HP LaserJet P1102w Wireless Setup
The HP LaserJet P1102w is a compact, reliable monochrome laser printer, but its wireless setup can be tricky because it’s an older model that relies on HP’s setup tools and a stable 2.4 GHz network. This guide walks through a clean Wi‑Fi setup, driver installation, and the most common fixes for “printer not found,” blinking wireless lights, or offline queues.
Before You Start
Place the printer near your router for pairing. Make sure you know your 2.4 GHz SSID and password; the P1102w does not support 5 GHz. If your router combines bands, temporarily split them so the printer joins 2.4 GHz. Disable VPN on the computer during setup, and have a USB cable ready—HP often uses USB for the first wireless configuration.
Reset Wireless Settings (If Reconnecting)
If the printer was connected to another network, reset its wireless configuration. Press and hold the Wireless button until the wireless light turns off, then release. Press it again until it blinks—this puts the printer into setup mode. Some units require holding Wireless for 10–15 seconds to clear stored SSIDs.
Use HP Setup Software (Recommended)
Download the HP LaserJet P1100/P1560/P1600 series full feature software or HP Smart (if supported on your OS). Run the installer and choose Wireless as the connection type. When prompted, connect the printer to your computer via USB. The installer uses the USB link to send your Wi‑Fi credentials to the printer. Once the printer joins Wi‑Fi, the installer will tell you to unplug USB and finish configuration.
Verify Wireless Connection
After setup, the wireless light should be solid. Print a configuration page by holding the Cancel button for a few seconds. Check that the printer has a valid IP address. If the IP is missing or starts with 169.254, the printer didn’t join the network—rerun setup or check router settings.
Add the P1102w on Windows
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add device. Select the LaserJet P1102w if it appears. If not, click The printer that I want isn’t listed and add by TCP/IP using the IP from the configuration page. Install the HP driver from the full feature package for best reliability. If Windows shows offline, uncheck Use Printer Offline and verify the port matches the current IP.
Add the P1102w on macOS
On macOS, install HP’s driver package for the P1102w (or the HP Easy Start tool if available). Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click plus, and select the printer. If it doesn’t appear, add by IP with protocol IPP or LPD and the printer’s address. Avoid using only generic AirPrint if you see stalled jobs.
Common Wireless Setup Problems
Wireless light keeps blinking: The printer is waiting for credentials; rerun HP setup with USB attached. Printer not found: Make sure the computer is on the same 2.4 GHz network, disable VPN, and avoid guest networks. Try adding by IP. WPS doesn’t work: The P1102w doesn’t support modern WPS flows reliably; use the USB‑assisted setup instead. Router security mismatch: Set security to WPA2 or mixed WPA2/WPA3; WPA3‑only can block older printers.
Keep the Printer Online
Reserve the printer’s IP in your router so Windows/macOS ports stay valid. Keep the printer within strong Wi‑Fi range and avoid relocating it behind thick walls. Leave it powered on or in sleep so it maintains association with the access point.
Laser Print Quality Tips
If prints are light, remove the toner cartridge and gently rock it side‑to‑side to redistribute toner. Clean inside with a dry, lint‑free cloth if you see toner dust. Replace toner when streaks persist. Use dry paper to prevent smudging and jams.
Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS)
Once the printer is on Wi‑Fi, you can manage it through a browser. Type the printer’s IP address into your browser to open the Embedded Web Server. Here you can confirm wireless signal strength, view network status, and check firmware versions. If the printer drops off the network, the EWS “Networking” tab often shows whether the Wi‑Fi association failed or DHCP changed the address. Bookmark the IP page after you reserve it in your router.\n
Driver Notes for Newer Windows Versions
The P1102w is older, so on Windows 10/11 you may see only a basic driver offered. If the HP full feature package won’t install, use HP’s Universal Print Driver (UPD) in PCL6 mode. Add the printer by IP first, then select the UPD in the driver list. This restores reliable printing even when automatic discovery is unreliable.\n
Quick Checklist
- Use a 2.4 GHz network; split SSIDs if needed.
- Run HP full feature setup and connect USB when prompted.
- Confirm a solid wireless light and valid IP on the config page.
- Add by IP if discovery fails; verify ports to fix offline status.
- Reserve the IP and keep router security on WPA2/mixed mode.
Follow these steps and your HP LaserJet P1102w should connect wirelessly, remain stable on your network, and print sharp black text from any computer.