Fix HP Print App Issues: Get Your Printer Working Smoothly

Experiencing problems with your HP printer and finding that it only seems to work correctly through the Hp Print App (also known as HP Smart app)? It’s a common frustration when your printer won’t cooperate with your computer directly. This guide will walk you through proven troubleshooting steps to resolve these issues and get your HP printer functioning flawlessly beyond just the app. We’ll cover connection fixes, software solutions, and ensure you can print from any application on your computer, not just the HP Print App.

Many users find the HP Print App convenient for mobile printing and scanning. However, relying solely on it can be limiting and indicate underlying problems with your printer setup on your computer. If you’re facing issues where your HP printer is only responding through the app, it’s time to investigate deeper. Often, the root cause lies in connection glitches or outdated/corrupted printer software. Let’s dive into the solutions.

Troubleshooting Your HP Printer Connection and Software

Before we begin, remember that unexplained errors are rarely helpful. The good news is that most HP printer issues are solvable with systematic troubleshooting. We’ll start with connection methods, as this is a frequent culprit when the HP Print App seems to be the only functional interface.

Method 1: Adding Your Printer Using a TCP/IP Connection

Sometimes, the default printer connection method isn’t the most stable. Switching to a TCP/IP connection can often bypass these problems. This method uses your printer’s IP address to establish a direct link.

To add your printer using TCP/IP, follow these steps:

Find Your Printer’s IP Address: Locate the IP address directly from your printer’s control panel. Typically, you can find this information by tapping the wireless icon on the printer’s display.
Open Devices and Printers: On your computer, navigate to Control Panel (view by icons) and select Devices and Printers.
Add a Printer: Click Add a printer in the top ribbon.
“The printer that I want isn’t listed”: Wait for the menu to populate, and then click on The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Add a TCP/IP printer: Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname and click Next.
Device Type and IP Address: Choose TCP/IP Device from the Device type dropdown menu. Enter the IP address of your printer in the Hostname or IP address field. You can skip the Port name field.
Next and Follow Prompts: Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the printer addition.

This method often resolves connection issues that prevent your computer from directly communicating with the printer, even when the HP Print App works.

Method 2: Creating a Dedicated TCP/IP Port

If simply adding the printer via TCP/IP doesn’t immediately solve the problem, creating a dedicated TCP/IP port can further stabilize the connection. This is especially useful in resolving intermittent ‘printer offline’ issues.

Here’s how to create a TCP/IP Port:

Find Your Printer’s IPv4 Address: As before, you’ll need your printer’s IP address. You can usually print a Configuration Page from your printer or find it within the wireless settings on the control panel.
Access Printer Properties: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Right-click on your printer and select Printer Properties.
Navigate to Ports Tab: In the Printer Properties window, click on the Ports tab.
Add Port: Click Add Port….
Standard TCP/IP Port: Select Standard TCP/IP Port and click New Port…. Follow the wizard.
Enter Printer IP Address: In the wizard, enter the correct IP address for your printer.

Video guide on creating TCP/IP port

By creating a specific TCP/IP port, you ensure a more robust communication pathway between your computer and printer. Remember, you can always revert to the original port (usually an HP port) in the Ports tab if needed.

Further Checks: Windows Updates, Firmware, and Software Reinstallation

If connection adjustments don’t fully resolve the issue, consider these additional steps:

Check for Pending Windows Updates: Ensure your operating system is up-to-date. Pending updates or updates that haven’t fully installed can sometimes interfere with printer functionality. Go to Windows Update settings and check for and install any updates, then restart your computer.
Update Printer Firmware: Outdated printer firmware can also cause compatibility issues. Visit the HP Support website, find your printer model, and check for firmware updates. Updating to the latest firmware can resolve many software-related glitches.
Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Printer Software: A clean software reinstallation is often necessary to fix corrupted files or installation errors.
1. Uninstall Existing Software: Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features, find your HP printer software, and uninstall it.
2. Restart Your Computer.
3. Use Uninstaller Tools (if needed): If the software doesn’t uninstall cleanly, use tools like the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter or Revo Uninstaller (free version) to remove any remnants.
4. Check for Driver Remnants: Open Devices and Printers again, select any printer, click Print Server Properties in the top ribbon, and go to the Drivers tab. Remove any listings related to your HP printer. Also, remove the printer device itself by right-clicking and selecting “Remove device” in Devices and Printers.
5. Clean Up ProgramData and Device Manager: In File Explorer, navigate to C:ProgramDataHewlett-Packard and delete printer-related folders. Open Device Manager, expand Printers and Imaging Devices, and uninstall any listed HP printer entries or unknown devices.
6. Clear Temp Files: Press Windows key + R, type %temp%, and delete the contents of the Temp folder. Also, check C:UsersYourAccountAppDataLocalHP and delete printer-related folders.
7. Restart Your Computer Again.
8. Reinstall the Latest Software: Download the full feature software or driver package for your printer model from the official HP Support website. Run the installer as administrator. If using HP Easy Start, choose the “Full Driver” option and skip any optional software you don’t need.
9. Restart Your Computer One Last Time.

Manual Print Queue Reset

Sometimes, print jobs get stuck in the print queue, causing further issues. A manual queue reset can clear these blockages:

Stop Print Spooler Service: Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services. Find the Print Spooler service, right-click on it, and select Stop.
Delete Print Queue Files: Open File Explorer and navigate to C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS. Delete all files in this folder.
Restart Print Spooler Service: Go back to the Services window, right-click on the Print Spooler service, and select Start.

Reinstalling Printer Software for Optimal HP Print App and Computer Use

After performing these troubleshooting steps, reinstalling the printer software is crucial. This ensures you have a fresh installation that should work seamlessly with both your computer and the HP Print App. Download the latest “Full Feature Software and Drivers” from the HP support page for your specific printer model.

During installation, if you are given the option, choose a “Full Driver” installation to ensure all components are installed. This comprehensive installation is vital for full printer functionality beyond basic app use.

Setting Your HP Printer as Default

Finally, ensure your HP printer is set as the default printer on your computer. This streamlines printing from all applications, including the HP Print App and other programs.

Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
Uncheck “Let Windows manage my default printer”.
Select your HP printer from the list, click Manage, and then Set as default.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to resolve issues where your HP printer only works with the HP Print App. You’ll regain full printing functionality from all your computer applications, making the HP Print App a convenient option, not a necessity. Enjoy seamless printing once again!