how do i connect my hp 4155e to wifi without using the cable? it never finds my network during setup.

Diagnosis

The HP DeskJet 4155e often fails to discover networks during initial setup because it is strictly a 2.4GHz wireless device. Most modern routers use "Smart Steering" or "Band Steering," which merges the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into a single SSID. When the printer attempts to handshake with the router, the router may try to push it toward the 5GHz band or fail to provide a compatible security protocol, causing the printer to time out and report that no networks were found.

Furthermore, this model relies heavily on "Setup Mode," a temporary state where the printer broadcasts its own internal Wi-Fi signal (usually named HP-Setup-DeskJet-4100 series). If the printer has been powered on for more than two hours without a successful connection, it automatically exits Setup Mode for security reasons. If you are attempting to connect after this window, the HP Smart app will never find the printer because the broadcast signal is inactive.

How to Fix It

Since you want to avoid using a cable, you must force the printer back into Setup Mode and ensure your mobile device is on the correct frequency. Follow these exact steps:

1. Reset Network Settings: Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (the X) simultaneously for about 5 seconds. The power button will blink, and the wireless bar on the display will flash. This clears any old, failed connection attempts and reactivates the Setup Mode broadcast.
2. Prepare Your Device: On your smartphone or laptop, go to Wi-Fi settings and ensure you are connected to your 2.4GHz network. If your router has separate names for 2.4GHz and 5GHz, choose the 2.4GHz one. Turn off "Cellular Data" on your phone temporarily to prevent the device from switching to LTE when it detects the printer's non-internet Wi-Fi signal.
3. Launch HP Smart: Open the HP Smart app. Click the "Add Printer" or the plus (+) icon. The app will now search for devices in Setup Mode.
4. Select the Printer: When "HP DeskJet 4100 series" appears, select it. The app will ask for permission to access your Wi-Fi password; allow this so it can push the credentials to the printer wirelessly.
5. Confirm Connection: Wait for the wireless light on the printer's control panel to stop flashing and remain solid blue. This indicates a successful handshake with your router.

If That Didn't Work

• Use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): If your router has a physical WPS button, press and hold the Wireless button on the printer for 3 seconds until the light flashes. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router for 3-5 seconds. The router and printer will exchange credentials automatically without needing the HP Smart app.
• Disable 5GHz Temporarily: Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and temporarily disable the 5GHz band. Once the printer connects to the 2.4GHz band, you can re-enable the 5GHz band, and the printer will stay connected.
• Update Router DNS: Some ISP-provided routers have restrictive DNS settings that block HP's cloud activation. Change your router's DNS to Google's Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and restart both the router and the printer.
• Hard Reset Power Cycle: Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer while it is ON. Unplug your router. Wait 60 seconds. Plug the router back in and wait for full internet restoration, then plug the printer back in and retry the Setup Mode process.

Heads Up

• HP+ Warning: If you opted for the "e" series HP+ features, the printer requires a constant internet connection. If the Wi-Fi drops, the printer may enter an "Error" state and refuse to print even via USB until the cloud connection is restored.
• Avoid VPNs: Never have a VPN active on your phone or laptop during the setup process. VPNs mask your local IP address, making it impossible for the HP Smart app to "see" the printer on your local network.
• Signal Strength: Ensure the printer is within 15 feet of the router during the initial pairing. Once the connection is established, you can move it further away.
• Firmware Updates: Immediately after connecting, check the HP Smart app for firmware updates. Early versions of the 4155e had known bugs regarding Wi-Fi sleep mode that caused them to disconnect overnight.