Is your HP printer asking to connect before every print? This article will walk you through the process of troubleshooting and fixing the issue.
Table of Contents
Check Your Connection
Start by examining your printer’s physical connection to your computer. If you’re using a USB cable, ensure that it’s firmly plugged into both the printer and your computer’s USB port.
If the cable is damaged or loose, it could be the source of the problem. A loose or damaged cable can cause intermittent connectivity issues, leading to the prompt to connect before every print. Make sure the cable is securely connected at both ends and replace it if it’s damaged.
You can get this Insten 10ft USB A to USB B Printer Cable from Walmart.
Update Printer Drivers
Printer drivers are essential software that allows your computer to communicate with the printer. If your drivers are outdated or corrupted, it can result in the “connect before print” problem.
To update your printer drivers, visit the official HP Customer Support – Software and Driver Downloads page. On this page, enter your printer’s model and select your operating system. Download the latest driver for your printer model and install it by following the provided instructions. It’s important to choose the correct driver that matches your operating system (e.g., Windows 10 or macOS).
Restart Your Devices
A simple restart can clear many connectivity issues. Power off both your computer and HP printer. This step helps reset any temporary configuration issues that may be causing the printer to keep asking for a connection.
After turning off the devices, wait about 60 seconds before powering them back on. This brief waiting period allows your devices to fully shut down and reset. When they are back on, try printing a test page to see if the problem is resolved. This simple step often fixes the issue.
Reconfigure Your Wi-Fi
If you’re using a wireless connection and you’ve recently changed your Wi-Fi settings, your printer may need to be reconnected to your new network. On your printer, navigate to the Wi-Fi settings through the control panel. Depending on your printer model, this may be accessible through a touchscreen or physical buttons.
Select the option to connect to a Wi-Fi network and follow the prompts to select your new network and enter the password if your network is secured. Reconfiguring the Wi-Fi connection ensures that the printer connects to the correct network and eliminates the need to connect before each print.
Need a new wireless router? Check out this NETGEAR – Dual-Band 4-Stream AX1600 WiFi 6 Router available at Walmart.
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Check for Software Conflicts
Software conflicts can sometimes cause your printer to act erratically. If you’ve recently installed new software on your computer, especially security or antivirus programs, they might interfere with printer communications.
To check for software conflicts, temporarily disable or uninstall any unnecessary or newly installed software. Pay particular attention to security and antivirus software, as they often include features that can block printer communication.
After disabling the software, try printing again to see if the issue persists. If the problem is resolved, consider adjusting the settings of your security software to allow printer communication.
If you’re unsure about which software might be causing conflicts, you can enable the software one by one and test the printer after enabling each one to identify the problematic program.
Contact HP Support
If the issue persists after trying the above steps, it may be time to contact HP support. They can offer more detailed troubleshooting steps, and if necessary, repair or replace your printer. You can contact HP support through their official website or by phone.
