To complete your HP Officejet Pro 8600 wireless setup, you must first connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network using its control panel, then install the printer software on a computer that is on the same network subnet.
Before you start the HP Officejet Pro 8600 wireless setup
Begin by unpacking the printer hardware and removing all packing materials. Install the ink cartridges that came with the printer, following the on-screen prompts. Load plain paper into the input tray. A critical requirement for wireless printing is that the printer and any computer using it must be on the same network subnet.
Connect the printer to Wi-Fi using the wireless setup wizard
This is the primary method for connecting your printer to a wireless network. On the printer control panel, use the right arrow to navigate, then touch Setup, touch Network, touch Wireless, and then touch Wireless Setup Wizard. Follow the display instructions. When the list of available networks appears, select your network. If your network name (SSID) does not appear, select Enter New Network Name and type the SSID with exact uppercase and lowercase letters. If prompted for a security key, enter the exact WEP or WPA key, paying close attention to letter case, and then tap OK.
Connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
If your router supports WPS, you can use either the Push Button or PIN method. For the Push Button method, press and hold the WPS button on your router for 3 seconds, then wait about 2 minutes. On the printer, touch the right arrow, touch Setup, touch Network, touch Wi-Fi Protected Setup, and then choose Push Button. For the PIN method, select PIN on the printer, then enter the displayed WPS PIN into your router’s configuration utility. When the connection succeeds, the wireless light stops blinking and remains lit.
Install the printer software from the CD
To complete the wireless communication setup on your computer, run the installation program from the HP software CD that came with the printer. The installer will detect the printer on the network and finalize the connection. This step is essential for your computer to communicate with the printer over Wi-Fi.
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems
If the printer fails to connect, first confirm that the printer and computer are on the same subnet. From the printer’s menu, use Restore Network Defaults or Restore Network Settings to clear previous settings. Then run the Wireless Setup Wizard again. When re-entering the network name and security key, ensure you type them with exact uppercase and lowercase letters. If your network name is hidden or SSID broadcast is off, the printer will not show it in the list, and you must enter it manually using Enter New Network Name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the printer onto Wi‑Fi?
Use the Setup > Network > Wireless > Wireless Setup Wizard path on the printer control panel, or use WPS if your router supports it.
What if my network does not appear?
Select Enter New Network Name and type your SSID exactly as it is configured, including uppercase and lowercase letters.
What if the connection fails?
Reset the network defaults or settings from the printer’s wireless menu, then run the Wireless Setup Wizard again.
Can I print from my mobile device?
The HP Officejet Pro 8600 supports mobile printing. You can use the HP Smart app on iOS or Android to print, scan, and manage the printer from your smartphone or tablet.
How do I check ink levels?
Open the HP Smart app or the printer software on your computer, and navigate to the printer settings or maintenance section. The printer’s control panel also has an ink level indicator.
For the wider topic, see wireless printer setup.
Related reading: How To Set Up Wireless HP Officejet 4500, How To Set Up HP Officejet 4650 Wireless Printer, and How To Connect To An HP Wireless Printer From A Laptop.
