To scan and email a document with your HP printer, you need to use the HP Smart app while your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This direct scan-to-email workflow lets you send a scanned document as an email attachment without manually saving and attaching the file.
Before you start: connect your HP printer and computer to the same network
Your HP printer must be connected to the same network as your computer or mobile device for the HP app to function. This is the critical prerequisite that makes the HP Smart app able to detect your scanner. If the printer and device are on different networks, the app will not find the printer, and the scan-to-email feature will not work. Check your printer’s network status from its control panel, and confirm your computer or phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi name.
Place your document on the HP printer scanner
Lift the scanner lid or access the automatic document feeder, depending on your HP printer model. For a single page or a small item like a photo or ID card, place the document face-down on the scanner glass, aligning it with the corner markings. For multiple pages, load them face-up in the automatic document feeder and adjust the paper guides so the stack fits snugly. Proper alignment prevents cropping and ensures the scan captures the entire document.
Open the HP smart app and select scan to email
Launch the HP Smart software on your Windows, Mac, or mobile device. If you have not installed it, download it from the official HP website for your printer model. Once the app opens, look for the Scan tile on the home screen. Tap or click it, then select the 'Scan to Email' shortcut.
Adjust scan settings for your document
Before scanning, customize the settings in the scan preview screen to optimize quality and file size. Select the color mode that matches your document: color for photos or documents with colored graphics, grayscale for documents with black text and simple images, or black and white for plain text. Then pick the file format, PDF is best for multi-page documents and forms, while JPEG works for single images or photos.
Preview and send your scanned document
Use the preview function within the HP Smart app to confirm the scan area. The preview shows exactly what will be captured, so you can check that all content is visible and properly aligned. If the preview looks correct, complete the scan.
What to do if scan to email is not working
If the scan-to-email feature fails, for example, the app cannot detect your printer, or the email client does not open, use the manual fallback method. Scan the document to your computer as a PDF or JPEG, then save it to a folder you can easily find. Open your webmail or email client, compose a new message, and manually attach the saved file. If your original document lives in the cloud, you can also attach Google doc to email directly without scanning. If you need to forward the resulting message later, you can attach an email to another email instead of rescanning. This workaround bypasses the automated email step while still letting you send the scanned document.
