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HP DeskJet 2742e Manual — Setup, Troubleshooting & WiFi Guide

The HP DeskJet 2742e is a wireless all-in-one color inkjet printer designed for home use, featuring HP+ cloud connectivity, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB support. It uses HP 67 and HP 67XL ink cartridges and offers print, scan, and copy functionality manageable via the HP Smart app. This page covers complete setup instructions, wireless connection methods, cartridge maintenance, and troubleshooting guidance drawn directly from the official HP DeskJet 2742e manual.

Wireless 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz & 5GHz) Color Inkjet All-in-One HP+ Cloud Connected
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Product Setup

1

Download the HP Smart App

Visit 123.hp.com or download the HP Smart app on your iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS device. Make sure your computer or mobile device is connected to your wireless network and that you have your Wi-Fi password ready before proceeding.

2

Power On and Enter AWC Setup Mode

Power on your HP DeskJet 2742e. The printer will automatically enter Auto Wireless Connect (AWC) mode — the light next to the Wireless button will blink blue and the Signal Bars will cycle on the display. If needed, press the Wireless button and Cancel button together for 3 seconds to re-enter AWC mode.

3

Add the Printer in HP Smart

Open the HP Smart app and tap or click the Plus (+) icon on the home screen. Select your printer from the list — if it does not appear, choose 'Add Printer' or 'Set up a new printer' and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your wireless network. On iOS and Android, ensure Bluetooth is enabled to speed up the process.

4

Install Cartridges and Confirm Connection

Install your HP 67 or HP 67XL black and tri-color ink cartridges by opening the cartridge access door, removing the plastic tape from each cartridge, and sliding them into the correct slots until they click. Once connected successfully, the light next to the Wireless button will glow steady blue, confirming your printer is online and ready to use.

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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

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Connect via Wireless Router (WPS or HP Smart)

Connect your DeskJet 2742e to your home Wi-Fi network using WPS Push Button (hold the Wireless button for 3 seconds, then press WPS on your router) or the PIN method (hold Wireless + Information buttons for 5 seconds). Alternatively, use the HP Smart app or HP printer software to guide you through connecting to your 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless network. A steady blue Wireless light confirms a successful connection.

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Wi-Fi Direct (Print Without a Router)

Wi-Fi Direct lets you print directly from smartphones, tablets, or computers without connecting to an existing wireless network. Enable it by holding the Wireless button and Resume button together for 3 seconds on the printer control panel. Up to 5 devices can connect simultaneously. Find the Wi-Fi Direct name (DIRECT-**-HP DeskJet 2700e series) and password by pressing the Information button to print a printer info page.

Troubleshooting FAQ

Printer Won't Connect to Wi-Fiexpand_more
Verify your wireless router is powered on and that the Wireless button light on the printer is blinking or steady blue. Press the Wireless button and Information button simultaneously to print a Wireless Network Test Report — check the DIAGNOSTICS RESULTS section for failures. Ensure the printer is within 30 metres (100 ft) of your router. To restore network defaults, hold the Wireless button and Cancel button together for 3 seconds, then reconnect using the HP Smart app.
Paper Jam — How to Clear Itexpand_more
Start by removing all paper from the input tray and checking the paper path with a flashlight. Press the Cancel button to attempt an automatic jam clear. If the jam is in the cartridge access area, open the door, wait for the carriage to stop, then turn off and unplug the printer before removing any jammed paper. For jams underneath the printer, turn it over, open the cleanout door by pulling both tabs, remove the jammed paper, and snap the door closed before restoring power. Always pull paper gently with both hands to avoid tearing.
HP 67 / HP 67XL Cartridge Not Recognised or Ink Errorexpand_more
If a cartridge error occurs, first check that the plastic protective tape has been fully removed from each HP 67 or HP 67XL cartridge. Re-seat the cartridge firmly until it clicks. If the Ink Level icon blinks, remove the opposite cartridge to isolate which one has the problem. Clean the gold-coloured electrical contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer using a dry lint-free cloth. Note that the HP DeskJet 2742e requires Original HP cartridges when HP+ is enabled — non-Original HP or refilled cartridges will prevent printing.
Poor Print Quality — Faded, Streaky, or Missing Coloursexpand_more
Open the HP printer software, go to Print & Scan, then 'Maintain Your Printer' and run 'Align Cartridges' using a fresh sheet of plain white letter or A4 paper. Print a Diagnostics Page from the Device Reports tab to check for missing or faded colour blocks. If defects are visible, click 'Clean Cartridges' in the Device Services tab. Ensure you are using Original HP 67 cartridges and that the correct paper type and quality settings are selected in the printer software. Always turn off the printer using the Power button to prevent cartridge nozzles from drying out.
HP+ Printer Not Printing — Internet Connection Requiredexpand_more
The HP DeskJet 2742e with HP+ enabled must remain connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet at all times to function correctly. If the printer is disconnected (due to a power outage, router issue, or being turned off), only a limited number of pages may print before it stops. Reconnect to the Internet and verify Original HP 67 or HP 67XL cartridges are installed. Sign in to your HP account to confirm your HP+ subscription is active. You can still print via USB cable, but the printer must simultaneously maintain an active Internet connection.
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Important Safety Instructions

  • Always turn off the HP DeskJet 2742e using the Power button and wait for the light to go out — this parks the cartridges properly and prevents HP 67 / HP 67XL nozzles from drying out.
  • Do not leave HP 67 or HP 67XL cartridges outside the printer for more than 30 minutes; exposed nozzles dry out and clog, requiring cleaning cycles that waste ink.
  • Periodically align cartridges from the HP printer software (Print & Scan > Maintain Your Printer > Align Cartridges) using plain white paper to maintain the best print quality.
  • Check estimated ink levels regularly via the HP Smart app or printer software Estimated Levels tab, and keep a spare HP 67 or HP 67XL cartridge on hand to avoid printing delays when ink runs low.

Replacement Ink Cartridges

The HP DeskJet 2742e printer uses genuine HP 67 / HP 67XL ink cartridges. Select your cartridge below to purchase replacement cartridges on Amazon:

shopping_cart Buy HP 67 on Amazon shopping_cart Buy HP 67XL on Amazon

Technical Specifications

Feature Specification
Printer SeriesHP DeskJet 2700e Series
Printer TypeAll-in-One Color Inkjet (Print, Scan, Copy)
Ink CartridgesHP 67 Black & Tri-color / HP 67XL Black & Tri-color (High Yield)
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct (up to 5 devices)
Wired ConnectivityUSB 2.0 High Speed (rear port, cable max 3m / 10ft recommended)
Print SpeedVaries by document complexity; up to approx. 8 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
HP+ Cloud FeatureRequires permanent Internet connection and Original HP cartridges to function
Compatible SoftwareHP Smart App (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS), HP Printer Software (Windows, macOS)
Operating TemperatureCartridge storage: 15–35°C (59–95°F)
Related ModelsHP DeskJet 2700, 2700e, 2734e, 2752e, 2755e