The modern pace of life dictates its own rules, and the need to urgently print a ticket, contract, or photo directly from a smartphone screen arises increasingly often. Fortunately, the era of wires and the obligatory presence of a computer is a thing of the past. Wireless printing became the standard, and devices from Hewlett-Packard Here, they lead in ease of integration into the home network. However, despite the promised simplicity, initial contact between the gadget and the printer can sometimes be challenging for users.
In this article, we'll cover all the details of setting up a connection. You'll learn how to prepare router and the device itself, what apps are required for Android and iOS, and what to do if the devices don't recognize each other. We'll look at the standard operating system tools and specialized manufacturer software that significantly expands functionality.
The main advantage of the technology Wi-Fi Direct The beauty of cloud services is that they're not tied to your desktop. You don't need to transfer files to a flash drive or email them to open them on your PC. A few taps are all it takes, and the document is ready to go. Let's move from theory to practice and configure your system for comfortable work.
Preparing equipment and network for work
Before attempting to connect devices, you need to make sure the connection foundation is laid properly. First, check if your wireless router And whether it emits a signal. The smartphone you plan to print from must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network that the printer will later connect to. This is a basic requirement for most protocols to work.
Now let's turn our attention to the printer itself. If you're using a new model, it may have a sticker with a temporary network or a QR code for quick setup. Turn on the device and wait for the warm-up cycle to complete. Activate the network setup mode on the display or using the indicators. This often requires holding the wireless button for a few seconds until the indicator light starts flashing.
There's an important nuance to signal frequencies. Many older or budget HP printer models operate exclusively within the range 2.4 GHzIf your router only broadcasts on the 5 GHz frequency or combines them into a single Smart Network, you may have trouble detecting your device.
⚠️ Important: Make sure AP Isolation is not enabled on your router. This security feature prevents devices on the same network from communicating with each other, making printing impossible.
To successfully configure, please follow these steps:
- 📶 Make sure your smartphone and printer are within range of the router's signal.
- 🔌 Check that there is toner or ink in the cartridges and paper is loaded in the tray.
- 📱 Disable mobile internet (3G/4G/5G) on your phone during setup, leaving only Wi-Fi.
Using the HP Smart app to set up
The most reliable and functional way to manage printing is to use the official application. HP SmartAvailable on Google Play and the Apple App Store, this software not only sends documents but also allows you to monitor ink levels, scan images, and configure network settings.
After installing the app, launch it and click the "Add a new printer" button (usually a plus sign). The app will automatically search for devices on your local network. If your device is already connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone, it will appear in the list. Click it to complete the pairing.
If the device isn't found, the app will prompt you to set it up. You'll need to select your home network from the list and enter the password. At this point, your phone will transfer the router settings to the printer. You may be asked to create or sign in to an account during the setup process. HP ePrint, which is necessary to access cloud features.
The app also lets you create shortcuts for frequently used functions. For example, you can set up a dedicated button for printing photos of a specific size or scanning to PDF. This is especially convenient for office tasks that require regular document handling.
Printing from iPhone and iPad (AirPrint)
Apple users are the luckiest of all: technology AirPrint It's built directly into the iOS operating system. This means you don't need to install any additional software to print photos, Safari pages, or documents from Office apps if your printer supports this standard (and most modern HP printers do).
The process is very simple. Open the document or image you want to print. Tap the "Share" icon (the square with an upward-facing arrow) and select "Print" from the menu that appears. The system will automatically search for available printers on the Wi-Fi network. Select your HP device from the list.
Before sending a job, you can configure the settings: select the number of copies, page range, or enable duplex printing if supported by your hardware. After clicking the "Print" button in the upper right corner, the file will be sent to the queue.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Double-sided printing | Printing on both sides of the sheet | Print Settings → Double-Sided |
| Black and white | Saving color ink | Print Settings → Black and White |
| Scale | Resizing an image | Print Settings → Borderless |
It's important to note that AirPrint only works if both devices are on the same subnet. If you have a "Guest Network" configured on your router, and your phone is connected to it and the printer to the main network (or vice versa), they won't see each other.
☑️ Check before printing from iOS
Printing from Android: Standard Tools and Plugins
In the ecosystem Android Things are a bit different, as there was no unified standard similar to AirPrint for a long time. However, modern versions of the operating system (starting with Android 4.4 and above) have a built-in printing service. Working with HP equipment usually requires installing a plugin. HP Print Service Plugin.
This plugin is usually preinstalled on your smartphone, but you need to activate it. Go to your phone's settings, find "Connections" or "Device," then "Print." Find HP in the list of services and toggle the switch to "On." The system will automatically try to find the printer on the network.
If the standard plugin doesn't work or your model is quite old, you'll have to use an app HP Print Service Plugin from Google Play. After installation and launch, it will search for available devices. Make sure you've granted the app the necessary permissions to access your local network, otherwise the search will fail.
Unlike iOS, the process on Android may vary depending on the smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei). The print menu interface may look different, but the logic remains the same: select file → Share → Print → Select printer.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi or Huawei smartphones, aggressive power saving may kill background printing. Add the HP app to the battery exceptions to prevent printing from interrupted mid-document.
What should I do if the plugin doesn't see the printer?
Make sure GPS (geolocation) is enabled on your phone. Newer versions of Android require location access to scan for devices on your local Wi-Fi network. Without GPS enabled, searching may not work.
Wi-Fi Direct technology: printing without a router
Sometimes it happens that your router is unavailable, the internet is down, or you're in a location where the main network is prohibited. This is where technology comes to the rescue. Wi-Fi DirectIt allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your phone and printer, bypassing the router.
To activate this feature, look for the smartphone-like icon or the words "Wi-Fi Direct" on the printer's control panel. Turn it on. The network name (e.g., HP-Print-xx-Model) and connection password will appear on the device's screen (or on the printed configuration report).
Next, go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings, find this network in the list of available networks, and connect by entering the password. After connecting, your phone may warn you that "there is no internet." This is normal; agree to the warning and stay connected. Now you can send documents via the HP Smart app or the standard print menu.
Data transfer speeds using Wi-Fi Direct may be lower than those using a full-fledged router, but for A4-sized documents, this isn't a problem. The main advantage is autonomy and security, since data doesn't travel through an external network.
Troubleshooting common problems and errors
Even with proper setup, errors sometimes occur. One of the most common issues is the "Pending" or "Print Error" status. This is often resolved by simply resetting the print queue. Go to the printer settings on your phone and select "Clear Print Queue."
If your printer disappears from the list of available devices, check its IP address. Sometimes the router changes the device's network address, causing your phone to lose connection. Try rebooting the router and printer so they receive the new addresses and update the information.
- 🔄 Update your printer's firmware using the HP Smart app—manufacturers frequently release patches that improve the stability of the Wi-Fi module.
- 📡 Check if your router has a MAC address filter that could be blocking new devices.
- 🔋 Make sure your phone isn't in Data Saver mode, which can limit background data usage.
⚠️ Note: Printer app interfaces and menus are subject to update. If you don't find the described button, check the official documentation on the manufacturer's website for your specific model, as the layout of controls may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to print photos from a phone if there are no drivers?
Yes, you can. Modern smartphones and tablets use standard protocols (AirPrint, Mopria), which don't require installing classic drivers from a computer. The HP Smart app or built-in printing service is sufficient.
Why can't my HP printer see the 5 GHz network?
Most printer models are equipped with Wi-Fi modules that operate only in the 2.4 GHz band. You'll need to either switch your router to mixed mode or connect your phone to the 2.4 GHz network to configure the settings, after which printing will work reliably.
How can I find the Wi-Fi Direct password if my printer doesn't have a screen?
Models without a display usually have an information button (an "i" icon or a piece of paper). Press and hold it for a few seconds, and the printer will print a report showing the password and Wi-Fi Direct network name.
Does cloud printing work if the printer is turned off?
No, the printer must be turned on and connected to the internet to receive a task from the cloud. However, you can send a document to the cloud from your phone anywhere in the world, and it will print as soon as the printer is turned on and synced.