# Why is HP printer not showing up on network?

If your HP printer is missing, call **1-844-957-6312** for help. Many network-visibility problems are simple to fix once you isolate the cause. Below is a step-by-step troubleshooting guide that walks you through the most common reasons a printer won’t appear on the network — and how to resolve each one without losing data or settings.

### 1. Confirm the basics first

Make sure the printer is powered on, awake (not in sleep mode), and shows no error lights on its control panel. Verify the physical connections: if it’s wired, check the Ethernet cable and port; if it’s wireless, confirm the Wi-Fi light is solid (not blinking for an error). Print a network configuration or status page from the printer menu — that report tells you the model, IP address (if any), firmware version, and current connection mode.

### 2. Are the printer and computer on the same network?

A surprising number of “missing printer” cases are simply different networks or subnets. Confirm the SSID on the printer matches the SSID on your computer or mobile device. If your router broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks with different names, try putting the printer and device on the same band (2.4 GHz is often more reliable for printers). Guest networks often isolate clients — don’t use the guest SSID for printing.

### 3. Check IP address and ping the printer

If the printer has a valid IP, try pinging it from a computer on the same network. On Windows open Command Prompt and run `ping <printer-ip>`. No response means the printer isn’t reachable — either it lost its lease, the router isolated it, or there’s a hardware issue. If the IP keeps changing, set a DHCP reservation in the router so the printer always gets the same address.

### 4. Firmware and HP Smart / Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Outdated firmware can break discovery protocols (mDNS/Bonjour/IPP). From the network configuration page, type the printer’s IP into a web browser to open the Embedded Web Server. Check firmware version and apply updates if available. The EWS also shows network settings and logs that help diagnose problems. If you use HP Smart, make sure the app is up to date — it can help re-provision network settings.

### 5. Router settings that block discovery

Modern routers often include security options that prevent devices from seeing each other: AP/client isolation, guest mode, and some parental controls. Log into the router and ensure client isolation is disabled for the printer’s network. Also check whether UPnP, mDNS, or Bonjour are blocked — these protocols are used for zero-configuration discovery and must be permitted for many printers to appear automatically.

### 6. Firewall and antivirus on the computer

If the printer is visible on the network but won’t show up in Windows or macOS, temporarily disable firewall/antivirus software to test. On Windows, also check that Network Discovery is enabled (Settings > Network & Internet > Sharing options). On macOS, ensure that the Bonjour/mDNS services are not blocked by security software. If the printer appears once the firewall is off, add exceptions for the printer’s IP and for common printing ports (IPP 631, LPD 515, 9100).

### 7. Driver vs. driverless (IPP/IPP-Everywhere) printing

ChromeOS, modern macOS, and many Linux distributions use IPP/IPP-Everywhere, which is driverless and more reliable. On Windows, install the Full Feature HP driver package rather than relying on the generic driver. If discovery is still flaky, add the printer manually by IP using the appropriate protocol (IPP preferred). Manual addition bypasses discovery and often resolves stubborn cases.

### 8. Test with wired connection or direct USB

If wireless fails, temporarily connect the printer to the router via Ethernet (or to a PC via USB) to determine whether the issue is wireless radio or printer hardware. A wired printer that shows up confirms Wi-Fi problems; a USB connection that works implies networking or DHCP issues rather than a broken printer.

### 9. Reset network settings on the printer

As a last software step, use the printer menu to restore network defaults (Network Settings > Restore Network Defaults). Then reconnect via the Wireless Setup Wizard or HP Smart. This clears any corrupted network profiles that are preventing discovery. Note: this removes saved Wi-Fi credentials so have the network password handy.

### 10. Advanced: multiple subnets, VLANs, or corporate Wi-Fi

In business environments, VLANs and network segmentation frequently stop discovery across segments. If your printer is on a different VLAN than users, clients won’t see it unless routed or firewall rules allow mDNS/IPP traffic. Work with your network admin to provide a print VLAN, enable print services across VLANs, or create an L3 rule to allow printer discovery.

### Preventive tips

* Reserve a static/DHCP address to prevent changing IPs.
* Keep printer firmware updated.
* Avoid using guest networks for devices that need to be discovered.
* Use Ethernet for shared office printers if possible.
* Occasionally power-cycle router and printer to clear transient issues.

### When to get professional help

If you’ve tried the steps above and the printer still won’t show up — especially after confirming the IP, testing wired connections, and resetting network defaults — the issue may be a failing network module on the printer or a deeper router misconfiguration. At that point, consult your IT admin or a trained technician to run diagnostics and repair firmware or hardware faults.

Following this checklist will resolve most visibility issues: confirm network placement, check IP and ping responses, update firmware, disable isolation, and use wired testing to isolate the root cause. If you need guided, hands-on assistance working through any of these steps, a support technician can help walk you through diagnostics and fixes.