If your HP Smart printer is not connecting, the most effective steps are to ensure your printer and computer or mobile device are on the same Wi-Fi network, restart all devices (printer, router, and computer), and if needed, reset the printer’s network settings to reconfigure its connection. Also, uninstall and reinstall the HP Smart app, ensuring you use the latest version from HP’s official site, and update the printer’s firmware if an update is available[1][2][3][4].
Here is a detailed approach to resolve the issue:
1. **Verify Network Connection:** Confirm both your printer and your device running the HP Smart app are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network—not a guest network or a direct printer network[1][2][4].
2. **Restart Devices:** Power off your printer, router, and computer or mobile device. Wait about 30 seconds, then power them back on to clear temporary glitches[2][4].
3. **Reset Printer Network Settings:** Use your printer’s control panel to restore or reset its wireless settings, then reconnect it to Wi-Fi by selecting your network and entering the correct password[2].
4. **Reinstall HP Smart App:** Remove the HP Smart app from your device, download the latest version from the HP website, and install it. Open the app and add your printer again by following on-screen instructions[1][2][5].
5. **Check Firewall and Security Settings:** Ensure your computer’s firewall or antivirus is not blocking the HP Smart app or printer communication. Add exceptions if necessary[1].
6. **Update Printer Firmware:** Using the printer’s menu or HP software, check for firmware updates and install any available updates to fix known bugs or connectivity problems[3][5].
7. **Factory Reset (if needed):** If none of the above works, you may perform a full factory reset on the printer to erase all configurations and set it up again from scratch, following the manual or HP support instructions[3].
These steps are usually sufficient to fix connection issues between an HP Smart app and a printer. If the problem persists, HP’s support tools like the Print and Scan Doctor can help diagnose further[1][3].