HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 Wireless Setup
The HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 is built for small offices and supports Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, duplex printing, and scanning via ADF. A reliable wireless setup depends on joining the correct network, installing HP’s full driver, and reserving a stable IP so the printer doesn’t go offline later. This guide walks you through connecting the 6968 to Wi‑Fi on Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
Before You Start
Place the printer within strong Wi‑Fi range for setup. Have your Wi‑Fi name (SSID) and password ready. Most OfficeJet Pro models support 2.4 GHz and sometimes 5 GHz, but 2.4 GHz is more reliable through walls. Disable VPN on your computer during installation.
Reset Network Settings (If Reconnecting)
If the printer was connected to a previous router, reset wireless settings from the control panel: tap Wireless > Settings > Restore Network Defaults. The wireless light will blink, indicating setup mode.
Connect Using the Wireless Setup Wizard
On the touchscreen, tap the Wireless icon, choose Settings, then Wireless Setup Wizard. Select your SSID from the list, enter the password carefully, and confirm. When connected, the wireless light becomes solid. Print a network report to confirm the IP address.
WPS Push‑Button Setup
If your router supports WPS, you can connect without typing the password. On the printer, open Wireless settings and select Wi‑Fi Protected Setup > Push Button. Press the router’s WPS button within two minutes. The printer will connect automatically.
Install Drivers on Windows
Download and install HP Smart or the OfficeJet Pro 6960 series full feature software from HP. Run the installer, choose Wireless, and select the printer when found. If discovery fails, connect USB temporarily so HP Smart can push Wi‑Fi credentials, then remove the cable. After setup, open Printers & scanners to confirm status is Ready and print a test page.
Install Drivers on macOS
Install HP Smart or HP Easy Start. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click plus, and add the OfficeJet Pro 6968. Choose the HP driver in the Use dropdown instead of AirPrint if available, for ADF scanning and maintenance tools. If the printer doesn’t appear, add it by IP using protocol IPP.
Enable “Scan to Computer” and ADF Scanning
The 6968 has an automatic document feeder. After installing HP Smart/full software, open HP Smart and toggle Scan to Computer on. This lets you initiate scans from the printer panel to your PC/Mac. If the printer can print but won’t scan over Wi‑Fi, it’s usually because the basic driver was installed—reinstall the full HP package so the scan service runs in the background. Clean the ADF strip glass if scans show thin lines.\n
Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS)
Type the printer’s IP address into a browser to open the Embedded Web Server. From EWS you can confirm wireless signal strength, check ink levels, set a static IP/DHCP reservation, and update firmware. If your computer can’t find the printer, EWS is a quick way to prove the printer is actually on the network.\n
Mobile Printing and Scanning
Install HP Smart on iOS or Android and add the printer while on the same network. iPhone and iPad users can also print via AirPrint once the printer is online. Android users can enable the HP Print Service Plugin or Mopria to print directly from apps. HP Smart also supports scanning from the ADF and saving PDFs to your phone.
Fix Common Wi‑Fi Problems
Printer not found: Ensure printer and computer are on the same SSID, disable VPN, and avoid guest networks. Add by IP if needed. Connection fails: Re‑enter the password and confirm router security is WPA2 or mixed WPA2/WPA3. Offline after a day: Reserve the printer’s IP in the router so ports stay valid. Mesh issues: Pair near the main node and avoid AP isolation.
Print Quality Check After Setup
Once wireless is working, run a Print Quality Report from the Tools menu. If text looks faint or streaked, run Clean Printhead and then print two or three pages to re‑prime ink channels. Make sure you select the correct paper type in the driver; mismatched media settings can make output look washed out even when the connection is perfect.\n
Keep the 6968 Stable Long‑Term
Create a DHCP reservation for the printer. Leave it powered on or in sleep so it reconnects quickly. Update firmware in HP Smart or the Embedded Web Server to improve wireless stability. Print weekly to confirm connectivity and keep ink flowing.
Quick Checklist
- Restore network defaults if reconnecting.
- Join Wi‑Fi via Wireless Setup Wizard or WPS.
- Install HP Smart/full drivers on Windows/macOS and test print/scan.
- Add by IP if discovery fails.
- Reserve printer IP to prevent offline errors.
- Update firmware and keep the printer in sleep mode for fast reconnection.
With these steps, your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 should connect wirelessly and stay online for reliable office printing and scanning.