This lets you connect your HP printer to a hotspot so you can print wirelessly when a traditional Wi-Fi network is unavailable.
Before you connect your HP printer to a hotspot: Crucial preparatory steps often missed
Before starting, ensure your HP printer supports wireless connections. Activate the mobile hotspot feature on your smartphone or tablet, typically found in "Network" or "Connections" settings, and note the SSID (network name) and password. Most HP printers require the mobile hotspot to broadcast on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, as many printers do not support 5 GHz networks. Configure your mobile hotspot to broadcast on 2.4 GHz. If available, disable "AP Isolation" or "Privacy Separator" in your hotspot settings to allow devices to communicate. Keep the printer and the mobile hotspot device in close proximity for a stable connection. Ensure your mobile device (or computer) is also connected to the same mobile hotspot network as the printer for printing.
Method 1: Connect using the printer's Wireless Setup Wizard
This is the primary method using the printer's control panel to scan for networks, select the hotspot SSID, and enter the password.
- On the printer's control panel, navigate to "Wireless Settings" or "Network Settings" and select "Wireless Setup Wizard".
- Choose your mobile hotspot's SSID from the list of available networks.
- Enter the password using the printer's control panel.
- Wait for the printer to establish the connection. The printer's wireless light should turn solid blue or display a confirmation message once connected.
- Test the connection by printing a test page.
Method 2: Connect using the HP Smart app
The HP Smart app can be used to add and manage the printer after it's connected to the hotspot.
- Download and install the HP app from 123.hp.com or your app store.
- Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same mobile hotspot network.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your mobile device so the HP app can detect the printer during setup.
- For mobile devices, enable location services when prompted and allow the app to use your location.
- Open the HP app and create an account or sign in.
- Click the plus sign (+) or "Set up a new printer" to add a device.
- Follow the guided steps in the HP app to add the printer and set up the wireless connection. The app may automatically transfer your Wi-Fi network details from your device to the printer.
Alternative: Print directly with Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct allows your mobile device to connect directly to the printer without needing an external Wi-Fi network or hotspot. Most HP printers released after 2014 support Wi-Fi Direct.
- Enable Wi-Fi Direct on your printer's control panel or settings menu.
- Find the Wi-Fi Direct name (usually starting with "DIRECT-HP-") and password on the printer's control panel or by printing an Information Report.
- On your mobile device, go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network, entering the password when prompted.
- If the printer's Wi-Fi Direct mode is set to "Manual," you may need to confirm the connection on the printer's touchscreen or by pressing a Wi-Fi Direct button.
- Once connected via Wi-Fi Direct, use the HP Smart app or AirPrint (for iOS) to send print jobs directly to the printer.
Test the connection and troubleshoot issues
How to print a test page to confirm success, and quick fixes for common problems like connection failures, including restarting devices and checking proximity. Print a test page from a connected device to verify the connection. If issues occur, restart both your mobile hotspot and the HP printer. Avoid using guest networks (e.g., in hotels) for direct hotspot connections, as Wi-Fi Direct is often a more reliable alternative in such environments. If using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection, disconnect the VPN during setup.
When following the process of connecting a printer to Wi-Fi or a hotspot, ensure you have correctly set up the hotspot.
