Need to print from your laptop or phone but don't have a WiFi network? WiFi Direct on your HP printer is the solution. If you're wondering how to turn on WiFi Direct on HP printer, what it is, or how to use it for printing, this True Image guide provides the straightforward steps and answers you need.
Index
- 🌳What is WiFi Direct?
- 🌳How to Turn On WiFi Direct on Your HP Printer?
- 🌳How to Use WiFi Direct on Your HP Printer?
- 🌳How to Find or Change Your WiFi Direct Password?
- 🌳Conclusion about How to Turn On WiFi Direct on Your HP Printer
🌳What is WiFi Direct?
WiFi Direct is a method that allows two WiFi-enabled devices to communicate directly with each other without connecting to an existing network or access point. Given the prevalence of WiFi technology in a broad range of devices, this provides a simple method of getting devices to talk to each other without needing additional technology or software.
WiFi Direct printing is the ability of a WiFi Direct compatible device, such as a smartphone or a laptop, to connect directly to a WiFi Direct printer to print documents or media files. This capability allows a device to connect directly to a printer, without needing a wireless network, as long as the devices are within range of each other.
🌳How to Turn On WiFi Direct on Your HP Printer?
"Turning on" WiFi Direct means activating the function on your HP printer and obtaining the essential network credentials – the Network Name (SSID) and Password. The method depends on your printer's interface. Follow the scenario that matches your printer.
🍎Scenario 1: For Printers with a Touchscreen Display
If your printer has a touchscreen (common on HP LaserJet Pro or OfficeJet Pro series), follow these steps:
- On the printer's touchscreen, navigate to the Settings menu (often represented by a wrench or gear icon).
- Tap "Network Settings" or "Wireless Settings".
- Select "Wi-Fi Direct" or "HP Wireless Direct".
- The screen will now display the Wi-Fi Direct Name (SSID) and Password. Write these down. The function is now active.
🍎Scenario 2: For Printers with Physical Buttons (No Touchscreen)
If your printer has physical buttons but no touchscreen (common on HP DeskJet series), follow these steps:
- Locate and press the Information (i) button or the dedicated Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel. You may need to press and hold it for a few seconds.
- The printer will automatically print a Network Configuration Page.
- On this page, find the "Wi-Fi Direct" section to locate the Network Name (SSID) and Password. The act of printing this page typically means the function is now active.
Pro Tip: If the printout indicates "Wi-Fi Direct is off," follow the on-page instructions to enable it, which usually involves holding the Wi-Fi button for a few seconds.
🌳How to Use WiFi Direct on Your HP Printer?
Once you have the SSID and Password from the steps above, you can connect your devices and start printing. Using Wi-Fi Direct is similar to connecting to any standard Wi-Fi network.
🍎Step 1: Connect Your Device to the Printer's Wi-Fi Direct Network
- On Windows: Click the network icon in the taskbar > select "Manage Wi-Fi connections" > choose your printer's network name (e.g., DIRECT-XX-HP-YourModel) > click "Connect" and enter the password.
- On macOS: Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar > select your printer's network name from the list > enter the password when prompted.
- On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap your printer's network name > enter the password.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi (or WLAN) > tap your printer's network name > enter the password.
🍎Step 2: Print Your Document
- Open the document you want to print (e.g., a PDF, a Word file, an email). It is best practice to open it before connecting.
- Go to the File menu and select Print.
- In the print dialog, your HP printer should appear as an available option. Select it.
- Click Print. Your document will be sent directly from your device to the printer.
Important Note for Web/Cloud Content: If you are printing a webpage or a cloud-based file (like a Google Doc), ensure you open the item fully in your browser before connecting to the Wi-Fi Direct network. Once connected, you will not have internet access, so the content must be loaded beforehand.
🌳How to Find or Change Your WiFi Direct Password?
Maintaining security is crucial for wireless connections. HP allows you to both find and change your printer's WiFi Direct password, enabling you to enhance security or create a more memorable credential.
🍎To Find Your Current Password:
- For touchscreen models: Navigate to Settings > Network Settings > WiFi Direct. The password will be displayed on screen.
- For non-touchscreen models: Print a Network Configuration Page (typically by pressing the Information (i) button). Locate the WiFi Direct section to find the current password.
🍎To Change Your Password:
- Access WiFi Direct Settings through your printer's control panel.
- Select "Advanced Settings" or "Security Settings" or “Edit Setting”.
- Enter your new password (typically 8-10 characters).
- Save the new settings.
Changing your password is particularly useful in shared environments to control printing permissions, or when the default password is difficult to remember. After changing the password, all previously connected devices will be disconnected and need to reconnect using the new password.
🌳Conclusion about How to Turn On WiFi Direct on Your HP Printer
WiFi Direct enables direct wireless printing from devices to HP printers without needing a WiFi router. To enable it, check your printer interface: for touchscreen models, navigate to Settings > Network Settings > Wi-Fi Direct to view credentials; for models with physical buttons, press the Information or Wi-Fi Direct button to print a configuration page. Once enabled, connect your device to the printer's network and start printing.
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