When HP Smart searches endlessly, the app, phone, and printer are usually on different networks — or Windows firewall is blocking discovery. This is separate from a Windows Easy Start discovery failure, though the causes overlap.
Network fixes first
- Put the phone/PC on the same 2.4 GHz WiFi as the printer. Guest WiFi and VPN often hide devices from each other
- Print a network configuration page. Confirm an IP address and the correct SSID
- In HP Smart, choose Add printer → set up by IP if auto-scan fails
- Disable VPN temporarily. Corporate or “security” WiFi with AP isolation blocks HP Smart
Passphrase and band errors: invalid WPA passphrase. Broader wireless steps: HP WiFi not connecting.
App and OS checks
- Update HP Smart from the store, force-close it, and reopen
- On Windows, allow HP Smart through the firewall for private networks
- Reset network settings on the printer, rejoin WiFi, then search again
- USB setup as a bridge: connect USB, finish HP Smart setup, then switch to wireless if needed
Still cannot find it?
We can confirm the IP and walk through HP Smart add-by-IP. Call (888) 423-7757 — available 24/7.