In today’s digital age, wireless printing is an essential convenience that makes document management smoother and more efficient. If you’ve recently purchased the HP DeskJet 3700, you’re in for an impressive printing experience, especially regarding its compact design and wireless capabilities. This guide will walk you through the process of connecting your HP DeskJet 3700 to WiFi, ensuring you can print from anywhere in your home or office without the hassle of cords.
Understanding the HP DeskJet 3700’s Capabilities
Before diving into the setup process, it’s essential to understand what makes the HP DeskJet 3700 a popular choice among users:
- Compact Design: Perfect for small spaces or on-the-go printing.
- Wireless Connectivity: Print directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer without connecting via USB.
- HP Smart App: Simplifies the printing process and gives you control over your printing tasks.
The HP DeskJet 3700 series is designed to meet the demands of modern printing needs. Now, let’s move forward to connecting it to your WiFi network.
Pre-Setup Checklist
Before you start the connection process, here are a few items to consider having on hand:
Essentials You Need
- WiFi Network Name (SSID): Ensure you know the name of your wireless network.
- WiFi Password: Keep your WiFi password handy, as you will need it during the setup.
- Smart Device or Computer: You can use a smartphone, tablet, or computer for the setup process.
- Printer Setup Information: This includes how to access the printer controls, which are usually located on the printer’s touchscreen or function buttons.
Connecting Your HP DeskJet 3700 to WiFi
There are three main methods to connect your HP DeskJet 3700 to WiFi: using the HP Smart App, using the WPS method, and manual setup via the printer’s control panel. Let’s explore each of these methods in detail.
Method 1: Using the HP Smart App
The HP Smart App is a user-friendly application that facilitates easy connection and management of your printer. Here’s how to use it:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Download the HP Smart App: Available on both iOS and Android, download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the App: Once installed, launch the HP Smart App on your device.
- Add Your Printer: Tap on the ‘+’ sign at the top of the screen to add a new printer.
- Connect to WiFi: Follow the on-screen prompts. Your printer will automatically search for available networks. Select your network and enter the WiFi password when prompted.
- Complete Setup: Once you see a notification that the printer is connected, you’re all set to print!
Method 2: Using the WPS Method
WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is a straightforward way to connect your printer to your WiFi network without entering your password. This method only works if your router supports WPS.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Locate the WPS Button: Find the WPS button on your wireless router; it typically says “WPS.”
- Prepare the Printer: Turn on your HP DeskJet 3700 and ensure it’s in ready mode.
- Press the WPS Button: Press and hold the WPS button on your router for about 5 seconds.
- Connect the Printer: Within 2 minutes, press and hold the Wireless button on your printer until the Wireless light starts blinking. This indicates that your printer is attempting to connect to the WiFi network.
- Completion: When the connection is successful, the Wireless light on your printer will stop blinking and remain solid.
Method 3: Manual Setup via the Printer Control Panel
If the above methods aren’t feasible, you can manually configure the WiFi connection through the printer’s control panel.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Turn On Your Printer: Ensure your HP DeskJet 3700 is powered on.
- Access the Control Panel: Locate the WiFi and Information buttons on your printer.
- Navigate to Wireless Menu: Press and hold the Wireless button until the Wireless light starts blinking.
- Find the Wireless Setup Wizard: Press the Information button once. This will print a wireless report, but it also gives you access to the Wireless Setup Wizard.
- Select Your Network: The printer will scan for available networks. Choose your WiFi network from the list.
- Enter the Password: Use the printer’s control panel to enter your WiFi password. Once done, confirm your selection.
- Establish the Connection: After a moment, the printer should connect to the network. You can print another network configuration page to confirm your printer’s connection status.
Testing Your Connection
After successfully connecting your HP DeskJet 3700 to WiFi, it’s time to test the connection to ensure everything is working as expected.
How to Test Your Printer Connection
- Print a Test Page: From your computer or mobile device, select the HP DeskJet 3700 from the printer options and print a test page.
- Check Printer Status: Open the HP Smart App and check the status of the printer. If connected, it should indicate that the printer is online and ready to print.
- Mobile Printing Test: If you have successfully set up the HP Smart App, try sending a print job from your smartphone or tablet as another test.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Despite following the instructions carefully, you might still face some issues. Below are common problems and potential solutions:
Common Connectivity Issues
Weak WiFi Signal: Ensure your printer is within range of your wireless router. If signal strength is low, consider moving the printer closer to the router.
Incorrect Password: Double-check the password entered during the setup process, as incorrect passwords are a common issue.
Printer Offline: If your printer appears offline, restart your printer and router, then try re-establishing the connection.
Final Steps: Printer Maintenance and Updates
Once your HP DeskJet 3700 is up and running on WiFi, it’s crucial to maintain regular printer updates for optimal performance.
Keep Your Printer Software Updated
Automatic Updates: The HP Smart App can automatically check for software updates. Ensure this is enabled for hassle-free maintenance.
Manual Updates: Periodically check HP’s official website for any new firmware updates to ensure you’re utilizing the latest features.
Conclusion
Connecting your HP DeskJet 3700 to WiFi opens the door to seamless printing from multiple devices without being tethered to your printer. Whether you choose to use the HP Smart App, WPS method, or manual setup, each approach is designed for simplicity.
Remember, maintaining your printer’s software and ensuring a strong WiFi connection will keep your printing experience smooth and efficient. Enjoy the freedom of wireless printing with your HP DeskJet 3700!
What should I do if my HP DeskJet 3700 won’t connect to WiFi?
If your HP DeskJet 3700 is having trouble connecting to WiFi, first ensure that your printer is within range of the WiFi router and that the network is functioning properly. You can confirm this by checking if other devices are connected to the same network. Restarting both your printer and router can also help resolve connectivity issues.
Next, check your printer’s control panel to ensure that WiFi is enabled. You may also want to run the wireless network test from the printer’s settings menu, which can often diagnose and correct any network connection problems automatically. If the issues persist, consider reinstalling or updating the printer drivers on your computer, which can sometimes resolve connectivity difficulties.
Can I connect my HP DeskJet 3700 to a secure WiFi network?
Yes, you can connect your HP DeskJet 3700 to a secure WiFi network. During the setup process, you will be prompted to enter your WiFi password to connect to the network. Ensure that the password is entered correctly, as incorrect passwords are a common reason for connection failures on secure networks.
If you encounter issues, double-check that your router’s security settings are compatible with the printer. The DeskJet 3700 supports various encryption methods, including WPA and WPA2, which are typically used in secure WiFi networks. If your router uses a less common security setting, you may need to adjust it to ensure compatibility.
How do I reset my HP DeskJet 3700’s network settings?
To reset the network settings on your HP DeskJet 3700, start by turning on the printer and ensuring it’s idle. Then, locate the wireless button on the printer’s control panel, usually represented by a WiFi symbol. Press and hold this button for approximately five seconds until the wireless light begins to blink, indicating that the network settings have been reset.
Resetting the network settings will erase any previous WiFi connections, so you’ll need to reconnect to your preferred network afterward. You can do this using the wireless setup wizard on the printer’s display screen. Follow the prompts to select your network and re-enter your WiFi credentials for a fresh connection.
What if my HP DeskJet 3700 is still not recognized by my computer?
If your HP DeskJet 3700 is not recognized by your computer after a successful WiFi connection, make sure that the printer and computer are on the same network. This is essential for devices to communicate effectively. You can check your computer’s network settings and ensure it is connected to the same WiFi network you used for your printer.
In addition, check that the printer software has been correctly installed on your computer. If necessary, uninstall the current printer software and download the latest version from the HP website. Reinstalling the software can often resolve any communication issues and help your PC recognize the printer without any further complications.
Is there a mobile app to manage my HP DeskJet 3700?
Yes, HP offers a mobile app called HP Smart, which is designed to help you manage your HP DeskJet 3700 from your smartphone or tablet. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers various features, such as remote printing, scanning, and checking ink levels. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Once downloaded, open the app and connect it to your printer following the on-screen instructions. This will facilitate easy management of print jobs and other printer functions directly from your mobile device, making it more convenient to use your DeskJet 3700 in your daily tasks.
How do I check the ink levels on my HP DeskJet 3700?
You can check the ink levels on your HP DeskJet 3700 through the printer’s control panel or using the HP Smart app. If using the control panel, access the ‘Setup’ menu and navigate to ‘Reports,’ then select ‘Ink Levels’ or ‘Estimated Ink Levels’ to view the current status of your ink cartridges.
Alternatively, if you have the HP Smart app installed on your mobile device, you can check the ink levels with just a few taps. Open the app, select your printer, and navigate to the ink level section to get an accurate reading of your cartridge status. Monitoring ink levels regularly helps ensure that you are never caught off-guard with low supplies during important printing tasks.