How to Connect an HP Printer to Your Phone via Wi-Fi Direct: A Complete Guide with Error Fixes

Connecting a printer HP to the smartphone via Wi-Fi Direct allows you to print documents and photos without intermediaries like routers, cables, or cloud services. This technology creates a direct wireless connection between devices, making it especially convenient in the office, at off-site events, or at home where there's no local network. However, many users encounter difficulties: the printer isn't listed as a device, the connection keeps dropping, or the phone displays a "Failed to connect" error.

In this article we will look at Unique nuances of setting up Wi-Fi Direct for HP printers of different series (Envy, OfficeJet, LaserJet, etc.), including the specifics of working with Android And iOSYou'll learn how to properly activate the printer mode, configure your smartphone, and what to do if standard methods fail. We'll also cover diagnosing common errors, from security protocol mismatches to IP address conflicts.

Before you begin, check: your printer must support Wi-Fi Direct (The list of compatible models is below.) Also, make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on on your phone, even if you are not connected to a network. Android 10+ and iOS 14+ may require additional permissions for local networks.

1. Which HP printers support Wi-Fi Direct?

Technology Wi-Fi Direct available on most modern models HP, released after 2015. However, there are important exceptions: some budget series (for example, HP DeskJet 2130 or HP Neverstop) lack this feature, despite having Wi-Fi. Below is a table of popular series and their support:

To find out for sure if your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct, do one of the following:

• 🔍 Look at the sticker on the back or bottom of the printer - look for the logo Wi-Fi Direct or an inscription WPS/Direct.
• 📄 Find the "Wireless Connections" section in the instructions - there should be a mention there Wi-Fi Direct or HP Wireless Direct.
• 🖥️ Go to the printer's web interface (via a browser using the IP address) and check the tab Network → Wireless.

⚠️ Attention: On printers HP series Tango (eg Tango X) Wi-Fi Direct only works with devices on Android 8+. For owners iPhone you will need to use an alternative method - connecting via HP Smart App.

2. Preparing the HP printer for connection

Before setting up a connection, you must activate the mode Wi-Fi Direct On the printer itself. The process may vary depending on the model, but the general procedure is as follows:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it is fully loaded (the indicators should be steady, without blinking).
2. Find the button on the control panel Wi-Fi or Wireless communication (on touch screens - antenna icon).
3. Select an item Wi-Fi Direct or HP Wireless Direct (sometimes hidden in the menu Settings → Network).
4. Activate the mode and wait for the network name (SSID) and password to be generated. They will be displayed on the printer screen or printed on a test page.

On some models (eg, HP LaserJet Pro M426) after switching on Wi-Fi Direct The printer automatically switches to access point mode. In this case:

• 📶 The network name will start with DIRECT-xx-HP-[model] (For example, DIRECT-72-HP-OfficeJet-Pro-9015).
• 🔑 The default password is usually 8 digits and is displayed on the printer display.
• ⏳ The mode is active for 2 hours, then turns off to save energy (configured in the printer menu).

Is the printer connected to a 220V power supply?

Is the Wi-Fi button on the panel pressed?

Are the SSID and password generated on the screen?

Is the printer connected to another Wi-Fi network?-->

If your printer does not have a touch screen (e.g. HP DeskJet 2720), use the key combination:

1. Hold the button Wi-Fi 5 seconds until the indicator flashes.
2. Click the button Information (i) - the printer will print a sheet with data Wi-Fi Direct.

⚠️ Attention: Printers HP Firmware older than 2019 may require manual entry of the IP address on the phone. In this case, after connecting to the network DIRECT-xx-HP-... open your browser and type 192.168.223.1 — you can configure the connection parameters there.

3. Setting up Wi-Fi Direct on Android

Connecting a smartphone to Android to the printer HP through Wi-Fi Direct is carried out through the standard Wi-Fi menu. However, on some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy or Xiaomi) This process is hidden behind additional settings. Follow the instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi on the phone.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additionally or Wi-Fi Direct.
3. In the list of available devices, find the printer network (starts with DIRECT-xx-HP-...).
4. Connect by entering the password from the printer screen.

If the point Wi-Fi Direct not in the menu, try an alternative method:

• 📱 Install the application HP Smart from Google Play.
• 🔍 In the "Add a printer" section, select Wi-Fi Direct — the application will find the device itself.
• 🔗 Confirm the connection on the printer (you may need to press a button Wi-Fi Direct again).

On phones Huawei And Honor With EMUI 10+ another way:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Select Wi-Fi Direct at the bottom of the screen.
3. Activate the device search and wait for the printer to appear.

Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, etc.)

iPhone (iOS)

Huawei/Honor (EMUI)

Another brand-->

After successful connection:

• 📄 To print documents, use the function Seal in the file menu (for example, in Google Docs or Gallery).
• 🖨️ In the print settings, select your printer HP - it should appear automatically.
• 🔄 If the printer is not visible, restart both devices and try connecting again.

4. Connecting iPhone to HP Printer via Wi-Fi Direct

WITH iPhone or iPad the process is more complicated due to restrictions iOS.Apple does not support Wi-Fi Direct at the system level, so you'll have to use workarounds. The primary method is connecting via an app. HP Smart:

1. Download HP Smart from App Store and open it.
2. Click Add a printer and select Wi-Fi Direct.
3. The application will prompt you to connect to the printer's network - confirm and enter the password.
4. After connecting, return to HP Smart and select a printer to print to.

If this method does not work:

• 🔄 Restart your printer and iPhone, then try again.
• 📶 Make sure the printer is in the enabled mode HP Wireless Direct (and not just Wi-Fi).
• 🔌 On some models (HP Envy 6020) you need to first connect to the printer via USB to iOS recognized him.

To print from other applications (eg. Pages or Photos):

1. Open the file and tap Share (square with an arrow pointing up).
2. Scroll down and select Seal.
3. Your printer should appear in the list of printers. HP (if not, update the list).

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 15+ after connecting to Wi-Fi Direct Internet access may be lost. To restore the network, disconnect from the printer manually or turn on the Auto-connection in the Wi-Fi settings.

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct settings, the connection through Wi-Fi Direct may not work. Below are the most common problems and how to fix them:

If the printer connects but printing does not start:

• 📱 On Android Check if a print optimization application (for example, Clean Master).
• 🖨️ The printer may be in the "Standby" mode Black and white printing only - check the settings in HP Smart.
• 📡 If the document is stuck in the queue, clear it through Settings → Printers on the phone.

What should I do if my printer requires an update of its security certificate?

On some models HP (For example, LaserJet Enterprise) when connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, an error may appear Certificate ExpiredThis is due to the expiration of the built-in certificate. Solution:

1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.

2. Go to the printer's web interface (192.168.223.1) and go to the section Security → Certificates.

3. Click Reset to Default or Update Certificate.

4. Restart the printer and try connecting via Wi-Fi Direct again.

To diagnose complex errors:

1. Print Network Configuration Report (usually on the menu Settings → Reports).
2. Check if it matches security mode (WPA2-PSK) on the printer and phone.
3. If used Android 12+, temporarily disable the function Private DNS in the Wi-Fi settings.

6. Alternative ways to connect an HP printer to a phone

If Wi-Fi Direct If it doesn't work or your printer model doesn't support it, consider alternative options:

• 🌐 Cloud printing via HP Smart: The printer connects to your Wi-Fi network, and your phone sends tasks over the internet. Registration with the service is required. HP Connected.
• 🔌 USB-OTG: For Android- smartphones with OTG support can connect the printer directly via a cable USB Type-B → MicroUSB/USB-C.
• 📶 Local area network: connect both the printer and phone to the same router, then add the printer to HP Smart.
• 📎 NFC: some models (HP Envy 6455e) support printing from Android by touching the phone to the printer.

For cloud printing:

1. Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network via the menu Settings → Network.
2. In the appendix HP Smart register an account HP.
3. Add the printer to the app via Add a printer → Cloud.
4. Now you can print from your phone from anywhere there is internet access.

Advantages and disadvantages of alternative methods:

7. Optimize connection and security

To connect through Wi-Fi Direct To ensure it works stably, follow these recommendations:

• 📶 Location of devicesKeep your phone and printer no more than 5 meters away. Obstacles (walls, metal) weaken the signal.
• 🔋 Printer power supply: When the battery is low (on portable models), Wi-Fi Direct may be disabled. Connect the printer to the network.
• 🔄 Updates: Check if your printer firmware is up to date HP Smart or web interface.
• 🛡️ Security: after printing, turn it off Wi-Fi Directto avoid unauthorized access.

To improve security:

1. Change your password Wi-Fi Direct by default to a more complex one (in the printer settings).
2. Limit the time the mode is active (for example, 30 minutes) in the menu Wireless Direct Settings.
3. On your phone, disable automatic connection to the printer network if you rarely use it.

If the connection is frequently disconnected:

• 📵 Check if other wireless devices (microwaves, wireless headphones) are interfering.
• 🔄 Switch the printer to a different Wi-Fi channel (in the router or printer settings).
• 📱 On Android disable the function Adaptive Wi-Fi (in developer settings).

8. Frequently Asked Questions

My HP printer doesn't support Wi-Fi Direct. Are there any workarounds?

Yes, you can:

1. Connect the printer and phone to the same router and print via the local network.
2. Use HP Smart App with cloud printing (requires internet).
3. For Android: buy cable USB-OTG and connect the printer directly.

If your printer is very old (pre-2014), you may need to replace it with a wireless-enabled model.

Why doesn't my iPhone see my HP printer in the Wi-Fi list?

iOS does not support Wi-Fi Direct at the system level, therefore:

1. Use the app HP Smart - it creates a workaround.
2. Make sure the printer is in the enabled mode. HP Wireless Direct, not just Wi-Fi.
3. Check if your VPN or firewall (for example, Little Snitch).

On iOS 16+: Resetting network settings may help: Settings → General → Transfer/Reset → Reset network settings.

How do I reset Wi-Fi Direct settings on an HP printer?

Reset methods vary depending on the model:

• On printers with a touch screen: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Reset settings.
• On push-button models: hold down the button Wi-Fi 10 seconds until all indicators flash.
• Via the web interface: go to the address 192.168.223.1, go to Network → Wireless Direct → Restore Defaults.

After reset, the printer will generate a new SSID and password.

Can I print via Wi-Fi Direct without the HP Smart app?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• On Android You can connect to the printer's network through the standard Wi-Fi menu and print from applications (for example, Google Docs).
• On iOS without HP Smart Printing via Wi-Fi Direct is not possible - only via the cloud or local network.

To print photos without the app, use the function Seal in the phone gallery.

Why does my HP printer print blank pages when connected via Wi-Fi Direct?

This problem is usually related to:

1. Incompatible file format: Convert your document to PDF before printing.
2. Empty print buffer: Restart your printer and phone.
3. Driver error: update the printer firmware via HP Smart.

Also check if the printer settings are set to Draft or Text only.