Connect HP DeskJet 3700 Wireless Printer to Wi‑Fi
The HP DeskJet 3700 series is ultra‑compact and easy to live with, but because most models don’t have a touchscreen, Wi‑Fi setup depends on getting the right light pattern and using HP Smart or WPS correctly. This guide shows the quickest way to connect the DeskJet 3700 to your wireless network, add it on Windows and macOS, and solve common errors like “printer not found,” slow blinking wireless light, or repeated offline status.
Know the Basics: 2.4 GHz Only
DeskJet 3700 models are 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi only. If your router combines 2.4 and 5 GHz under one SSID, the printer may fail to pair. Temporarily create a separate 2.4 GHz SSID during setup if you can. Keep the printer close to the router and disable VPN on the device you’re using.
Put the Printer into Wi‑Fi Setup Mode
If the printer has been connected before, reset its wireless settings first. Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons together for about five seconds until the wireless light starts blinking. That blinking wireless light means the printer is ready to receive new network credentials.
Method 1: HP Smart (Best Option)
1) Install HP Smart on your phone or computer. 2) Open it and tap Set Up a New Printer. 3) When HP Smart finds the DeskJet 3700, select it. 4) Choose your Wi‑Fi network and enter the password. HP Smart will transmit the credentials and complete pairing.
If HP Smart can’t find the printer, confirm the wireless light is blinking. You may also be prompted to connect a USB cable temporarily—use that if offered, as it speeds up credential transfer.
Method 2: WPS Push‑Button Pairing
If your router supports WPS:
- Press and hold the printer’s Wireless button until it blinks.
- Within two minutes, press your router’s WPS button.
- Wait for the wireless light to turn solid.
WPS is often disabled on mesh systems, so if it fails twice, switch back to HP Smart.
Add the DeskJet 3700 on Windows
Once connected, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add device. Choose the DeskJet 3700 series when it appears. If it doesn’t, add by IP using the address from your router’s device list. Install HP Smart or the full DeskJet 3700 driver package so you get ink tools and cleaning utilities.
Add the DeskJet 3700 on macOS
On macOS, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click plus, and select the printer. If it isn’t discovered, add by IP with protocol IPP. Choose HP Smart/HP driver in the Use dropdown when offered. Print a test page after adding.
Mobile Printing
After setup, iOS devices can print via AirPrint from any app using the Share menu. Android devices can print through HP Smart or Mopria/HP Print Service. If AirPrint can’t find the printer, disable VPN/Private Relay and check that the phone is on the same Wi‑Fi.
Fixing Common Problems
Wireless light keeps blinking: Credentials didn’t transfer. Reset wireless settings and retry HP Smart. Password rejected: Re‑enter carefully; Wi‑Fi passwords are case‑sensitive. Printer goes offline later: Reserve the printer IP in your router so Windows/macOS ports don’t break. WPA3‑only router: Use WPA2 or mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode for compatibility.
Router Settings That Matter
If setup still fails, look at your router settings. The DeskJet 3700 needs a standard home SSID (not a guest network) with client/AP isolation turned off so your devices can discover it. Security should be WPA2 or mixed WPA2/WPA3; WPA3‑only can block older Wi‑Fi chipsets. If your router uses MAC filtering, disable it during pairing or add the printer’s MAC address afterward. Once connected, create a DHCP reservation for the printer so its IP never changes—this prevents sudden offline errors after router reboots.
Print Quality After Connection
Print a Print Quality Report from HP Smart. If output is faint or streaked, run Clean Printhead, then print a couple of pages to re‑prime. DeskJet heads clog if unused—printing a small page weekly keeps them clear.
Keep the Connection Stable
Keep the printer on a strong 2.4 GHz signal and away from thick walls. Reserve its IP in your router. Leave it in sleep mode instead of powering fully off so it stays associated with the network. Update firmware through HP Smart if wake‑up or connectivity feels slow.
Quick Checklist
- Reset wireless settings if reconnecting.
- Use HP Smart to send Wi‑Fi credentials (preferred).
- Use WPS only if your router supports it reliably.
- Add the printer by IP if discovery fails.
- Reserve IP and print weekly for reliability.
With these steps, your HP DeskJet 3700 should connect to Wi‑Fi cleanly and remain available for wireless printing from every device.