Printers are everywhere these days, and you only need to bite into a slice of pie and you can print documents, photos, and other data. Not all printers are problem-free; an HP printer does not connect to a phone. Do not worry if you too have the same issue. The blog will guide you through the possible causes and real-world solutions so that you can eliminate the issue.
Why Won’t My HP Printer Connect to my Phone?
There are all kinds of reasons why that might be. Some of the most highly suggested reasons are:
Network Connectivity Issues: If your printer and your phone aren’t both on the same network, they can’t communicate with each other.
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct Issues: HP printers can also be connected to mobile devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, and sometimes they don’t.
Older Firmware in Printer: If the firmware of the printer is outdated, then the printer will not print on new mobile phones.
Printer Offline: At times, the printer becomes offline and no device is attached to it.
HP Smart App Issues: The HP Smart App is one of the most crucial features to print from the phone, and its installation without it will be nothing but useless with the connectivity.
Repair HP Printer Not Connecting to Phone
If the HP printer not connecting to phone, then take the following steps in troubleshooting:
1. Check Wi-Fi Network
Check if the phone and HP printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. How to do it:
Go to your printer control panel and enter network settings.
Check the connected Wi-Fi network of your printer.
Check your phone is on the same network.
Reset your router when and if necessary.
2. Restart Phone and Printer
Restarting should work only in most of the situations. Switch off your HP printer and phone, let it be for some time, and switch them on.
3. Update Printer Firmware
Old firmware for your printer might be the reason behind connectivity issues. To update:
Open the HP Smart App on your phone.
Check for firmware updates.
If an update is available, download it and restart the printer.
4. Enable Wi-Fi Direct
If you’re using Wi-Fi Direct, ensure it’s enabled on your HP printer:
Go to the printer’s settings.
Locate the Wi-Fi Direct option and turn it on.
On your phone, go to Wi-Fi settings and join the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network.
5. Reinstall HP Smart App
The HP Smart App is used for mobile phone printing. In case your HP printer isn’t supported by your phone, reinstall the app:
Uninstall it from your phone.
Download the latest version from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Open the app and reset the printer.
6. Reset Printer
Alternatively, resetting your HP printer to factory defaults should resolve the problem:
Go to the control panel of your printer.
Touch “Restore Factory Defaults.”
Allow the restart and let the printer restart.
Plug it back into your WiFi and print.
Alternative Printing Methods from Your Phone
If your phone is incompatible with your HP printer, there are several means by which you can print your phone:
1. USB OTG Connection
There are certain HP printers that are USB OTG compatible. You can easily use your printer and phone with the help of an OTG adapter.
2. Email to Print
There are primarily HP printers that are email-to-print enabled. Just attach the document and send it via email to the printer’s email address.
3. Cloud Printing Services
Google Cloud Print and Apple AirPrint enable wireless printing without any direct connections. Check if your HP printer supports them.
Preventing Future Connection Failure
Prevent the HP printer not connecting to phone again by taking the following suggestions seriously:
- Update printer firmware regularly.
- Restart your router and printer periodically.
- Utilize the latest HP Smart App.
Reject overcrowding your network with useless devices that have no connection to your Wi-Fi.
Final Words
It is irritating when your HP printer not connecting to phone, but the solutions below will correct your problem. Place your printer and phone within the same network, update firmware regularly, and directly connect using the HP Smart App. Resetting the printer or through other print devices, in case of an ongoing issue, will be one of the solutions.
This will also correct the printer’s print function and provide wireless mobile printing.
For more, you should visit our official website: Printer Not Working