HP DeskJet 3700 Wireless Printer
The HP DeskJet 3700 series is one of HP’s smallest all‑in‑one printers, built for light home use and tight spaces. Models like the 3720, 3755, and 3772 share the same setup process: you install two cartridges, connect to a 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi network, and manage the printer through HP Smart. Because the control panel is minimal, most troubleshooting happens through the app. This guide covers first‑time wireless setup, driver installation, and practical fixes when the printer won’t connect or keeps dropping offline.
Unbox, Power On, and Load Ink
- Remove all protective tape and cardboard from the printer.
- Plug in the power cord and press Power.
- Open the ink door and insert black and tri‑color cartridges until they click.
- Load plain paper and extend the output tray.
Print and confirm the alignment page when HP Smart prompts; it improves sharpness.
Put the Printer in Wireless Setup Mode
If this is your first setup or you changed routers, hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons together for about 3 seconds. The wireless light should blink, meaning the printer is ready to pair.
Connect Using HP Smart
- Install HP Smart on your phone or computer.
- Open it and tap Add Printer.
- Select your DeskJet 3700 when it appears.
- Choose your Wi‑Fi network and enter the password.
HP Smart may use Bluetooth to find the printer during setup, so keep Bluetooth on until pairing finishes.
WPS Setup (If Your Router Supports It)
Press and hold the Wireless button until it blinks, then press WPS on your router within two minutes. When the light turns solid, the printer is on Wi‑Fi. WPS works only on 2.4 GHz.
If HP Smart Can’t Find the Printer
The DeskJet 3700 can be stubborn during discovery. First, reset wireless mode (Wireless + Cancel for 3 seconds) and try again with your phone close to the printer. If it still won’t appear, connect a USB cable to a computer and run HP Smart there; the app can push Wi‑Fi credentials over USB and then switch the printer to wireless automatically.
Wi‑Fi Direct as a Backup
Even without a router, you can print using Wi‑Fi Direct. Enable Wi‑Fi Direct from HP Smart or by pressing the Wi‑Fi Direct button if your model has one. Join the printer’s Direct SSID on your phone or laptop and enter the password printed on the info sheet. This is also a good diagnostic step: if Wi‑Fi Direct prints work, your printer is fine and the issue is the router or SSID settings.
Install on Windows and macOS
HP Smart generally installs the driver automatically. On Windows, verify the printer appears in Settings > Printers & scanners. On macOS, add it in System Settings > Printers & Scanners. AirPrint handles basic printing, but HP Smart adds scan and maintenance utilities.
Fix Offline Status on Windows
If your DeskJet 3700 shows offline, print a Network Report in HP Smart to get the IP address. Then open Printer properties > Portsin Windows and select a Standard TCP/IP port matching that IP. Avoid WSD ports for this series; they are convenient at first but unreliable after router restarts. Reserving the IP in your router prevents the problem from returning.
Scanning and Copying Basics
The 3700 series scans through HP Smart. Place your document face‑down on the glass, open HP Smart, and choose Scan. If scans are cropped, realign the paper to the corner guides and try again. Copies are started from the printer panel; if copy quality is faded, run printhead cleaning in HP Smart and check ink levels.
Paper Feeding and Jams
Because the printer is small, it’s sensitive to curled paper. Fan the stack, load only 20–25 sheets, and slide guides snugly to the paper edges. If a jam occurs, pull the sheet slowly in the direction of travel and check for small scraps near the rollers.
Mobile Printing and Scanning
Once connected, you can print from iPhone/iPad with AirPrint, or Android with Mopria or HP Smart. HP Smart also lets you scan from the printer and save as PDF. If the app cannot find the printer, confirm your phone is on the same Wi‑Fi and not a guest network.
Fixing Connection Problems
Wireless light keeps blinking: pairing didn’t finish. Reset wireless mode and run HP Smart again. Printer drops offline: move it closer to the router, avoid WPA3‑only security, and reserve the printer IP in your router. HP Smart can’t detect it: restart the printer and router, and temporarily disable VPN/firewall during setup.
Print Quality and Maintenance
If prints are faded or streaky, run cleaning and alignment from HP Smart. DeskJet 3700 models use HP 65/304 ink families depending on region; keep cartridges fresh and print a small page weekly to prevent nozzle drying.
With HP Smart handling the connection and maintenance, the DeskJet 3700 series remains a simple, reliable wireless printer for everyday home use.