The modern pace of life dictates its own rules, and the need to quickly print a document or photo directly from a smartphone screen is becoming increasingly important. Wireless printing Eliminates unnecessary cables and the need to search for a computer, allowing you to control peripherals with just one click. For Hewlett-Packard owners, this process is simplified to the max thanks to advanced communication protocols.
You don't need to be an IT specialist to establish a stable connection between your gadget and MFP (multifunctional device). Simply follow the logical sequence of steps and understand the basic principles of a local network. Below, we'll cover all available methods, including using proprietary software and a direct connection without a router.
Before starting setup, make sure your printer is turned on and ready. Also, check your mobile phone's battery level, as the search and pairing process may take a little time. It is critical that the print cartridge is installed on the printing device, otherwise the system may not complete the initialization of the network modules.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is to verify the technical specifications of your equipment. Not all older models support modern wireless standards, such as Wi-Fi Direct or cloud printing. Information about the presence of a wireless module is usually indicated on the front panel of the device or in the model specifications.
If you see an antenna icon or a button with a radio signal image on the printer body, it means wireless module is present. Otherwise, you'll need to connect via a USB cable or use an OTG adapter, which goes beyond wireless connectivity.
Also, make sure your router is working properly and broadcasting at the 2.4 GHz frequency. Many office and home printer models still don't support the 5 GHz band, which often causes the device to not show up in the list of available networks.
⚠️ Please note: Some corporate networks have a hidden SSID or use complex encryption methods (WPA3-Enterprise) that may block the connection of peripheral devices without intervention from the system administrator.
To ensure successful synchronization, make sure your phone's geolocation module (GPS) is enabled. On Android operating systems, this is necessary for apps to scan for available Wi-Fi networks correctly.
Using the HP Smart app to set up
The most universal and reliable way to organize printing is to use official software HP SmartThis application automatically detects devices on the network and helps you complete initial setup if it has not yet been done.
Download and install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once launched, the app will request permission to access your local network and location. Be sure to approve these permissions, otherwise the device will not be able to be found.
In the main interface, click the Add New Printer button or the plus sign. The app will begin scanning the air. If your device is in setup mode (the wireless indicator is blinking), the system will prompt you to share your home network settings.
☑️ HP Smart Pre-Launch Check
The process of transferring the password from the router occurs in the background. You won't have to manually enter complex character combinations on the printer's small screen if it has a display. WPS or direct key transfer via Bluetooth significantly speeds up this stage.
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct: Printing without a router
Function Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct access point between your phone and printer, bypassing the router. This is ideal for situations where the router is unavailable, located far away, or you're visiting someone.
To activate this mode, locate the button with a smartphone icon next to the antenna on the control panel or access the wireless menu via the touchscreen. The device will generate its own network, the name of which usually includes the model name and the word "Direct."
When attempting to connect, the phone will ask for a password. By default, it is often listed on the technical information sticker or may be printed on the configuration test page. Enter the 8-digit code to establish a connection.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | Direct-HP-DeskJet... | Printer Screen / Print Test |
| Password | 8 digits | Sticker on the case / Menu |
| IP address | 192.168.223.1 | Network status |
| Protocol | 802.11 b/g/n | Data sheet |
After successful pairing, the phone may temporarily lose internet access as it switches to a direct connection with the peripheral. This is normal behavior for most mobile operating systems when working with Direct connections.
What should I do if my phone doesn't see the Direct network?
Make sure Wi-Fi Direct isn't blocked in the printer's security settings. Sometimes you need to reset the wireless module using the network settings recovery menu. Also, check that the number of connected clients (usually up to 5 devices) hasn't been reached.
Printing from Android via System Services
The Android operating system has a built-in printing mechanism that doesn't always require additional drivers. However, specific HP models often require a plugin. HP Print Service Plugin.
Go to your phone's settings, find the "Connections" or "Connected Devices" section, and select "Printing." The system will prompt you to download the necessary plugins from the app store. Install the HP plugin and activate it.
Open any document, photo, or webpage, click the menu (three dots), and select "Print." Your device should appear in the list of available printers. If the status is "Pending," the connection is established, but confirmation is required.
It's important to note that for this method to work, the phone and printer must be on the same subnet. If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network with client isolation, printing may be unavailable even if the connection is technically established.
⚠️ Note: The print settings menu interface may differ depending on your Android version and smartphone manufacturer's operating system (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, etc.). Look for sections labeled "Print."
Features of connecting Apple iOS devices
iPhone and iPad users can take advantage of the technology AirPrint, which is built into iOS. This protocol allows you to print without installing any drivers if your printer supports this feature (most modern HP models do).
The process is simple: open a photo, document, or email, click the "Share" button (the square with an arrow), and select "Print" from the action menu. The system will automatically search for compatible devices on the network.
If AirPrint doesn't work, use an app HP Smart for iOS. It offers advanced features, such as scanning documents directly into the Files app and real-time ink level monitoring.
Solving common connection problems
Even with proper configuration, errors may still occur. Often, the problem stems from the printer's IP address being dynamically changed by the router. To avoid this, it is recommended to configure a static IP address for the printer in the router settings.
If your printer has disappeared from the network, try resetting the network settings. On many models, this can be done by simultaneously pressing the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (or "Recovery") buttons for a few seconds.
Check that your phone's antivirus or firewall isn't blocking connections to local devices. Sometimes, app permissions can be reset after an operating system update.
In some cases, updating the printer firmware can help. This can be done through the device's web interface (by entering its IP address in a browser) or through the settings section of the HP Smart app.
Why doesn't my HP printer print even though it's connected?
Most often, the problem is in the print queue. Go to the printer settings on your phone and clear the print queue. Also, check if the paper or ink is low, as some models block printing when supplies are low, even if the connection is active.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a phone via Bluetooth?
Technically, some older models supported Bluetooth, but modern printing standards (AirPrint, Mopria) rely on Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is too slow for transmitting graphic data and is practically never used for mobile printing in modern HP devices.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
Press the Wireless or Information button (the "i" icon) on the printer's control panel. The device will print a network configuration report, which will show the current IP address. This information can also be viewed in the HP Smart app or in the list of connected clients in the router settings.