my hp tank 2604sdw printer screen just says 'scanning for network' forever and never connects to wifi, what do i do?

Diagnosis

The "Scanning for Network" loop on the HP LaserJet Tank MFP 2604sdw typically occurs when the printer's internal wireless card is trapped in a handshake failure. This happens when the printer detects a signal from your router but cannot complete the authentication process, often due to a conflict between WPA2 and WPA3 security protocols or a "band steering" conflict where the router attempts to force the printer onto a 5GHz band that the hardware cannot sustain. Because the 2604sdw utilizes a simplified control panel, a software glitch in the network stack can cause the UI to hang on the scanning screen, preventing you from accessing the menu to manually enter a password. This is essentially a "soft-lock" where the printer is waiting for a response from the DHCP server that never arrives, leaving the device in a state of perpetual searching. To confirm this is a network handshake issue and not a hardware failure, check if the wireless light is blinking rapidly; if it is, the radio is functional, but the logic board is failing to assign an IP address.

How to Fix It

To break the loop and force a clean connection, you must perform a hard network reset and a manual re-provisioning via the HP Smart ecosystem.

1. Power off the printer completely by flipping the power switch or unplugging the cable from the back. Wait 30 seconds to clear the volatile memory.
2. Power the printer back on. As soon as the home screen appears, navigate to the Setup menu (gear icon) on the touchscreen.
3. Select Network Setup and then choose Restore Network Settings. Confirm the action when prompted. This wipes all stored SSIDs and static IP configurations.
4. Once the reset is complete, the printer will enter "Setup Mode" (indicated by a pulsing purple light or a specific "Setup" message on the screen). This mode only lasts for two hours.
5. Open the HP Smart App on a mobile device that is currently connected to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
6. Click the Plus (+) icon to add a new printer. Select the HP LaserJet Tank 2604sdw from the list.
7. When prompted, the app will ask you to confirm the Wi-Fi password. Ensure your phone is not on a "Guest" network, as these often block printer discovery.
8. Wait for the app to send the credentials to the printer. The "Scanning for Network" message should disappear and be replaced by a "Connected" status.

If That Didn't Work

• Disable Band Steering: Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Disable "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering" and create two separate SSIDs: one for 2.4GHz and one for 5GHz. Connect the printer specifically to the 2.4GHz band, as the 2604sdw often struggles with combined-band signals.
• Manual IP Assignment: If the printer connects but then drops back into "Scanning" mode, it is likely an IP conflict. Print a Network Configuration Page from the Setup menu. Note the IP address, then go to your router settings and assign a "Static IP" or "DHCP Reservation" to the printer's MAC address.
• WPA3 to WPA2 Transition: Many newer routers use WPA3 security by default. The HP Tank series can sometimes fail to authenticate with WPA3. Change your router's security setting to "WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode" or "WPA2-AES" to ensure compatibility.
• Hard Reset via Service Menu: If the screen is completely frozen and you cannot access the Setup menu, perform a cold boot. Unplug the power cord from the wall and the printer. Hold the power button for 15 seconds while unplugged to drain the capacitors, then plug it back in and immediately attempt the HP Smart setup.

Heads Up

• Avoid USB Setup: Do not attempt to set up the wireless connection via a USB cable and the PC app; this often creates a "half-connected" state where the printer thinks it is on Wi-Fi but lacks a valid gateway.
• Firmware Updates: Once connected, immediately check for firmware updates in the HP Smart app. HP frequently releases patches for the 2604sdw to resolve exactly these types of wireless timeout loops.
• Signal Strength: Ensure the printer is within 15 feet of the router during the initial handshake. You can move it further away once the connection is established and the IP is locked.
• VPN Interference: Disable any VPNs or Ad-Blockers (like Pi-hole) on your smartphone or laptop during the setup process, as these prevent the HP Smart app from communicating with the printer's temporary setup IP.