i can't connect a printer to my wifi network

lojo787 wrote:

I'm trying to connect an older laser

jet printer to my Mac desktop. When I try to connect wirelessly it asks for a wpa2 password. I have a wpa3 password and it won't accept that. Is there a way to connect this printer? I cannot connect with a cable.

Options, from easiest to more difficult, roughly ordered:

• Replace the printer. Brother offers low-fuss laser/LED printers. Other vendors vary. You absolutely want AirPrint.
• downgrade your main Wi-Fi network and network name (SSID) to (probably) WPA2-WPA3 transitional mode. This might or might not work, because the printer might not connect to secure WPA2, and might need (insecure) WPA2 TKIP.
• In your Wi-Fi setup, add a second network and second network name (SSID) for the printer and configure that for (probably) WPA2 AES, or (maybe) WPA2-WPA3-transitional mode, and connect the two networks together in the Wi-Fi setup.
• add a wired network connection into the printer. (Difficulty depends on printer model, local wiring, etc.)

And two questions:

• Which printer vendor, and which model? HP?
• Which Wi-Fi vendor, and which model?

Related:

• Which Printer Should I Buy? - Apple Community

MrHoffman wrote:

• In your Wi-Fi setup, add a second network and second network name (SSID) for the printer and configure that for (probably) WPA2 AES, or (maybe) WPA2-WPA3-transitional mode, and connect the two networks together in the Wi-Fi setup.

careful adding a 2nd network, as by default it will be its own subnet, which will make it difficult to see the printer with your other devices on your WPA3 network.

You can do this, but you have to put the 2nd network into “Bridge” mode so it is the same subnet.

The best suggestion is to switch your WPA3 network to WPA2-WPA3.

Of course, a new AirPrint printer is always “Fun” 🥳