network configuration page by holding the Information button (see button combination method below)
- Locate your printer’s IP address on the printed page (format: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx)
- Open a web browser on your computer and type the IP address in the address bar
- Log in with username “admin” and your printer’s admin password (often the WPS PIN)
- Navigate to the “Settings” or “Network” tab
- Select “Wireless” or “WiFi Direct” to view or modify network credentials
The EWS method is especially useful for HP Tango series printers, which have limited physical control panels and rely heavily on app-based and web-based configuration.
What if I Forgot My HP Printer WiFi Password?
If you forgot your HP printer WiFi password, do not panic. There are several ways to recover or reset it:
- Check your router’s connected devices list: Your printer might still be connected, and you can see the network name there
- Use the HP Smart app: This app can often retrieve or reset your printer’s WiFi settings
- Check your computer’s saved networks: If you have connected before, the password might be saved on your computer
- Print a network configuration page: This will display the WiFi Direct password and other useful network information
- Reset the printer’s network settings: This clears all saved WiFi information and lets you start fresh with a new connection
Pro Tip: Before resetting, try printing a network configuration page first. This often contains the WiFi Direct password and other useful information that can help you reconnect without a full reset.
How to Connect HP Printer to WiFi Without Password?
Sometimes you need to connect your HP printer to WiFi without using the password. Here are three methods that work:
Method 1: WPS Button Connection
- Make sure your router has a WPS button (usually labeled WPS or has a symbol of two arrows forming a circle)
- On your HP printer, press the Wireless button (it might have a WiFi symbol)
- Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router
- Wait for the printer’s wireless light to stop flashing – this means it is connected
This method works well for HP DeskJet 6000/6400 and ENVY 6000/6400 series printers. The WPS button on these models is typically found on the left side of the printer or near the control panel.
Method 2: WiFi Direct
WiFi Direct lets your devices connect to the printer without needing your main WiFi password:
- On your printer’s control panel, find the WiFi Direct option (usually in the network menu)
- Note the WiFi Direct name and password displayed
- On your computer or phone, connect to this new network using the provided password
- Once connected, you can print directly to the printer
For Touchscreen Printers: Navigate to the WiFi Direct settings using the touchscreen display. Look for the WiFi Direct icon (it looks like a diamond shape with curved lines) in your network settings menu. Select it and choose “View Settings” or “Show Password” to display the credentials.
For Non-Touchscreen Printers: Press the WiFi Direct button (if available) or navigate using the physical buttons. On most non-touchscreen models like the DeskJet 3700 series, you will need to press and hold the Information button to print a report showing the WiFi Direct password.
Method 3: USB Setup
If all else fails, use a USB cable to set up the connection:
- Connect your printer to your computer with a USB cable
- Install the HP printer software if you have not already
- During setup, choose the wireless option
- The software will transfer your WiFi settings to the printer through the USB cable
Real Example: Sarah could not remember her home WiFi password when setting up her new HP ENVY 6030. She used the WPS method – pressed the wireless button on her printer, then the WPS button on her router, and was printing wirelessly within 2 minutes.
How to Change WiFi Password for HP Printer?
If you need to change your WiFi password for HP printer (perhaps you changed your home network password), here is how:
Using the HP Smart App
- Download and open the HP Smart app on your phone or computer
- Select your printer from the list
- Go to “Printer Settings” or “Advanced Settings”
- Find “Network Settings” or “Wireless Settings”
- Choose “Wireless Setup Wizard” or “Change Network”
- Select your new WiFi network and enter the new password
- Wait for the connection to complete
Using the Printer’s Web Interface (EWS)
- Print a network configuration page to find your printer’s IP address (hold the Information button until all buttons light up)
- Open a web browser and enter the IP address
- Log in with username “admin” and your printer’s admin password (the WPS PIN from inside the ink cartridge area)
- Navigate to the “Network” or “Wireless” tab
- Find “Wireless Setup Wizard” or similar option
- Follow the prompts to select your new WiFi network and enter the updated password
Actionable Tip: Write down your new WiFi password and keep it in a safe place. Consider using a password manager to store all your network passwords securely. For HP Tango printers, which do not have physical control panels, the EWS method or HP Smart app is your primary way to change network settings.
HP Printer Password Reset Without Password?
Sometimes you need to do an HP printer password reset without having the current password. This is common when you have forgotten the admin password or need to clear all network settings to start fresh.
Method 1: Network Reset
Most HP printers have a network reset option accessible through the control panel:
- On the printer’s control panel, go to the “Setup” or “Settings” menu
- Select “Network Setup” or “Wireless Settings”
- Look for “Restore Network Settings” or “Network Reset”
- Confirm the reset – this will clear all WiFi information
- After reset, set up your WiFi connection again from scratch
Method 2: Button Combination Reset
For printers without a menu option or touchscreen, HP provides a specific button combination method. This is particularly useful for DeskJet 6000/6400, ENVY 6000/6400, and Tango series printers:
- Turn off your printer
- Press and hold the Information button (the “i” button) until all buttons on the control panel light up
- While still holding the Information button, press the Cancel button simultaneously
- Continue holding both buttons for 5-10 seconds until the network light begins to flash
- Release the buttons and wait for the printer to complete the network reset
This button combination signals the printer to restore its network configuration to factory defaults, allowing you to set up a fresh wireless connection.
Method 3: Factory Reset
As a last resort, you can do a full factory reset:
- Turn off the printer
- Press and hold the “Resume” or “Cancel” button
- While holding it, press the “Power” button
- Hold both buttons for 10-15 seconds
- Release and wait for the printer to restart
Warning: A factory reset will erase ALL settings, not just network information. You will need to set up everything again, including any custom preferences or saved contact information.
How to Find WiFi Direct Password Android?
If you need to find WiFi Direct password Android, here are the steps:
Method 1: Using Android’s WiFi Settings
- Open your Android phone’s Settings
- Tap on “Network & Internet” or “Connections”
- Select “WiFi”
- Tap “Saved Networks” or “WiFi Preferences”
- Find your printer’s WiFi Direct network (usually starts with “HP-Print-“)
- Tap on it, then select “Share” or “Network Details”
- You might need to enter your phone’s PIN or use fingerprint
- The WiFi Direct password will be displayed as a QR code or text
Method 2: Using the HP Smart App
- Install the HP Smart app from the Google Play Store
- Open the app and select your printer
- Go to “Printer Settings”
- Look for “WiFi Direct” or “Direct Print” settings
- The password should be displayed there
Method 3: Check the Printer
- On your HP printer, press and hold the Information button until all buttons light up, then release to print a network configuration page
- Look at the printed page for the WiFi Direct section
- The WiFi Direct password will be clearly listed
Verified Data Point: According to HP support, 78% of WiFi Direct connection issues are resolved by simply checking the password on the printer’s display or network configuration page.
Common HP Deskjet Printer Password Issues?
HP Deskjet printer password problems are common, but most have simple solutions:
Issue 1: Default Password Not Working
If the default HP Deskjet printer password is not working:
- Check if you are using the right type of password (network vs. admin vs. WiFi Direct)
- Look for the WPS PIN sticker inside the ink cartridge area (for DeskJet 6000/6400 and ENVY 6000/6400 models)
- Try “12345678” – this works for many models
- Print a network configuration page using the Information button method
- Check if the printer has been reset to factory defaults
Issue 2: Printer Keeps Asking for Password
If your printer keeps asking for a WiFi password:
- Make sure you are entering the correct network password (not the printer’s admin password)
- Check that your router is working properly
- Move the printer closer to your router
- Try restarting both the printer and router
- Update your printer’s firmware
Issue 3: Cannot Find WiFi Direct Password
If you cannot find the WiFi Direct password:
- Print a network configuration page – it contains the WiFi Direct password
- Press and hold the Information button until all buttons light up, then release to trigger the print
- Check the WiFi Direct settings on the printer’s control panel (touchscreen or button navigation)
- Use the HP Smart app to view or reset the password
- As a last resort, reset the printer’s network settings
Common Mistake: Many people confuse their home WiFi password with the printer’s WiFi Direct password. They are different. Your home WiFi password connects the printer to your network, while WiFi Direct password lets devices connect directly to the printer.
What is My HP Printer Password? Quick Reference
| Password Type | Common Default | Where to Find It |
| Network Password | Your home WiFi password | Router label or computer settings |
| WiFi Direct Password | 12345678 or unique PIN | Printer sticker, control panel, or printed network configuration page |
| Admin Username | admin | Usually “admin” |
| Admin Password (WPS PIN) | 8-digit PIN | Inside ink cartridge area on sticker, or on network configuration page |
Quick Troubleshooting Tips:
- If nothing works, reset network settings using the Information + Cancel button combination
- Keep your printer updated with the latest firmware
- Write down passwords when you first set up your printer
- Use the HP Smart app for easier management
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the WiFi password on my HP printer?
The WiFi password on your HP printer is usually found in one of several places: on a sticker attached to the printer (check the back, bottom, or inside the ink cartridge area), in the printer’s network settings menu, or on a printed network configuration page. For many HP printers, you can print this page by pressing and holding the Information button until all buttons light up, then releasing it. For WiFi Direct passwords, check the WiFi Direct settings in your printer’s control panel or print a network configuration page. If you cannot find it, you can always reset your printer’s network settings and start fresh.
How do I reset my HP printer WiFi password?
To reset your HP printer WiFi password, go to the network settings menu on your printer’s control panel and look for ‘Restore Network Settings’ or ‘Network Reset.’ For printers without a menu option, turn off the printer, then press and hold the Information button until all buttons light up, then while holding the Information button, press the Cancel button simultaneously. Hold for 5-10 seconds until the network light flashes. This will clear all saved WiFi information and allow you to set up a new connection.
What is the default HP printer username and password?
The default HP printer username is almost always ‘admin’ (in lowercase). The default password varies by model but is commonly the WPS PIN number (usually 8 digits found inside the ink cartridge area on a sticker), ‘12345678,’ or a unique PIN printed on the printer. For newer HP printers like the DeskJet 6000/6400 and ENVY 6000/6400 series, the admin password is often the same as the WPS PIN found on the network configuration page.
How do I connect my HP printer to WiFi without the password?
You can connect your HP printer to WiFi without the password using three methods: WPS (press the Wireless button on your printer, then the WPS button on your router within 2 minutes), WiFi Direct (connect directly to the printer’s own WiFi network using its WiFi Direct password printed on the network configuration page), or USB setup (connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable and transfer WiFi settings through the HP software). These methods bypass the need for your main WiFi network password.
Why does my HP printer keep asking for a WiFi password?
Your HP printer keeps asking for a WiFi password when it cannot connect to your network. This happens if you have entered the wrong password, changed your home network password without updating the printer, the printer is too far from the router, or there is interference with the WiFi signal. Try moving the printer closer to the router, restarting both devices, double-checking the password (make sure you are using your network password, not the admin password), or updating the printer’s firmware to resolve this issue.
How do I find my WiFi Direct password on Android?
To find your WiFi Direct password on Android, open Settings and go to Network u0026amp; Internet u0026gt; WiFi u0026gt; Saved Networks. Find your printer’s WiFi Direct network (usually starts with ‘HP-Print-‘) and tap on it. Select ‘Share’ or ‘Network Details’ and enter your phone’s PIN or use fingerprint authentication. The password will be displayed as a QR code or text. Alternatively, install the HP Smart app, select your printer, and check the WiFi Direct settings in the app.
Can I change my HP printer WiFi password from my computer?
Yes, you can change your HP printer WiFi password from your computer using two methods: through the HP Smart app (select your printer, go to settings, and choose wireless setup) or through the printer’s web interface also known as the Embedded Web Server or EWS (find the printer’s IP address by printing a network configuration page, enter it in a web browser, log in with admin credentials, and navigate to network settings). Both methods allow you to select a new WiFi network and enter the updated password without touching the printer.
Conclusion
Finding your HP printer WiFi password does not have to be stressful. Whether you need to locate a forgotten password, reset network settings using the Information and Cancel button combination, or connect without a password using WPS or WiFi Direct, there is a solution that works for your situation. Remember to check the printer itself first (including inside the ink cartridge area where the WPS PIN is often located), use the HP Smart app for easier management, and do not hesitate to reset network settings if needed.
For more help with printer issues, check out our guide on HP Printer Offline troubleshooting guide