How to Find the WPS PIN on Your HP Printer

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How to Find the WPS PIN on Your HP Printer

The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) PIN is a convenient way to connect your HP printer to your wireless network without having to manually enter the network password (SSID and passphrase). Instead of typing a long string of characters, you use an 8-digit PIN. However, finding that PIN can sometimes be tricky, as the method varies depending on your specific HP printer model. This article will guide you through several ways to locate the WPS PIN, covering the most common scenarios.

Important Note: Not all HP printers support WPS PIN connection. Some older or very basic models only support WPS Push Button Connect (PBC) or traditional Wi-Fi setup. Check your printer’s documentation (user manual) to confirm WPS PIN support.

Here’s a breakdown of how to find the WPS PIN, organized by method:

1. Via the Printer’s Control Panel (Touchscreen or Button-Based):

This is the most common and usually the easiest method. The exact steps will vary slightly based on your printer’s interface, but the general idea is the same.

  • Touchscreen Printers:

    1. Access the Wireless Settings: On the printer’s touchscreen, look for an icon that represents Wi-Fi, Wireless, Network, or Settings. It might be a Wi-Fi symbol, a gear, or a wrench. Tap it.
    2. Find WPS Setup: Within the wireless settings, navigate to find an option like “Wi-Fi Protected Setup,” “WPS,” or “Network Setup.”
    3. Select WPS PIN: You should see options for “WPS Push Button” and “WPS PIN.” Choose “WPS PIN.”
    4. Display the PIN: The printer will either:
      • Display the PIN directly on the screen: The 8-digit PIN will appear. Write it down immediately, as it usually has a short timeout (often 2-5 minutes) before it becomes invalid.
      • Print a network configuration page: Some printers will print a page containing the PIN and other network information. Look for a section labeled “WPS PIN” or similar.

  • Button-Based Printers (Non-Touchscreen):

    1. Access the Wireless Menu: Look for a physical button on your printer labeled “Wireless,” “Wi-Fi,” or with a Wi-Fi symbol. Press and hold this button for a few seconds (usually 3-5 seconds) until a light starts blinking or you hear a beep. This often indicates you’ve entered the wireless setup mode.
    2. Navigate to WPS (if necessary): Some printers will immediately go into WPS mode. Others might require you to use other buttons (like up/down arrows or the “OK” button) to navigate through a menu displayed on a small LCD screen (if your printer has one). Look for “WPS” or “Wi-Fi Protected Setup.”
    3. Select WPS PIN (if available): If your printer offers both WPS Push Button and WPS PIN, you might need to select the PIN option using the navigation buttons.
    4. Print or Display (depending on the model):
      • Display (if applicable): If your printer has a small LCD, the PIN might be displayed briefly. Be ready to write it down quickly.
      • Print: Many button-based printers will print a network configuration page. This page should contain the WPS PIN. Look for a section labeled “WPS PIN” or similar. The printout might be triggered automatically after selecting WPS PIN, or you might need to press another button (like “OK” or “Start”) to initiate the print.

2. Via a Printed Network Configuration Page (Without Using the Control Panel):

Some HP printers have a specific button combination or procedure to print a network configuration page directly, without needing to navigate through menus. This page often contains the WPS PIN.

  • Check Your Printer’s Manual: This is the best way to find the specific instructions for your model. Look for a section on “Printing a Network Configuration Page” or “Printing Reports.”
  • Common Button Combinations (Try These if You Can’t Find the Manual):
    • Press and hold the “Information” button (often an “i” symbol) for a few seconds.
    • Press and hold the “Wireless” button and the “Cancel” button simultaneously.
    • Press and hold the “Resume” or “Go” button for a few seconds.
    • Press and hold the “Power” button, then press the “Cancel” button multiple times (the number of times varies).
    • Refer to the information provided on the printer’s label: Some printers have a sticker or label on the back or bottom that might include instructions for printing a network configuration page or even displaying the WPS PIN directly.

Once the page prints, look for a section labeled “WPS PIN,” “Wireless Direct PIN,” or something similar.

3. Via the HP Smart App (If Applicable):

If you’ve already set up your printer using the HP Smart app (available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android), you might be able to find the WPS PIN within the app. However, this is less common and not all printers support it.

  1. Open the HP Smart App: Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to your computer or mobile device.
  2. Select Your Printer: Choose your printer from the list of connected devices.
  3. Look for Advanced Settings or Printer Information: The location of this varies depending on the app version and your printer model. Explore the app’s menus for options like “Advanced Settings,” “Printer Information,” “Network Settings,” or similar.
  4. Check for WPS PIN: If available, the WPS PIN might be displayed within these settings.

4. If You Still Can’t Find It:

  • Use WPS Push Button Connect (PBC): If your router also supports WPS PBC (it usually has a WPS button on it), you can connect your printer without the PIN. Press the WPS button on your router, then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your printer (or follow the on-screen instructions to initiate WPS PBC).
  • Use the Traditional Wi-Fi Setup Method: If WPS is not working or your printer doesn’t support it, you can connect it to your Wi-Fi network manually. This usually involves selecting your network’s SSID (name) from a list on the printer’s control panel and entering the network password.
  • Consult HP Support: If you’ve exhausted all other options, visit the HP support website (support.hp.com). Enter your printer model number to find specific instructions, troubleshooting guides, and contact information for HP support. They can provide tailored assistance based on your printer.
  • Check Your Router’s Configuration: While not directly related to the printer, your router’s web interface (usually accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser) might show the WPS PIN under its wireless settings. However, this is less reliable and not recommended as the primary method.

By following these steps, you should be able to locate the WPS PIN for your HP printer and easily connect it to your wireless network. Remember to always consult your printer’s user manual for the most accurate and model-specific instructions.

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