Setting up your HP printer on a wireless network using your phone is one of the easiest ways to get started with printing at home or in the office. Whether you are using an Android or iPhone device HP has designed its printers and mobile apps to make the process quick and straightforward. This guide explains how to connect your HP printer to Wi-Fi using your phone so you can start printing from anywhere without the need for a computer or cables.
What You Will Need
Before you begin make sure your printer is compatible with wireless printing and supports mobile setup. Most modern HP printers including DeskJet Envy and OfficeJet models offer this feature. You will also need a smartphone or tablet with internet access and the HP Smart app installed.
The printer should be plugged in and powered on but not yet connected to Wi-Fi. If you have tried to connect it before and had issues consider resetting the network settings on the printer to start fresh.
Step One: Install the HP Smart App
Download and install the HP Smart app from the App Store on iPhone or Google Play Store on Android. Once installed open the app and allow any permissions it requests such as access to Bluetooth location or your Wi-Fi network. These permissions help the app detect printers and complete the setup.
If you do not already have an HP account the app will ask you to create one. Signing in lets you manage your printer check ink levels and order supplies more easily.
Step Two: Prepare the Printer for Setup
Turn on your printer and make sure it is in Wi-Fi setup mode. If it is a brand-new printer it should enter this mode automatically when powered on for the first time. If it has already been used you may need to restore the network settings. To do this press and hold the wireless button and cancel button on the printer for a few seconds until the wireless light begins blinking. This resets the Wi-Fi settings so the printer can connect to a new network.
For touchscreen models go to the settings or wireless menu and select the option to restore network defaults or enable Wi-Fi setup mode.
Step Three: Add the Printer in HP Smart App
With your phone connected to your home or office Wi-Fi open the HP Smart app and tap the plus icon or “Add Printer.” The app will search for nearby printers in setup mode. When your printer appears on the list tap it to begin the connection process.
The app will guide you through entering your Wi-Fi password to connect the printer to the network. Make sure the printer and phone are close to the Wi-Fi router to ensure a stable connection during setup.
Once the printer is connected to Wi-Fi the wireless light on the printer will stop blinking and remain solid. The app will confirm the connection and may prompt you to print a test page or complete optional tasks like adding your printer to Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint.
Step Four: Start Printing
Now that your printer is connected you can start printing directly from your phone. Use the HP Smart app to scan documents print photos and check printer status. You can also print from other apps like email browsers or photo galleries by selecting the “Print” option and choosing your HP printer.
The printer will remain connected to Wi-Fi even when your phone is not nearby as long as the router stays online. You can also set up other devices using the same process or connect them using your printer’s IP address.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your printer does not appear in the app double-check that it is in setup mode and that your phone’s Bluetooth and location services are enabled. Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want the printer to use. Some dual-band routers have both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands which can cause issues if your phone and printer are on different bands.
Restart your router and printer if the connection fails or use the “Add Printer by IP” option in the HP Smart app if the printer is already connected to Wi-Fi but not showing in the list.
If you are switching to a new Wi-Fi network or have recently changed your router you will need to repeat the setup process to update the printer’s connection details.
Final Thoughts
Connecting your HP printer to Wi-Fi using your phone is a quick and easy way to get started with wireless printing. With just the HP Smart app and a few simple steps you can manage your printer from anywhere and enjoy the flexibility of printing documents photos and emails straight from your mobile device. Whether at home or in the office this wireless setup method offers convenience reliability and a stress-free experience.