Wi-Fi Direct on an HP Printer: What It Is and How to Use It

Have you ever encountered a situation where you urgently need to print a document from your phone or laptop, but you don’t have a router at hand, and a printer HP Refuses to connect via USB? This is where technology comes to the rescue. Wi-Fi Direct — a solution that allows devices to exchange data directly, without intermediaries. If you own a printer HP (for example, models DeskJet, OfficeJet or LaserJet), then your device most likely supports this feature. But how does it work in practice and how is it different from regular Wi-Fi?

In this article we will look at Wi-Fi Direct using printers as an example HPWe'll explain the principles of the technology, show you how to enable and configure a direct connection on different devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets), and also cover common problems and their solutions. We'll pay special attention to Compatibility with operating systems - from Windows 10/11 to Android 13 and iOS 17, as nuances often arise here. If you're looking for a way to print without a router or simply want to understand how this technology works, read on.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and how does it work on HP printers?

Wi-Fi Direct — is a wireless communication standard that allows two devices (such as a smartphone and a printer) to establish a direct connection without a router. Essentially, one device temporarily becomes an "access point," and the other becomes a client. In the case of printers, HP The printer itself creates its own network, which can be connected to from a laptop, phone, or tablet.

Key features of the technology:

• 🔄 Two-way communication: devices can exchange data in both directions (for example, a printer can not only accept files for printing, but also send the status of jobs back to the phone).
• 🔒 WPA2 security: The connection is encrypted, making it more secure than open networks.
• 📶 Limited range: usually up to 10-20 meters (depending on the printer model and obstacles).
• 📱 Cross-platform: works with Windows, macOS, Android and iOS (but with some nuances, which we will discuss below).

On printers HP function Wi-Fi Direct It is usually activated through the settings menu or a dedicated button on the control panel. Once turned on, the printer creates a network with a unique name (e.g. DIRECT-xx-HP_OfficeJet_Pro_9015) and a password, which can be found on the device's display or in the documentation. Important: the password changes with each new connection (on some models), so it needs to be checked before each session.

Differences between Wi-Fi Direct and regular Wi-Fi and other technologies

Many users are confused Wi-Fi Direct With a classic connection via a router or even Bluetooth. Let's look at the key differences:

The main advantage Wi-Fi Direct before Bluetooth - high data transfer speed, which is critical for printing large files (such as high-resolution photos or PDF documents with graphics). Furthermore, Wi-Fi Direct supports more devices simultaneously (up to 8–10, depending on the printer model), whereas Bluetooth is typically limited to 1–2 connections.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Higher power consumption compared to Bluetooth (relevant for mobile devices).
• ⚠️ Not all applications support direct printing. - sometimes it is necessary to install proprietary software from HP (For example, HP Smart).
• ⚠️ Conflicts with other networks: If there is a router nearby with the same SSID name, connection problems may occur.

Which HP printers support Wi-Fi Direct?

Most modern printers HP (released after 2015) support Wi-Fi Direct, but there are some nuances. The feature is available in the following series:

• 🖨️ HP DeskJet: models 2600, 3700, 4100 and newer (for example, DeskJet 2722 or DeskJet 4155).
• 🖨️ HP OfficeJet: almost all models, starting from OfficeJet 200 (For example, OfficeJet Pro 9015, OfficeJet 250).
• 🖨️ HP LaserJet: series Pro MFP (For example, LaserJet Pro MFP M28w), Neverstop (For example, LaserJet Neverstop 1000w).
• 🖨️ HP Envy And HP Tango: all models (eg Envy 6055, Tango X).

To find out for sure if your model supports Wi-Fi Direct, check:

1. Sticker on the printer body (look for the logo) Wi-Fi Direct or mentioned in specifications).
2. Printer settings menu: Settings → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Official website HP — Enter your printer model in the search and open the "Specifications" section.

How to check Wi-Fi Direct support on older models?

On printers HP Before 2015, the function may have a different name - for example, HP Wireless Direct or HP ePrint Wireless DirectTry finding these options in the menu. If they're not there, your model likely doesn't support direct printing without a router.

⚠️ Attention: On some budget models (for example, HP DeskJet 1112 or LaserJet P1102) Wi-Fi Direct may not be available. In this case, connecting via USB or purchasing an adapter is an alternative. HP Wireless Printing Upgrade Kit (if it is compatible with your model).

How to connect to an HP printer via Wi-Fi Direct from different devices

The connection process depends on the device type (smartphone, laptop, tablet) and operating system. Below are step-by-step instructions for the most popular platforms.

📱 Connect with Android (via HP Smart or manually)

The easiest way is to use the official app HP Smart:

1. Download HP Smart from Google Play and open it.
2. Click Add a printer → Setting up a new printer.
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct (the application will find the printer itself if it is turned on).
4. Enter the password from the printer display (usually 8 digits).

If you want to connect manually (without the app):

1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer (via menu or button).
2. Open it on your phone Settings → Wi-Fi.
3. Find the printer's network (e.g. DIRECT-72-HP_OfficeJet_Pro_9015) and connect to it.
4. Enter the password (it is displayed on the printer screen).
5. Open the document to print and select the printer from the list of devices.

Enable Wi-Fi Direct on the printer

Make sure the printer and phone are close together (within 5 m)

Write down the password from the printer screen

Disable VPN on your phone (may block the connection) -->

💻 Connecting with Windows 10/11

On a Windows PC, the process is a little more complicated:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer.
2. On your computer, open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
3. Click Add a printer or scanner.
4. Windows will start searching - if the printer is not found automatically, select The printer you need is not in the list.
5. Specify the option Add a printer by its TCP/IP address or hostname.
6. In the Hostname or IP address field, enter the printer address (for example, 192.168.223.1 - you can find out by printing it out Network configuration page on the printer).

⚠️ Note: On Windows 10/11, you may need to install the printer driver manually. Download it from the official website. HP, selecting your model. Without a driver, the system will not recognize the printer, even if a connection is established.

🍎 Connecting from iPhone or iPad (iOS)

On devices Apple the algorithm is as follows:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer.
2. On iPhone/iPad, open Settings → Wi-Fi.
3. Connect to the printer's network (e.g. DIRECT-xx-HP_Envy_6055).
4. Open the document (for example, in Files or Photos) and press Share → Print.
5. Select your printer from the list.

If your printer doesn't show up, try:

• Install the app HP Smart from App Store.
• Update iOS to the latest version (older versions may have compatibility issues).
• Restart the printer and iPhone.

Common Wi-Fi Direct Problems on HP and Their Solutions

Even with proper setup, users often encounter errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of the solutions help, try resetting the network settings on the printer:

1. Go to the printer menu: Settings → Wireless → Reset network settings.
2. Confirm reset (the printer will reboot).
3. Set up Wi-Fi Direct again.

⚠️ Note: On some models HP (For example, OfficeJet Pro 8025) After resetting the settings, you may need to recalibrate the cartridges. This process takes 2-3 minutes and is noisy—do not interrupt it.

Wi-Fi Direct Security: How to Secure Your Connection

Because Wi-Fi Direct Creates a direct network between devices, so it's important to ensure that no unauthorized users can connect to it. Here are the key security measures:

• 🔐 Always use a password: Even if the printer is at home, do not disable protection. The password is generated automatically and changes each time you connect (on most models). HP).
• 📵 Disable Wi-Fi Direct after useIf you don't need this feature, disable it in the printer menu. This will prevent unauthorized connections.
• 📱 Update your printer firmware: Manufacturers regularly release patches to fix vulnerabilities. Check for updates via HP Smart or the official website.
• 🚫 Don't connect to unknown Wi-Fi Direct networks: If you see a network with a name similar to your printer, but you are unsure of its authenticity, do not enter the password.

On corporate printers HP (For example, LaserJet Enterprise) additional security features are available:

• Authentication by PIN code (requires entering a unique code for each stamp).
• Data encryption SSL/TLS during transmission.
• Possibility to restrict access by MAC addresses devices.

If you are using the printer in an office environment, it is recommended that you configure these settings through the printer's web interface (usually accessible by IP address, e.g. 192.168.223.1). To log in, you will need the administrator login and password (often by default) admin/empty or indicated on the printer label).

Wi-Fi Direct Alternatives for Printing Without a Router

If your printer HP does not support Wi-Fi Direct If you're having trouble, consider alternative ways to print without a router:

• 🔌 USB connection: The classic method, but requires a cable and drivers. Suitable for laptops and PCs.
• 📶 Bluetooth: some models HP (For example, OfficeJet 200) support Bluetooth printing. The speed is lower, but the power consumption is lower.
• 📡 Mobile hotspotIf you have a smartphone with mobile internet, you can turn on a hotspot on it and connect both the printer and laptop to it.
• 🖥️ Cloud Printing: services like HP ePrint or Google Cloud Print (outdated, but there are similar ones) allows you to send documents to print via email.

For older printers without wireless modules, you can use external adapters:

• HP Wireless Printing Upgrade Kit (for example, for LaserJet P1102).
• Universal USB-Wi-Fi adapters (but require compatibility testing).

⚠️ Attention: Cloud printing (e.g. via HP ePrint) requires the printer to be connected to the internet. If you don't have a router, this method won't work—you'll have to use a mobile hotspot or other alternatives.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Direct on HP printers

My HP printer can't find my Wi-Fi Direct network. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

1. Make sure the function Wi-Fi Direct enabled on the printer (in the menu or via a button).
2. Restart the printer and the device you are trying to connect from.
3. Make sure the distance between devices does not exceed 5 meters.
4. If you use HP Smart, update the application to the latest version.

If the problem persists, try resetting the printer's network settings (see the instructions in the "Typical Problems" section).

Is it possible to connect multiple devices to a printer via Wi-Fi Direct at the same time?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• Most printers HP support up to 5–8 devices simultaneously, but actual performance varies by model.
• With a large number of connections, printing speed may decrease.
• On some models (eg, DeskJet 2600) Only one device can print at a time.

For office tasks, it is better to use classic Wi-Fi via a router.

How do I find the Wi-Fi Direct password if it is not displayed on the printer screen?

Password recovery methods:

1. Print it out Network configuration page (usually on the menu Settings → Reports → Network Configuration Page). The password will be specified in the section Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On some models the default password is 12345678 or the last 8 digits of the printer serial number (indicated on the sticker).
3. If nothing helps, reset the network settings on the printer (see the "Typical Problems" section).

Does Wi-Fi Direct work on HP printers with macOS?

Yes, but with nuances:

• On macOS Ventura and the new connection occurs automatically through System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
• On older versions (before macOS Monterey) you may need to install the driver from the website HP.
• If the printer is not displayed, try connecting to its network manually via Wi-Fi settings, then add the printer to the system.

For models with support AirPrint (For example, HP Envy 6055) setup is simplified - macOS recognizes the printer automatically.

Can I use Wi-Fi Direct to scan documents?

Yes, but not on all models. Capabilities vary by printer:

• MFP (multifunctional devices) HP (For example, OfficeJet Pro 9015) support scanning via Wi-Fi Direct in the app HP Smart.
• On simple printers (for example, DeskJet 2600) scanning may not be available.
• Scanning on a PC may require special software (e.g. HP Scan).

Check your model's specifications on the website HP.