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HP DeskJet 2721e Manual — Setup, Troubleshooting & WiFi Guide

The HP DeskJet 2721e is a reliable color inkjet printer with wireless and USB connectivity options for home and small office use. This comprehensive guide covers initial setup with HP Smart app, wireless network configuration, and troubleshooting common issues. Learn how to maximize your printer's performance with proper cartridge maintenance and optimal print quality settings.

Wireless 802.11b/g/n + USB Color Inkjet Printer Print Speed: Up to 8 ppm
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Product Setup

1

Download HP Smart App

Visit 123.hp.com or your device's app store to download HP Smart (iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac). Enable Bluetooth on mobile devices to speed up the setup process. HP Smart uses Bluetooth only for setup—printing via Bluetooth is not supported.

2

Enter Auto Wireless Connect Mode

Press and hold the Wireless button and Cancel button together for 3 seconds. The light next to the Wireless button will blink blue and Signal Bars will cycle on the display, indicating the printer is ready for setup. The printer remains in this mode for up to two hours.

3

Connect via HP Smart App

Open HP Smart and tap the Plus icon to add your printer. Select the 2721e from the list or tap "Add Printer." Follow on-screen instructions to join your wireless network. For Windows/macOS, click the Plus icon and select "Set up a new printer."

4

Verify Connection Status

Once connected successfully, the Wireless button light will glow steady blue and the Signal Bars icon will appear on the display. Your printer is now ready to print. For HP+ models, ensure the printer remains connected to the Internet and uses only Original HP cartridges.

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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 Connection Guide

router

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)

Use the Push Button method by holding the Wireless button for 3+ seconds, then pressing your router's WPS button within 2 minutes. Alternatively, use the PIN method by holding Wireless + Information buttons for 5+ seconds to print a PIN code, then enter it in your router's configuration utility.

wifi_direct

Wi-Fi Direct (No Router Required)

Enable Wi-Fi Direct by pressing and holding Wireless + Resume buttons for 3 seconds. Connect up to 5 devices directly to your printer without a network. Find the Wi-Fi Direct name (DIRECT-**-HP DeskJet 2700e series) and password by pressing the Information button to print a configuration page.

Troubleshooting FAQ

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 check for jammed paper or foreign objects. Gently pull any jammed paper with both hands to avoid tearing. Press Cancel button to allow the printer to clear the jam automatically. Never remove the input tray shield as it prevents debris from entering the paper path.
Cartridge Error or Low Inkexpand_more
If an Ink Level icon blinks with the Error icon, verify the protective plastic tape has been removed from the cartridge. Remove the cartridge, check the gold-colored electrical contacts, and wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. Reinstall the cartridge securely until it clicks. For HP+ printers, ensure Original HP cartridges are installed—non-original cartridges will prevent printing. Check estimated ink levels in HP Smart app or printer software Estimated Levels tab.
Printer Not Printing (Windows)expand_more
Verify the printer is turned on and paper is loaded. Check for error messages in HP Smart app or printer software. For HP+ models, confirm Internet connection and Original HP cartridges. Verify the printer is not paused or offline: go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and check the Printer menu for Pause Printing and Use Printer Offline options. Restart the print spooler by accessing Windows Services (Win+R, type "services.msc"). Verify your printer is set as the default printer with a checkmark next to it.
Poor Print Quality or Faded Colorsexpand_more
Ensure you are using Original HP cartridges and select the correct paper type in printer software. Use high-quality HP paper or ColorLok® standard paper. From HP printer software, click Print & Scan > Maintain Your Printer to access the printer toolbox. Run the Align Cartridges utility on the Device Services tab to print an alignment sheet. If cartridges are not low on ink, print a diagnostics page to check for white lines or faded color blocks. If defects appear, run Clean Cartridges from the Device Services tab to clear nozzles.
Wireless Connection Issuesexpand_more
Verify both the printer and wireless router are powered on and the Wireless button light is steady blue. Check the Signal Bars icon on the control panel—if only 1–2 bars show, the signal is weak; move the printer within 30 m (100 ft) of the router. Press Wireless + Information buttons simultaneously to print the Wireless Network Test Report and Network Configuration Page. Check the DIAGNOSTICS RESULTS section for failed tests and follow recommended steps. Restore network settings by pressing Wireless + Cancel for 3 seconds, then reconnect using HP Smart. If using Windows, download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor utility.
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Important Safety Instructions

  • Always turn off the printer using the Power button and wait until all internal motion stops before unplugging to protect cartridges from drying out.
  • Keep cartridges in original sealed packaging until installation and store at room temperature (15–35°C / 59–95°F) to maintain ink quality.
  • Remove printed pages from the output tray frequently and never overfill the input tray to prevent paper jams and feeding issues.
  • For HP+ models, use only Original HP cartridges (HP 65 or HP 65XL) and maintain a stable Internet connection via Wi-Fi or Ethernet for proper device functionality.
  • Align cartridges regularly and run clean cartridge cycles only when necessary to avoid wasting ink and shortening cartridge lifespan.

Replacement Ink Cartridges

The HP DeskJet 2721e printer uses genuine HP 65 / HP 65XL ink cartridges. Select your cartridge below to purchase replacement cartridges on Amazon:

shopping_cart Buy HP 65 on Amazon shopping_cart Buy HP 65XL on Amazon

Technical Specifications

Feature Specification
Printer TypeColor Inkjet
Print SpeedUp to 8 ppm black and color (varies by document complexity)
Ink CartridgesHP 65 (standard) / HP 65XL (high-capacity) black and tri-color
ConnectivityWireless 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0, Ethernet (for setup)
Paper SizesLetter, Legal, 4x6 photo, 5x7 photo, and other standard sizes
Maximum Paper WeightUp to 24 lb (90 g/m²) bond
Input Tray CapacityUp to 60 sheets of plain paper
USB PortRear USB 2.0 High Speed (recommended cable length ≤3 m / 10 feet)
Related Models2700e, 2710e, 2720e, 2722e, 2723e
PDF Manualhttp://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c07043348.pdf