You’re not alone if you’ve just searched “how to connect HP Deskjet 2600 printer to WiFi”.
Luckily, you don’t need any kick-ass technical skills up your sleeve to operate the HP Deskjet 2600 printer series.
The best way to connect HP Deskjet 2600 printer to WiFi is through the HP Smart app. Initiate the printer’s WiFi setup mode, then connect it to HP Smart by simply adding it to the app. You can also use the WiFi Protected Setup mode, WiFi Direct, or a temporary USB connection.
In this guide, I’ll quickly explain all the approaches so you can choose the one that suits your needs and save time. I’ll also help you figure out how to fix common connection problems with your printer.
Let’s get started.
The 6 Steps for Connecting HP Deskjet 2600 Printer to WiFi
Connecting your HP Deskjet 2600 printer to WiFi is fast and simple if you follow the correct procedure.
Before carrying out the steps below, please ensure your printer is within the router’s close range. I highly recommend you have them within the same room if possible.
Here’s how to connect HP Deskjet 2600 printer to WiFi:
Step #1: Connect the Printer to the Power Supply
Insert the power cable into your wall outlet and hook up the other end to your printer’s power jack.
Next, press and briefly hold the printer’s power button until the light comes on.
Step #2: Initiate the Printer’s WiFi Setup Mode
You need to put the printer in the WiFi setup mode, so it establishes a connection with your router and computer or smartphone.
The process restores wireless settings, and your printer will also be discoverable as you install the HP Smart app.
Here’s how to set up the WiFi mode on your HP Deskjet 2600 printer:
- Long-Press the “Wireless” and “Cancel” buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds.
- Wait for the wireless light to flash after the power button light blinks.
Step #3: Disconnect Your Computer’s Ethernet Cable
If your computer has your network’s ethernet cable plugged in, briefly disconnect it during the setup process.
Next, go to your computer’s settings and turn on WiFi. Also, turn on your smartphone’s WiFi if you’ll be printing from it.
Connect to your router’s WiFi network. Enable Bluetooth on the phone or computer as well, making it discoverable.
Step #4: Download & Install the HP Smart App
Please make sure your printer remains on during this process. What’s more, disconnect your device from any Virtual Private Network (VPN) before downloading the HP Smart app.
- For Android and iOS users, download HP Smart from HP download center.
- For Windows PC, download HP Smart from Microsoft Store.
- For macOS, download the app from Apple App Store.
Next, install the app and proceed to the next steps. It will prompt you to sign in with your Microsoft account.
This allows you to use HP Smart across multiple devices, but it’s not a must. Therefore, feel free to click “No, thanks” and continue.
Tip: If you’re using a smartphone, you can optionally enable the location service. This allows HP Smart to recognize your printer and give you quick solutions.
Step #5: Sign in to Your HP Account
Create an HP account if it’s your first time using HP Smart. If you have one already, simply sign in to access the printer functions.
Step #6: Add Your Printer to the HP Smart App
Click the Plus icon (+) on the HP Smart interface to search for your printer. Carefully follow the next instructions to finish the setup.
Other Ways on How to Connect HP Deskjet 2600 to WiFi
You can also connect your printer to WiFi using the WPS mode, WiFi Direct, or a temporary USB connection.
1. Connect Using WiFi Protected Setup (WPS)
Here’s how to connect your HP Deskjet 2600 printer to your router with the WPS option:
- Put the printer within the router’s close range.
- Long-press the printer’s wireless button until its LED starts blinking.
- Immediately long-press the WPS button on your router.
- The printer’s wireless light stops flashing when the connection is complete.
2. Set Up the WiFi Using a Temporary USB Connection
In this, you need to install the full-feature version of the HP print driver. It includes the HP Printer Assistant for Windows or HP Utility for Mac.
Once you connect the USB cable, follow these steps on Windows:
- Go to your PC Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners.
- Choose your printer from the list of devices.
- Click on Utilities.
- Select Printer Setup & Software.
- Click the Reconfigure Wireless Settings option. Follow the next instructions.
- Type the network password when prompted (WEP or WPA).
Tip: You’ll know your printer is connected to the network when its wireless light stops flashing. Disconnect the USB cable once this is done.
3. Setting Temporary USB Connection
Here’s how to set up the temporary USB connection on macOS:
- Connect the printer to your Mac via USB.
- Click the Apple icon, then go to System Preferences > Print & Scan.
- Add your printer by clicking the plus (+) icon.
- Choose your printer from the Print Using menu, then click Add.
- Go to Options & Supplies > Utility > Open Printer Utility
- Select Wireless Setup in HP Utility.
- Check your network’s name under Confirm Wireless Settings.
- Click Continue, then Done.
Remove the USB connection when the wireless light on the printer stops flashing.
4. Connect the Printer Through WiFi Direct
WiFi Direct allows you to connect your HP Deskjet 2600 if you don’t have a local wireless network. It’s compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Chromebook.
Once you’ve set up your printer, computer, or smartphone, select the option starting with DIRECT, followed by your printer’s model number.
Depending on your device and operating system, feel free to visit the HP Support Page for how to connect your printer using WiFi Direct.
HP Deskjet 2600 WiFi Still Not Connecting?
While it gets frustrating to experience connection issues with your printer, you can quickly solve them.
Remember, the HP Deskjet 2600 printer all-in-one series don’t have an elaborate interface like your phone or PC. That means the printer can’t tell you when the signal is weak.
Connection issues may also be due to errors in firmware updates and print job queues.
Here’s how to fix connection problems with your printer:
Solution #1: Troubleshoot With a USB Cable
Connect the printer to your device using a USB cable and do a test print. If that works, there’s likely a problem with the WiFi.
Anything like a thick wooden door, wall, refrigerator, or closet acts as a barrier to the WiFi signals. Therefore, move your printer close to the WiFi router and ensure nothing big surrounds it.
Solution #2: Check Your Printing Queue
A small error in your print job may hold up the line. For instance, a large document takes unusually long to download and process.
This is more common with some phones compared to your computer.
In that case, cancel the job and try initiating it from a different device, ideally a computer.
Solution #3: Update Your Firmware
Regular software updates help clear bugs, connectivity problems, and other issues. However, updating your computer or router could disrupt the printer connection.
I highly recommend you update your device’s firmware as well to address the issue.
Solution #4: Connect to the Right Network
If your home has a WiFi range extender, it could create different networks for your printer and computer. This interferes with your printer’s connection.
The quick solution is to log in to the correct network. Additionally, move your printer close to the primary router.
Solution #5: Reset Your Printer
It’s a no-brainer: rebooting your printer could be the quickest fix for your connection problems. Power off the printer, unplug the power cable, then wait two minutes.
Connect the cable once more, power on the printer, and establish the connection again.
Note: You can also restore the printer to default factory settings by following step #2 above.
Read Next: Why Is My HP Printer Connected but not Printing?
Bottom Line
Thus, the easiest way to connect your HP Deskjet 2600 printer is through the HP Smart app. However, you can also set up a temporary USB connection or use WiFi Direct. If you’re connecting through a WiFi router, ensure the printer is close to it.
I hope you now fully understand how to connect HP Deskjet 2600 to WiFi.
Use the troubleshooting tips we’ve just discussed if you run into any issues. If you still can’t connect, feel free to contact HP Customer Support.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.