How to Activate Wi-Fi Direct on an HP Printer: A Complete Guide

Modern office equipment is no longer bulky and requires complex connections. Today, users want to print instantly using mobile devices or laptops, without the need for extra wires. Technology Wi-Fi Direct from the company Hewlett-Packard solves this problem by allowing you to create a direct wireless connection between your gadget and your printing device.

The main difficulty owners face is initially activating the feature, as it may be disabled by default. Unlike traditional LAN printing, the router doesn't act as an intermediary, making the setup process unique. In this article, we'll walk you through all the steps in detail so you can create a direct connection in minutes and forget about cables forever.

What is Wi-Fi Direct technology and why is it needed?

This is a wireless communication standard that allows two devices to connect directly to each other, bypassing an access point or router. When you activate this mode on the printer HP LaserJet or HP DeskJetIt essentially becomes a mini-router, distributing the signal to your smartphone or tablet. This is the ideal solution for situations where your home network is overloaded or there's no internet access.

The main advantage is the speed and ease of setting up your workspace. You don't need to configure complex corporate network security settings or enter lengthy Wi-Fi router passwords. All you need is the device name and access code, which is usually located on a sticker on the device's casing or on the screen itself.

However, it's important to keep security in mind. Since the connection is direct, anyone with the password can access the printer. It's better to change the default password immediately after the first setup to prevent unauthorized use of your equipment by third parties.

Preparing equipment before setup

Before moving on to the software part, you need to make sure the hardware is physically ready. Make sure your device HP Powered on and ready. If error indicators are illuminated on the panel, troubleshoot the problem first, otherwise the wireless modules will not activate.

⚠️ Attention: Make sure the cartridges are installed correctly and the protective tape is removed. HP printers often lock up network functions due to critical paper or toner feed errors.

Also check the distance between the gadget and the printer. For a stable handshake connection, the devices must be within 1-2 meters. After pairing, the distance can be increased to the standard Wi-Fi signal range.

If you're using a laptop, make sure its Wi-Fi module is enabled. The requirements for smartphones and tablets are similar: the wireless adapter must be active. Older phone models may not support the necessary encryption protocols, which will result in connection errors.

Activating the function via the printer control panel

On most modern models, such as the series HP OfficeJet Pro or HP ENVY, controlled via a touchscreen. Menu navigation may vary slightly, but the logic remains consistent across the brand's entire line.

To enable, follow these steps:

• 📱 Click on the wireless network icon or button Wireless on the front panel.
• ⚙️ In the menu that opens, select a section Settings or Settings.
• 🔗 Find the item Wi-Fi Direct and move the switch to the position On (On).
• 👁️ The network name and password for connection will be displayed on the screen.

On models without a touch screen, for example, budget ones HP LaserJet, a push-button control is used. Here, you'll need a button with a smartphone image or a wireless icon. Often, you'll need to press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing, signaling the start of search or activation mode.

It's important to note that some models allow you to print documents even in sleep mode, waking up automatically when a task is received. However, for initial setup, it's best to exit power-saving mode.

Using the HP Smart app to set up

The most reliable way to set up a connection is to use the official application. HP SmartIt's available for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. The app automatically detects devices within range and helps configure network settings.

The installation process looks like this:

1. Download and install the application HP Smart from the official store.
2. Run the program and click the button Add a printer or a sign +.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will ask you to turn on Bluetooth on your phone to search.
4. Once the printer is found, confirm the connection.

The app not only enables Wi-Fi Direct, but also allows you to update the firmware, which is critical for stable operation. Outdated software often contains bugs that prevent devices from shaking hands correctly.

What should I do if the app doesn't see the printer?

Make sure location and Bluetooth are enabled on your phone. On Android, scanning for Wi-Fi networks without location permission may be blocked by the system. Also, try rebooting your router, even if you don't plan to use it for printing, as some drivers depend on the general network infrastructure.

If the automatic search doesn't yield results, switch to manual mode. The app often has an option called "Printer not listed?" that allows you to enter the IP address or select the device from a list of available networks manually.

Connecting a computer and mobile devices

Once the printer is activated, it will appear in the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your computer or phone. The network name usually begins with DIRECT-xx-HP, where xx are random symbols or part of a pattern.

To connect:

• 📶 Open the list of Wi-Fi networks on your device.
• 🔍 Find a network with a prefix DIRECT and the name of your model.
• 🔑 Enter the password (PIN) that you saw on the printer screen or printed in the report.
• ✅ Wait until the status changes to "Connected".

⚠️ Attention: After connecting to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct, your phone may lose internet access because it has switched to a direct connection. To access the network, you may need to use mobile data or reconnect to the main router if the printer doesn't support dual networks.

On Windows 10 and 11, the system will automatically try to find and install drivers. If this does not happen, use Parameters → Devices → Printers and scanners → Add a printer.

Print documents without installing drivers

One of the key features of the technology is the ability to print without fully installing drivers, thanks to protocols AirPrint (for Apple) and Mopria (for Android). This allows you to print documents directly from your gallery, browser, or text editor.

Simply open the file you need, select the "Share" menu or the printer icon. Select your printer from the list of available devices. HP PrinterThe system will automatically detect the paper size and orientation if the appropriate media is loaded in the printer.

To print photos from iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the photo in the Photos app.
2. Click the "Share" button (square with an arrow).
3. Scroll down and select Type.
4. Select the printer and click Seal.

Compatibility table and error codes

During setup, various situations may arise that require explanation. Below is a table of the most common statuses and their meanings.

Please note that error codes may vary depending on the device series. For accurate diagnostics, always refer to the documentation for your specific model. HP InkJet or LaserJet.

Troubleshooting and resetting settings

If the connection fails, try resetting the printer's network settings. This will return the network settings to factory defaults and often resolves the communication module freezing issue.

To reset:

• 🔘 Press and hold the button Wireless and the button Cancel (cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds.
• 🔄 Wait until the power and wireless indicators start blinking.
• ⏳ Wait about a minute for the printer to reboot the network module.

Also, check if your router has a MAC address filter enabled, which can block new devices even if they connect directly. In rare cases, temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall on your PC can help.

Why can't my HP printer see my Wi-Fi Direct network?

Often, the problem stems from having both mobile data and Wi-Fi network scanning enabled on the device (phone/laptop). Try temporarily disabling mobile data. Also, make sure you're not trying to connect to the router's guest network, which isolates devices from each other.

Is it possible to print via Wi-Fi Direct if the router is turned off?

Yes, this is the main advantage of this technology. The printer creates its own local network, so an active internet service provider or working router is not required. Printing will work even in the field, as long as there is a power source for the printer.

How do I change the Wi-Fi Direct password on my printer?

You can change the password through the web interface (EWS). Enter the printer's IP address in your browser, then go to "Network" -> "Wi-Fi Direct" -> "Settings." There you can set a new PIN. On models with a display, this can be done through the "Wireless Settings" menu.

Does Wi-Fi Direct slow down printing?

Data transfer speeds over a direct connection are typically higher or equal to printing speeds through a busy home router, as the bandwidth isn't shared with other devices (TVs, guest phones). Delays may only occur with very large graphic files.