Phone/printer connection

[GUNNER29]

• Suddenly my phone is telling me that "the printer is unavailable" although my computer still connects to my HP printer wirelessly

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @GUNNER29,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I know how confusing and frustrating it feels when your phone suddenly says “printer unavailable,” even though your computer is still printing happily over Wi‑Fi. Let’s gently bring them back together, one step at a time.

STEP 1: Make Sure Your Phone Is on the SAME Wi‑Fi as the Printer

Phones often switch Wi‑Fi bands or mobile data without telling you.

1. On your phone, open Wi‑Fi settings
2. Make sure it is connected to the exact same Wi‑Fi name the printer uses
3. Avoid networks ending in: 
   • “_5G”
   • “_5GHz”

Your HP printer works on 2.4 GHz, and your phone must follow it there.

HP Wi‑Fi Setup Guide: HP printer setup (Wi-Fi network) | HP® Support

STEP 2: Fully Restart the HP Smart App

Sometimes HP Smart holds onto an old connection.

1. Close HP Smart completely
2. Reopen it
3. Tap Add Printer if yours appears grayed out
4. Let the app rediscover your printer

This refreshes the connection between your phone and printer.

STEP 3: Restart Your Phone (This Fixes Most Cases)

Your phone may simply need to “wake up” its AirPrint/HP Smart discovery.

1. Turn your phone off
2. Wait 10 seconds
3. Turn it back on
4. Reopen HP Smart or try printing again

You’ll often see your printer appear instantly.

STEP 4: Restart Your Printer

This helps your printer re‑announce itself to your phone.

1. Turn the printer OFF
2. Unplug it for 10 seconds
3. Plug it back in
4. Turn it ON and wait for the blue Wi‑Fi light to settle

This refreshes wireless broadcasting.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat