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HP DeskJet 4255e Manual — Setup, Troubleshooting & WiFi Guide

The HP DeskJet 4255e is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home use, offering wireless printing, scanning, and copying with HP+ smart features built in. It uses HP 67 and HP 67XL ink cartridges and is optimized for network-based printing over Wi-Fi rather than USB. This page covers everything you need — setup instructions, wireless configuration, troubleshooting error codes, maintenance tips, and full specifications.

Wireless 802.11b/g/n Color Inkjet HP+ Enabled
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Product Setup

1

Unbox and Power On

Remove all packaging tape and protective materials from the HP DeskJet 4255e. Connect the power cord and press the Power button. Wait for the printer to complete its startup sequence before proceeding.

2

Install the Ink Cartridges

Open the cartridge access door and wait for the carriage to move to the center. Remove the HP 67 black and tri-color cartridges from their packaging, pull off the protective tape, and rotate each cartridge so the taller end faces down before inserting and clicking them firmly into place.

3

Connect to Wi-Fi

The HP DeskJet 4255e is designed for wireless setup — note the label covering the USB port encouraging network connection. Use the HP Smart app on your smartphone or computer to connect the printer to your home Wi-Fi network. The Wireless button light will turn solid blue once successfully connected.

4

Install HP Smart Software and Activate HP+

Download the HP Smart app or visit 123.hp.com to install the required software on your device. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup and activate HP+ features, which provide access to additional smart printing capabilities and ink management tools.

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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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HP Smart App / Wireless Network Setup

The recommended setup method for the HP DeskJet 4255e is via the HP Smart app. Download the app on iOS or Android, select 'Set Up a New Printer,' and follow the prompts to join your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. The Wireless button light on the printer will blink during connection and turn solid when connected. Ensure your device is not on a VPN, as VPN connections may block printer discovery.

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Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect your phone, tablet, or laptop directly to the HP DeskJet 4255e without needing a router or internet connection. Check the printer's control panel for the Wi-Fi Direct status indicator, find the printer's direct network name on your device, and connect using the provided PIN. This is ideal for quick print jobs when your main network is unavailable.

Troubleshooting FAQ

Wireless Light is Blinking or Wi-Fi Won't Connectexpand_more
A blinking Wireless light indicates the printer is not connected to your Wi-Fi network. First, confirm the printer is within range of your router. Restart the printer and your router, then re-run the wireless setup through the HP Smart app. Avoid using a VPN or remote work network during setup, as these are known to block the connection. If connecting to a 5 GHz network, switch to 2.4 GHz instead, as the 4255e supports 2.4 GHz only.
Error E0 — Unusable Cartridgeexpand_more
Error code E0 means the printer has detected an unusable cartridge. Open the HP Smart software on your computer and follow the on-screen instructions to identify and replace the affected cartridge. Ensure you are using genuine HP 67 or HP 67XL cartridges, as third-party or refilled cartridges may trigger this error on HP+ enabled printers.
Error E3 — Carriage Stall / Paper Jamexpand_more
Error E3 indicates a carriage stall, usually caused by a paper jam or obstruction in the cartridge access area. Turn off the printer and open the cartridge access door. Carefully remove any jammed paper or debris by hand, making sure not to force the carriage. Once clear, close the door and power the printer back on. If the error persists, restart the printer and check for any remaining obstructions.
Low Ink Warning Light is Onexpand_more
When the ink indicator light activates on the HP DeskJet 4255e, one or both cartridges are running low. Open the HP Smart app to check individual ink levels for the HP 67 black and tri-color cartridges. Consider upgrading to HP 67XL high-yield cartridges for longer-lasting ink between replacements. Continue printing until quality degrades, then replace the low cartridge promptly to avoid printhead damage.
Printer Not Found on Network / Computer Can't Detect Printerexpand_more
If your computer or device cannot find the HP DeskJet 4255e on the network, start by confirming both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Disconnect from any active VPN, as VPNs commonly block printer communication. Restart the printer, router, and computer. Reinstall or update the HP Smart app and run the built-in 'Fix' or 'Restore Network Settings' function. As a last resort, connect via USB cable using port 9 on the back of the printer to complete the setup manually.
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Important Safety Instructions

  • Regularly check ink levels for the HP 67 black and HP 67 tri-color cartridges using the HP Smart app to avoid running dry and damaging the printhead.
  • Run a printhead cleaning cycle from the HP Smart app or printer software if you notice streaking, fading, or missing colors in your prints.
  • Keep the input tray and paper path free of dust and debris — only load paper that meets the supported media sizes to prevent jams and carriage stall errors (E3).
  • Store replacement HP 67 or HP 67XL cartridges in a cool, dry place and always remove protective tape before installation to ensure proper ink flow.

Replacement Ink Cartridges

The HP DeskJet 4255e 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 ModelHP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One
Printer TypeColor Inkjet All-in-One (Print, Scan, Copy)
Ink CartridgesHP 67 Black, HP 67 Tri-color; HP 67XL high-yield versions available
ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 (optional, port covered by label)
HP+ CompatibleYes — requires HP account and internet-connected setup
Mobile PrintingHP Smart App (iOS and Android), Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service
Related ModelsHP DeskJet 4100, 4100e, 4152e, 4155e, 4158e
USB PortPort 9 on rear of printer; covered by label to encourage wireless setup
Supported OSWindows 10 and later, macOS (recent versions), iOS, Android via HP Smart
Manual / DocumentationOfficial PDF available at hp.com (Document: c08736784)