HP DeskJet 2720e Manual — Setup, Troubleshooting & WiFi Guide

The HP DeskJet 2720e is a compact all-in-one color inkjet printer with wireless connectivity and HP+ cloud features for convenient home printing. This guide covers complete setup instructions, WiFi configuration options, cartridge management, and troubleshooting solutions for optimal performance.

Wireless 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) Color Inkjet Printer HP 65 / HP 65XL Cartridges
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1

Connect Printer to Power & Enter AWC Mode

Power on your HP DeskJet 2720e and ensure it enters Auto Wireless Connect (AWC) setup mode, indicated by a blinking blue light next to the Wireless button. The printer will search for the HP Smart app within two hours of initial power-on.

2

Download & Open HP Smart App

Install the HP Smart app on your iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac device. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on mobile devices for faster setup. Open the app and tap the Plus icon to begin adding your printer to your wireless network.

3

Select Your WiFi Network & Complete Setup

Choose your wireless network from the app and enter your WiFi password. The printer will connect and display a steady blue Wireless button light once successfully connected. You can then configure HP+ features and receive firmware updates automatically.

4

Install Original HP 65 or 65XL Cartridges

Open the cartridge access door and install the black and tri-color HP 65 cartridges, ensuring the plastic protective tape is removed. Press down firmly until cartridges click into place, then close the access door to begin printing.

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Pro-Tip: Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzles. Touching these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.

wifi

WiFi with Router (WPS Method)

Press and hold the Wireless button for 3+ seconds, then press your router's WPS button within 2 minutes. The Wireless light will glow steady blue when connected successfully. Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.

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WiFi Direct (No Router Required)

Press and hold Wireless + Resume buttons for 3 seconds to enable WiFi Direct. Connect up to 5 devices directly to your printer using the WiFi Direct name (DIRECT-**-HP DeskJet 2700e series) and password printed on the information page.

Paper Jam in Input Trayexpand_more
Remove all paper from the input tray. Lift and hold the input tray shield and use a flashlight to locate jammed paper. Gently pull jammed paper with both hands to avoid tearing. Press the Cancel button to allow the printer to clear the jam automatically. If jams persist, check the output tray and cartridge access area.
WiFi Connection Fails or Dropsexpand_more
Verify the printer wireless light is steady blue, indicating an active connection. Check Signal Bars on the control panel display—weak signals require moving the printer closer to the router (within 30 m/100 ft). Press Wireless + Information buttons to print the Wireless Network Test Report. For HP+ printers, ensure the device remains connected to the Internet via WiFi or Ethernet at all times.
Cartridge Error or Low Ink Warningexpand_more
Check the Ink Level icons on the control panel to identify which cartridge needs attention. For error codes, remove the cartridge indicated, verify all plastic protective tape is removed, and clean the gold electrical contacts with a dry cloth. Reinstall the cartridge firmly until it clicks. HP+ printers require Original HP cartridges (HP 65 or 65XL); non-original or refilled cartridges will prevent printing. Replace cartridges when print quality becomes unacceptable.
Poor Print Quality or Faded Colorsexpand_more
Use original HP paper or ColorLok® certified paper for best results. Verify the paper type is set correctly in the printer software's Media dropdown. Align the cartridges: Open HP printer software, click Print & Scan > Maintain Your Printer > Align Cartridges. Clean cartridges if color blocks show white lines or fading by selecting Clean Cartridges in the Device Services tab. Ensure cartridges are not low on ink by checking Estimated Levels.
Printer Not Printing Despite Wireless Connectionexpand_more
Verify the printer is not paused or offline in Windows Devices and Printers (check Printer menu for Pause Printing or Use Printer Offline options). Confirm the 2720e is set as the default printer. For HP+ printers, ensure the device is connected to the Internet and Original HP cartridges are installed. Restart the print spooler service or clear the print queue if jobs are stuck. Restart your computer and try printing again.
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Important Safety Instructions

  • Always turn off the printer using the Power button and wait for all internal sounds to stop before unplugging to protect cartridges from drying out
  • Store HP 65 cartridges at room temperature (15-35°C / 59-95°F) in original sealed packaging until installation to prevent ink evaporation
  • Do not clean the printhead unnecessarily as this wastes ink and shortens cartridge life; only clean when print quality becomes unacceptable
  • Check estimated ink levels regularly from the control panel Ink Level icons or HP Smart app—replace cartridges before quality degradation occurs
  • Transport the printer flat only; never place on its side, back, front, or top, and keep cartridges installed to prevent ink leakage

The HP DeskJet 2720e printer uses genuine HP 65 / HP 65XL ink cartridges. Select your cartridge below to purchase replacement cartridges on Amazon:

Feature Specification
Cartridge TypesHP 65 (Standard) / HP 65XL (High Yield) - Black and Tri-color
ConnectivityWireless 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), WiFi Direct, USB 2.0 High Speed, Ethernet support
Wireless Setup MethodsHP Smart app, WPS (Push Button & PIN), HP Printer Software, WiFi Direct
HP+ Cloud FeaturesAutomatic firmware updates, remote printer management, ink delivery alerts, cloud-connected services (requires continuous Internet connection)
Print SpeedVaries according to document complexity; speeds optimized for standard documents
WiFi Direct CapacityUp to 5 computers and mobile devices can connect simultaneously
USB Cable LengthRecommended maximum 3 m (10 feet) to minimize electromagnetic interference
Supported Paper WeightsDefined in technical specifications; use original HP paper or ColorLok® certified equivalents
Auto-Off FeatureAutomatically turns off after 2 hours of inactivity to reduce energy consumption
Related Models2700e, 2710e, 2721e, 2722e, 2723e (share similar specifications and cartridges)