How To Print From Mobile To HP Printer Without WiFi

You can print from mobile to HP printer without wifi by using Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth on compatible models, or a USB OTG cable for Android devices. These methods bypass the need for a traditional router-based network, giving you flexibility for wireless printer setup and mobile printing wherever you are.

How to print from mobile to HP printer without wifi: 3 proven methods

Printing without a traditional Wi-Fi network is possible using Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, or a USB OTG cable. Wi-Fi Direct creates a direct wireless link between your phone and printer. Bluetooth offers a short-range connection on specific HP models. USB OTG provides a physical wired option for Android devices. Each method works independently of a home or office router.

Method 1: Connect with Wi-Fi Direct (recommended for most users)

Wi-Fi Direct allows your mobile device to connect directly to the printer, which creates its own Wi-Fi network, eliminating the need for a router or internet connection. Most HP printers released after 2014 are equipped with Wi-Fi Direct.

Enable Wi-Fi Direct on your HP printer

The steps depend on your printer’s control panel type.

For touchscreen control panels with a white background: From the Home screen, swipe the tab at the top downward to open the Dashboard. Touch the Wi-Fi Direct icon, then touch the Setup icon. If Wi-Fi Direct is set to Off, touch the switch to turn it on.

For touchscreen control panels with a black background: On the printer control panel, touch the Connection Information button. Open the menus: Wi-Fi Direct, Settings, On/Off. Touch On to turn on Wi-Fi Direct.

For HP Inkjet and DeskJet models (e.g., DeskJet 2700 and 4100 series): Turn on your HP printer and wait for it to be in the Ready state. Press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel, which may be labeled with a wireless icon with a small "D" inside, or found in the Wireless Settings menu. If your model has an LCD screen, navigate to "Wi-Fi Direct Settings" under "Network" or "Wireless Settings," and select "On" or "Enable".

For HP LaserJet and OfficeJet models (e.g., LaserJet Pro MFP or OfficeJet Pro 9025): On the printer's touchscreen, touch the "Wireless" or "Network" icon. Select "Wi-Fi Direct," then tap "Settings." Turn Wi-Fi Direct "ON".

Your printer will generate its own network name (SSID) and password, which will be displayed on the screen or can be printed on a configuration page. The network name typically starts with "DIRECT-XX-HP-<printer model>" or "HP-Print-XX-XXXX".

Connect your mobile device to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network

1. On your phone or tablet, go to your Wi-Fi settings.
2. Look for the HP printer's Wi-Fi Direct network name in the list of available networks and connect to it.
3. Enter the password when prompted. You will be prompted to enter the WPA2 password for the Wi-Fi Direct connection, which can be found on the printer's control panel or the printed information report.
4. If the printer has Wi-Fi Direct mode set to Manual, you might need to acknowledge the connection using the printer touchscreen or a Wi-Fi Direct button when prompted.

Print from your mobile device

After connecting your mobile device to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network, open the document or photo you wish to print. The HP Smart app can be used to facilitate printing via Wi-Fi Direct from both Android and iOS devices. Alternatively, on iOS devices, you can use AirPrint. On Android devices, you can use the Default Print Service or HP Print Service Plugin to print directly from apps like Chrome or Gmail. Open the item you want to print, open the Print menu, and then select your printer to print.

Some older HP wireless printer models (released between late 2011 and mid-2014) might use "HP Wireless Direct" instead of "Wi-Fi Direct," but the connection process is similar.

Method 2: Print over Bluetooth on compatible HP printers

Bluetooth printing is supported by some HP printers that have a built-in Bluetooth radio, allowing direct pairing with a mobile phone or tablet. Bluetooth printing offers a shorter range and slower speeds compared to Wi-Fi Direct.

HP printer models with built-in Bluetooth

Printers like the Officejet 100 Mobile printer (L411), Officejet 150 Mobile All-in-One printer (L511a), Photosmart A646 Compact Photo printer, Photosmart C8180, C8183, C8188 printers, and Photosmart Premium All-in-One printers (C309) have built-in Bluetooth. Printers like Deskjet 450, 460 Mobile printers, Deskjet 6940, 6980 printers, Officejet 6300 printers, and Officejet 7200, 7300, 7400 printers support Bluetooth printing with an adapter.

Pair and print via Bluetooth

1. Turn on Bluetooth on the printer. Depending on the model, press the Bluetooth button, or navigate to the Setup or Network menu to access Bluetooth settings.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your mobile device. Open the Bluetooth settings on your mobile device and confirm the feature is turned on.
3. Pair the devices. Select your printer from the list of found devices on your mobile device. If asked for a PIN, refer to your printer's manual; many printers use a default PIN like 0000 or 1234. For the HP Officejet 100 Mobile Printer, the default Bluetooth passkey is 000000.
4. Print.

Method 3: Use a USB OTG cable (Android only)

USB OTG (On-The-Go) printing is an option exclusively for Android devices and requires a physical connection.

Requirements

To use USB OTG, you need an Android device running OS 4.0 (KitKat) or later that supports USB OTG, the HP Print Service Plugin installed, a standard USB cable, and a USB OTG cable.

Steps to print via USB OTG

1. Download the HP Print Service Plugin from the Google Play Store and install it on your Android device.
2. Turn on the printer.
3. Connect your Android device to the printer using the USB OTG cable and a standard USB cable.
4. When prompted on your Android device, tap OK to activate the HP Print Service Plugin to enable printing over the USB OTG connection.
5. Allow permissions when prompted on your phone to access the USB device.
6. The HP Smart App can also be used to detect the printer and print documents once connected via OTG.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Wi-Fi Direct and HP Wireless Direct?

Wi-Fi Direct is the standard technology used on most HP printers released after 2014. HP Wireless Direct is an older, proprietary version used on some HP wireless printer models released between late 2011 and mid-2014. The connection process is similar for both.

Can Bluetooth Smart (BLE) be used for printing?

No. Bluetooth Smart (or Bluetooth Low Energy - BLE) is used by the HP app for printer discovery during the setup process, but it does not enable Bluetooth printing itself. You need a printer with a built-in Bluetooth radio for actual Bluetooth printing.

How can I check if my specific HP printer model supports Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth?

Check if your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct by navigating to its wireless or network settings on the printer display, or by checking the user manual or HP website. For Bluetooth, look for a Bluetooth button or Bluetooth settings in the printer's network or setup menu, or consult the printer's specifications online.

Does the HP Smart app's "Print Anywhere" feature work without Wi-Fi?

No. The "Print Anywhere" feature within the HP Smart app requires an internet connection to send print jobs remotely and is not a method for printing without Wi-Fi.

Can I print from an iPhone to an HP printer without Wi-Fi using AirPrint?

Yes, you can use AirPrint with Wi-Fi Direct. Once your iPhone is connected to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network, AirPrint will detect the printer and allow you to print without a router or internet connection.

Related reading: How To Print From A Mobile To An HP Printer Using An OTG Cable and How To Print From A Mobile Device Without A Wi-Fi Printer.