Disabling Wi-Fi Direct on an HP Printer: A Complete Guide with Details

Function Wi-Fi Direct on printers HP Allows you to connect directly to the device, without going through a router. This is convenient for quick printing from mobile devices, but sometimes you need to disable this mode—for example, if the printer conflicts with the main network, you're experiencing connection issues, or you want to restrict access to the device. Unlike standard Wi-Fi, Direct connection creates its own access point, which may interfere with the operation of other wireless devices in the office or at home.

The disabling process depends on the printer model, firmware version, and even the control method (device control panel or software). In this article, we'll cover all possible methods, including hidden settings that the manufacturer doesn't always disclose. You'll also learn how to check whether the function is truly disabled and what to do if the printer is ignoring commands. We'll pay special attention to the following models: HP LaserJet, OfficeJet And Envy — they most often raise questions among users.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why should I turn it off?

Technology Wi-Fi Direct (or HP Wireless Direct (in company terminology) allows the printer to create its own network, which can be connected to from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet without a router. This is convenient for:

  • 📱 Fast printing from mobile devices in guest mode (for example, for clients in the office).
  • 🖨️ Connecting to a printer in places without access to the main Wi-Fi network.
  • 🔒 Restricted access to the company's local network (the printer does not "see" other devices in the office).

However, this regime also has its drawbacks serious shortcomings:

  • 🔌 IP address conflict: The printer may assign devices addresses from the same range as the main router, causing network problems.
  • 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: If no password is set, anyone within range can connect to the printer.
  • 📶 Interference with other devices: An additional access point may reduce the speed of the main Wi-Fi network.

In addition, some models HP turn on automatically Wireless Direct After a firmware update or factory reset. If you don't use this feature, it's best to disable it—especially in corporate environments where network security is critical.

📊 Have you ever used Wi-Fi Direct on a printer?
Yes, regularly
Yes, but rarely
No, I haven't tried it.
I don't know what this is

Preparing for a Shutdown: What to Check in Advance

Before deactivating Wi-Fi Direct, follow a few preliminary steps:

⚠️ Attention: If the printer is connected to the network via an Ethernet cable, disconnecting Wireless Direct It won't affect its operation. If it only uses Wi-Fi, make sure the primary wireless connection is configured and stable.

1. Please specify your printer model:

  • 📄 The model name sticker is usually located on the back panel or inside the paper tray.
  • 🖥️ In the program HP Smart or HP Print and Scan Doctor The model is displayed in the device information.

2. Check the current Wi-Fi Direct status:

  • 🔍 On the printer panel, find the wireless network icon (usually it’s an antenna icon or Wi-Fi Direct).
  • 📡 If the blue or green indicator is lit, the function is active.

3. Prepare an alternative connection method:

  • 🔌 USB cable (for temporary connection to a PC if Wi-Fi is completely disconnected).
  • 📶 Data from the main Wi-Fi network (SSID and password), if the printer is connected to it.

☑️ Preparing to disable Wi-Fi Direct

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Method 1: Disabling via the printer control panel

Most models HP allow you to manage Wi-Fi Direct Directly from the touchscreen or keypad. The interface may differ, but the general logic remains the same:

For printers with a touch screen (eg. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015, HP Envy 6055):

  1. On the home screen, tap Settings (gear icon).
  2. Select Wireless communication or Wi-Fi.
  3. Find the item Wi-Fi Direct or HP Wireless Direct.
  4. Switch the status to Off or Disabled.
  5. Confirm the action (you may be asked to enter your administrator PIN).

For printers with buttons (eg. HP LaserJet Pro M426):

  1. Click the button Wireless (wireless network) or Setup (settings).
  2. Use the arrows to find Wi-Fi Direct and press OK.
  3. Select Off and confirm your choice.

If the point Wi-Fi Direct not on the menu, means:

  • 🔄 The function is disabled by default (check the indicators on the panel).
  • 🔧 Your model does not support Wireless Direct (relevant for older or budget printers).
  • 🔒 Access blocked by network administrator (on corporate devices).
What if the menu is in a foreign language?

If your printer interface is displayed in English or another language, look for items that say Wireless Direct, Wi-Fi Direct or Direct ConnectionIn Chinese models there may be a hieroglyph "" (direct connection).

Method 2: Disabling via HP software

If the printer control panel does not allow you to turn off Wi-Fi Direct, use official utilities HPThis is relevant for models where settings are hidden or locked.

Through HP Smart (for Windows/macOS/Android/iOS):

  1. Install the application HP Smart With official HP website.
  2. Connect the printer to your computer or smartphone via Wi-Fi or USB.
  3. Open HP Smart and select your printer.
  4. Go to Printer settings → Wireless communication.
  5. Find Wi-Fi Direct and disable the function.

Through HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows only):

  1. Download and run the utility HP Print and Scan Doctor.
  2. Select your printer from the list of devices.
  3. Click Printer settings → Net.
  4. In the section Wireless Direct set the status Disabled.
⚠️ Attention: In some software versions HP disable option Wi-Fi Direct It may be hidden. If you don't see it in the menu, try updating your printer's firmware (more on that in the next section).

Via the printer's web interface (for network models):

  1. Find out the IP address of the printer (you can print it out Network configuration page from the control panel).
  2. Enter the IP into the address bar of your browser (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
  3. Log in (the default login and password are often admin/empty or admin/admin).
  4. Go to the section Network or Wireless and turn it off Wi-Fi Direct.

Method 3: Update firmware to reset Wi-Fi Direct settings

If the printer stubbornly does not respond to shutdown commands, the problem may lie in outdated firmwareSoftware updates often reset settings. Wireless Direct to factory settings or adds missing options to the menu.

How to update firmware:

  1. Download the latest firmware version for your model from HP support site.
  2. Connect the printer to the computer via USB.
  3. Run the downloaded file and follow the installation wizard instructions.
  4. After updating, restart the printer and check the status. Wi-Fi Direct.

What to do if the update doesn't help:

  • 🔄 Complete reset printer settings to factory (in the menu Settings → Service functions → Restore factory settings).
  • 📡 Check if it's blocking Wireless Direct network security policy (relevant for corporate printers).
⚠️ Attention: The firmware update may take up to 15 minutes. Do not disconnect the printer from the power supply during the process - this will lead to critical failures requiring service repair.

Checking the Result: How to Make Sure Wi-Fi Direct is Disabled

After following the instructions, you'll need to confirm that the feature has indeed been deactivated. Here's how:

1. Visual check on the printer panel:

  • 🔍 Make sure the indicator Wi-Fi Direct (usually blue or green) does not light.
  • 📱 Try connecting to the printer from your smartphone - if the network DIRECT-xx-HP-OfficeJet not displayed, function disabled.

2. Checking via computer:

  • 🖥️ Launch HP Smart or Print and Scan Doctor and look at the status Wireless Direct.
  • 🔧 In Device Manager (Windows) or System information (macOS) Check that the printer is connected through the main network, not through Direct.

3. Print a test page:

  • 📄 On the printer control panel, select Network Configuration Report or Self Test Page.
  • 🔎 Find the line in the printout Wi-Fi Direct — the status must be Disabled or Off.
Verification method What should be What to do if not
Panel indicator Off or orange (standby mode) Repeat the shutdown via the menu or software
List of Wi-Fi networks on a smartphone There is no network with the name DIRECT-xx-HP-... Restart the printer and router
Test page Line Wi-Fi Direct: Off Reset the printer settings
Printer web interface In the section Wireless status Disabled Update firmware

Common mistakes and their solutions

When disconnected Wi-Fi Direct Users encounter typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. Point Wi-Fi Direct not on the menu

  • 🔧 Solution: Update your printer firmware or check if your model supports this feature (for example, budget ones) HP DeskJet 2600 they don't have it).

2. The printer automatically enables Wi-Fi Direct after rebooting.

  • 🔄 Solution: Perform a full factory reset (Settings → Service functions → Restore factory settings).

3. When Wi-Fi Direct is disabled, the connection to the main network is lost.

  • 📶 Solution: Reconnect the printer to the router manually through the menu Wi-Fi settings.

4. Program HP Smart doesn't see the printer

  • 🖥️ Solution: Connect the printer to the PC via USB, update your drivers and try again.

5. After disabling Wi-Fi Direct, the printer does not print over the network

  • 🔌 Solution: Check that the printer is connected to the same network as your computer. Reinstall the drivers if necessary.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi Direct permanently so that it doesn't turn back on after updates?

Yes, for this:

  1. Disable the function through the printer menu or software. HP Smart.
  2. Perform a factory reset (Settings → Utility → Restore factory settings).
  3. Disable automatic firmware updates in the printer settings (if such an option is available).

This will prevent it from turning on accidentally. Wireless Direct after updates.

Is it safe to leave Wi-Fi Direct on when I'm not using it?

No, it creates risks:

  • 🔓 If no password is set, anyone within range can connect to the printer.
  • 🕵️ Vulnerabilities in firmware allow attackers to access printed documents.
  • 📡 An active access point may interfere with the operation of other Wi-Fi devices.

We recommend disabling this feature if you are not using it.

How do I reset my Wi-Fi Direct password if I forgot it?

There are two ways to reset your password:

  1. Via the printer menu: Settings → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct → Reset Password.
  2. Via reset: Settings → Utility → Restore factory settings (the password will be reset to the default value, for example, 12345678).

After reset, set up a new password or disable it Wi-Fi Direct fully.

Why doesn't the printer print from my phone after disabling Wi-Fi Direct?

Possible causes and solutions:

  • 📱 The printer is not connected to the same network as the phone.: check your connection to the router.
  • 🖨️ Printer drivers are not updated: reinstall the software HP Smart.
  • 🔌 Function AirPrint or Mopria disabled: Activate it in the printer settings.
Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi Direct on a printer connected via Ethernet?

Yes, the network connection method (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) does not affect the ability to disconnect Wi-Fi DirectFollow the standard instructions through the printer menu or software. HP SmartHowever, please note:

  • If the printer is connected via cable, disconnecting Wireless Direct will not disrupt its operation.
  • If you later decide to use Wi-Fi, you will have to set up your wireless connection again.

📖 Read also

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