Connecting your HP Deskjet 3050 printer to a wireless router will allow you to print materials conveniently without having to deal with excess wires and cables. You can connect your HP Deskjet printer to a wireless router on any Windows or Mac computer as long as you know the username and password for your router.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Windows 8

  1. 1
    Verify that your computer, printer, and wireless router are powered on.
  2. 2
    Disconnect any USB or ethernet cables currently plugged into the printer.
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  3. 3
    Right-click the Start button, then click on “Search.
  4. 4
    Type “HP” into the search field, then click on the icon for your printer. The HP printer software wizard will open and display on-screen.
  5. 5
    Click on “Utilities,” then click on “Printer Setup and Software Selection.
  6. 6
    Select the option to connect a new printer to your computer.
  7. 7
    Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the HP Deskjet 3050 to your wireless router. You will be asked to enter the SSID or network name, as well as the security passphrase, also known as the WEP key or WPA.
    • Examine your wireless router to locate the SSID and WPA, or contact your Internet service provider for help with obtaining this information.
  8. 8
    Click on “Finish” on the last screen of the printer setup wizard. Your printer will now be connected to your wireless router.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Windows 7 / Windows Vista / Windows XP

  1. 1
    Verify that your computer, printer, and wireless router are powered on.
  2. 2
    Disconnect any USB or ethernet cables currently plugged into the printer.
  3. 3
    Click on the “Start” button, and point to “All Programs.
  4. 4
    Click on the “HP” folder, then click on the folder for your printer.
  5. 5
    Click on the icon for your printer. The HP printer software wizard will open and display on-screen.
  6. 6
    Click on “Printer Setup and Software Selection.
  7. 7
    Select the option to connect a new printer to your computer.
  8. 8
    Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the HP Deskjet 3050 to your wireless router. You will be asked to enter the SSID or network name, as well as the security passphrase, also known as the WEP key or WPA.
    • Examine your wireless router to locate the SSID and WPA, or contact your Internet service provider for help with obtaining this information.
  9. 9
    Click on “Finish” on the last screen of the printer setup wizard. Your printer will now be connected to your wireless router.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Mac OS X v10.9 Mavericks

  1. 1
    Verify that your computer, wireless router, and HP Deskjet printer are all powered on.
  2. 2
    Press and hold the “Wireless” button on the printer control panel for at least three seconds, or until the wireless light starts blinking.
  3. 3
    Press and hold the “WPS” button on your wireless router for several seconds. Your printer will automatically find the wireless network and configure the connection.
    • Perform this step within two minutes of pressing the “Wireless” button on your printer to allow your printer to establish a connection with your router.
  4. 4
    Click on the Apple menu and select “Software Update.
  5. 5
    Click on “Show Details,” and place a checkmark next to any applicable updates.
  6. 6
    Click on “Install. Your computer will install any necessary updates, which can help ensure your system runs efficiently when connected to the printer.
  7. 7
    Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.
  8. 8
    Click on “Printers and Scanners.
  9. 9
    Click on the plus sign located at the lower left corner of the window, then click on “Add Printer or Scanner.
  10. 10
    Click on the name of your printer under the “Name” category.
  11. 11
    Place a checkmark next to “Use,” then choose your printer from the drop-down menu.
  12. 12
    Click on “Add,” then on “Install,” if prompted.
  13. 13
    Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation. Your HP Deskjet 3050 printer will now be connected to the same wireless router as your computer.[1]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Mac OS X v10.8 and Earlier Versions

  1. 1
    Verify that your computer, wireless router, and HP Deskjet printer are all powered on.
  2. 2
    Disconnect any USB or ethernet cables currently plugged into the printer.
  3. 3
    Close any applications or programs currently running on your computer.
  4. 4
    Open the Applications folder and double-click on the HP folder.
  5. 5
    Click on “Device Utilities,” then double-click on “HP Setup Assistant.
  6. 6
    Select the option to connect the printer to your computer using a wireless network connection.
  7. 7
    Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the HP Deskjet 3050 to your wireless router. You will be asked to enter the SSID or network name, as well as the security passphrase, also known as the WEP key or WPA.
    • Examine your wireless router to locate the SSID and WPA, or contact your Internet service provider for help with obtaining this information.
  8. 8
    Click on “Done” or “Finish” on the last screen of the HP Setup Assistant. Your printer will now be connected to your wireless router.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Troubleshooting

  1. 1
    Download the most recent software and drivers for the HP Deskjet 3050 if your computer is unable to successfully detect or connect to the printer. In some cases, you may have outdated printer software installed on your computer.
  2. 2
    Modify your printer’s wireless settings if you recently started using a new router or network. In some cases, your printer may not connect to a new router or network automatically.
    • Press the “Wireless” button on your printer and select “Wireless Settings.”
    • Select “WPS,” then select “PIN.”
    • Enter the passcode for your router, then select the option to save your changes.[2]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    I want to connect the HP 3050 with my Mac version 10.10.5, but it's not connecting. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can get a wireless WiFi driver device in any mobile shop and there will be CD too, so you can run the CD and connect the device.
  • Question
    How do I set up my HP 3050 printer?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Google search HP YouTube and go to playlists about printers. Then find a startup video for your model number or search HP Deskjet 3050 setup.
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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 268,701 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: August 17, 2022
Views: 268,701
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