Modern mobile devices allow you to perform many tasks that previously required a computer. One of the most popular features is the ability to quickly print a document or photo directly from your smartphone. If you have a device from the company HP, then the process of organizing wireless printing becomes as simple and convenient as possible thanks to built-in technologies.
To successfully complete the operation, you don't need any complicated drivers or cables. All you need is your phone's operating system Android and the printer are on the same wireless network. This opens up enormous opportunities for students, office workers, and everyday users who value time and mobility.
In this article, we'll cover all connection methods in detail, from using standard system tools to specialized software. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and why sometimes Wi-Fi Direct works better than a router network.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure all system components are ready to use. First, check that your printer is turned on. HP and whether its display shows any error messages or missing cartridges. The device must be fully functional.
It's crucial that both devices are on the same network. If your router broadcasts signals on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, make sure the phone and printer are connected to one of them, although modern routers often combine them into a single network with a single name.
⚠️ Note: If your printer only supports the 802.11n (2.4 GHz) standard and your phone is connected to a 5 GHz network without the Smart Connect feature on your router, they may not be able to "see" each other, even though they have internet access.
It's also worth checking the signal strength. If the printer is located in a far corner of the office or behind a thick concrete wall, the connection may be unstable. In such cases, it's best to move the device closer to the signal source or use a direct connection.
- 📶 Make sure the Wi-Fi light on your printer is blue or green and not blinking.
- 📱 Check that your phone's wireless module is enabled and that it is connected to your home network.
- 🔌 Make sure there is paper in the tray and the ink or toner is not low.
After completing these simple steps, you can proceed directly to the software portion of the setup. Ignoring the network check step is the most common reason why users can't find their device in the list of available devices.
Using the built-in Mopria plugin
Since version Android 4.4, the system has built-in printing support. For most modern models HP no need to install additional applications, as they support the standard MopriaThis is a universal protocol that allows you to print documents, photos, and web pages.
To use this method, open any document, for example, in a browser Chrome or editor Google DocsClick the menu (usually the three dots in the corner) and select "Print." The system will automatically search for available printers on the local network.
What to do if the printer is not found?
If the automatic search doesn't yield any results, click the three dots in the print menu and select "Print Preferences" or "All Printers." Make sure the "Set as Default Print Plugin" switch is enabled. If the printer still isn't visible, you may need to download the Mopria Print Service plugin from the Google Play Market.
If your printer appears in the list, simply select it. You can configure the number of copies, page range, and even choose black and white or color printing. After clicking the print button, the document will be sent to the queue.
This method is ideal for quickly printing text files and simple images. It doesn't overload your phone's memory and works reliably with a good signal.
- 🖨️ Open the desired file and call the print menu.
- 🔍 Wait for the search to complete or select the printer manually from the list.
- ⚙️ Adjust the settings (paper size, orientation) before starting.
It's worth noting that the built-in plugin's functionality may be limited to basic settings. If you require double-sided printing or specific paper settings, it's better to use the proprietary app.
Setup via the HP Smart app
For equipment owners Hewlett-Packard The most complete and functional solution is the official application HP SmartIt's available for download on Google Play and provides access to advanced settings, ink level monitoring, and document scanning.
After installing the app, launch it and click the "Add Printer" button. The app will scan the network and prompt you to add the device it finds. If the printer is new, the app will guide you through the initial Wi-Fi connection setup by transferring network settings from your phone to the MFP.
☑️ Check before printing in HP Smart
The application interface allows you to select files from cloud storage services such as Google Drive or Dropbox, and also take photos of documents with your phone's camera and send them directly to print. This is especially convenient for working with paper archives.
⚠️ Please note: Some HP Smart app features may require HP account registration. This is free, but requires an internet connection and an email address.
The app also features a "Smart Tasks" feature, which lets you create quick scenarios. For example, you can set up a task so that when a specific document is scanned, it's automatically sent to a specified email address or saved to a folder on your phone.
Printing via Wi-Fi Direct
If your router is unavailable, located far away, or you are visiting someone and don’t know the Wi-Fi password, technology will come to the rescue Wi-Fi DirectThis mode allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your phone and printer without using a router.
To activate this mode, look for the smartphone button on the printer's control panel or select "Wi-Fi Direct" from the menu. You'll see the network name (usually beginning with "DIRECT-HP-...") and password on the device's display or on the printed network configuration report.
On your phone, go to Wi-Fi settings, find the network with the corresponding name, and connect by entering the password. Your phone and printer will now be directly connected. The printing process is then the same as usual: select a file, click "Print," and select your device.
| Parameter | Regular Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Presence of a router | Necessarily | Not required |
| Internet access | Eat | No (print only) |
| Transfer speed | Depends on the router | High (straight) |
| Security | Depends on the network | High (locally) |
Usage Wi-Fi Direct This is especially useful when you need to urgently print a ticket or document in a public place or at a friend's place. The connection is quick and stable.
Solving common connection problems
Even with proper configuration, printing may not start or the device may not be detected. Often, the problem lies in the print service cache or a temporary failure in the phone's network module.
Try restarting both devices: turn off the printer and phone, wait 10-15 seconds, and turn them back on. This resolves over 80% of connection issues, as it refreshes IP addresses and clears network errors.
If the problem persists, check your router's firewall or phone's antivirus settings. Sometimes, they can block local connections between devices, deeming them suspicious.
It's also worth making sure the printer isn't in Sleep or Eco mode, which can disable the Wi-Fi module to save power. Wake the device from sleep mode by pressing any button on the control panel.
- 🔄 Restart your router, printer, and smartphone.
- 📡 Check if your phone is in "Guest Network" mode on the router.
- 🗑️ Clear the print queue in your phone settings.
In rare cases, a printer firmware update may be required. This can be done through the app. HP Smart or by downloading the file from the manufacturer's official website.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we've collected answers to the most frequently asked questions users have when setting up wireless printing. If you don't find your answer here, your situation may require a customized review.
Is it possible to print if there is no internet on the phone, but there is Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can. Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct printing does not require active internet access. The key is that the phone and printer are connected to the same local router or directly.
Does my old HP printer support printing from Android?
Most models HP, released after 2012, support ePrint or AirPrint/Mopria technologies. To confirm, check for the Wi-Fi icon on the device or find the model in the supported list on the manufacturer's website.
Why is printing so slow?
Wi-Fi printing speed depends on signal strength, channel congestion, and the complexity of the document. If you're printing high-resolution photos, the process may take time. Try lowering the print quality in the settings or moving closer to the router.
How do I cancel a document that has been sent to print?
On your phone, pull down the notification shade. You should see a print job notification. Tap it to open the queue and select "Cancel" or "Delete." You can also tap the cancel button on the printer itself if it hasn't started printing yet.