HP Smart app can't find your printer? Try these fixes

⚡Fast fix

• A quick restart won't hurt. Turn your printer off and back on again to refresh the signal.
• Double-check the Wi-Fi. Use your regular Wi-Fi network, not the printer's.
• Give your HP app an update. The most recent version is the one you're looking for.

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You've just finished unboxing a brand-new, powerful HP® printer that's capable of printing, scanning, and faxing. In fact, it seems to handle any paper-related task you can think of. But one aspect has you worried. The HP Smart app you're using for setup can't find the printer.

At Asurion, we resolve tech connectivity issues like this one every day. When you need expert help with your printer setup, turn to us for straightforward advice. Here's what to do when HP Smart is not finding a printer.

Check your Wi-Fi connection first

To find an HP printer with the HP Smart app, the printer needs a Wi-Fi connection. Otherwise, it's essentially invisible. Connecting your HP printer to Wi-Fi tells the app that there's something to link to. Take these steps:

1. Restart the printer and the device where you're running the HP Smart app.
2. Enter Wi-Fi setup mode.
   • On touchscreen models, tap Wireless or Setup > Network Setup or Settings > Restore Network Settings.
   • On manual models, press the button to enter the Wi-Fi setup. This varies, but on many devices it's the Wireless icon.
3. Verify that you're connected to your normal Wi-Fi network. Avoid connecting to a guest or public network or trying to connect to the printer's Wi-Fi signal.
4. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your smartphone or computer. If you're on a smartphone, make sure the HP Smart app can use your location.
5. Check the printer. If the wireless icon is solid and blue, it's connected.

Move your printer closer to your router

If the HP app is not finding a printer, you could have a distance problem. This happens when your printer is too far away from the router, or there's a physical block between them (like a wall). For best performance, HP recommends keeping your smartphone or computer and the printer within 26 feet of the router.

To see if relocation fixes your issue, move everything into the same room during HP Smart printer setup. You can always move the printer to its intended spot once you're finished.

Update the HP Smart app and printer firmware

Your setup is perfect, but that blue Wireless light still doesn't flicker. So why won't your HP printer connect?

It might be caused by outdated software. To fix this, start by checking for HP Smart updates for your computer or smartphone. You can find them through your device's app store. For most people, that's the Google Play Store™ or Apple App Store®.

After updating the HP Smart App, check for firmware updates for the printer itself. There are a few ways to do this. The easiest is to try to download the update directly using the printer's touchscreen:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap Web Services setup > Product update > Check now.
3. Follow the prompts to download and install.

However, this won't work if your device has no internet connection. In this case, visit the HP website to download available updates for your printer model to a USB stick. Once you have the files, plug the USB into your printer to install them. After installation, try to find the printer again through the HP Smart app.

Connect via USB as a fallback

If your HP printer says "no AirPrint found," use a USB connection as a workaround. Start by downloading the HP app onto your computer. Once installed, follow the prompts to set up a USB connection. You'll need a compatible USB cord that works with both devices.

After setup, you can usually switch to a Wi-Fi connection. This enables you to use your printer wirelessly.

What to do if your printer still won't connect

There are a few other HP printer troubleshooting tricks you can try:

• If your printer shows as offline, try restarting it along with your computer and smartphone. A restart refreshes the connection and clears temporary glitches.
• If permissions or incorrect settings are a possible culprit, delete the HP Smart app and reinstall it. Walk through the connection process to set up your device.
• Other common HP printer issues, such as frequent Wi-Fi drops, are often fixable by repositioning your device or installing available firmware updates.

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FAQ

Why is the HP Smart App not finding my printer?

You may be trying to connect using the HP printer's special Wi-Fi signal instead of your normal Wi-Fi network.

Why isn't my phone picking up my HP printer?

The Wi-Fi signal may not be strong enough to recognize the printer. Try moving it closer to the router.

Why is my printer not discoverable?

An undiscoverable printer may have its wireless settings disabled. Make sure the wireless icon is blinking before trying to connect.