Query about mobile printing

[JerryVarghese]

Can my phone detect my printer when the printer is connected to a PC and the phone is connected to the same PC?
Can my phone detect my printer when the printer is connected to my phone through a USB cable?
Can my phone detect my printer when the printer is connected through USB cable to my WiFi router to which my phone is connected through WiFi?

[CloudQueen · Accepted solution]

Hi @JerryVarghese,

Welcome to the HP Support Forum!

You have a few questions about mobile printing. I'll do what I can to answer those questions.

1) Can my phone detect my printer when the printer is connected to a PC and the phone is connected to the same PC?

It depends on how the printer is connected to the PC. When the printer, computer, and phone are on the same wireless network, then yes, the phone can detect the printer. If the printer and PC are connected to a different network than the phone, then no, it cannot. Additionally, if the printer is connected via a USB cable to the PC, then the phone cannot detect the printer.

2) Can my phone detect my printer when the printer is connected to my phone through a USB cable?

An Android mobile device with the HP Print for Chrome app installed and connected via a USB On-The-Go (OTG) cable to a printer will be able to detect the printer.  Apple iOS mobile devices do not currently support printing via a USB OTG cable. An ordinary USB cable does not support printing or detection for Android or Apple devices.

3) Can my phone detect my printer when the printer is connected through USB cable to my WiFi router to which my phone is connected through WiFi?

I believe the phone can detect the printer in this case. The router is the network hub, so to speak. Devices connected to the same "hub,"whether wireless or wired, will be able to detect one another.

Something to note: Many printers released within the last two years are equipped with Wi-Fi Direct. Wi-Fi Direct allows a direct wireless connection between a printer and mobile devices without them needing to be on a network. For example, when you connect a printer to your PC via a USB cable, eliminating the phone's ability to detect the printer, the phone can still detect the printer via its Wi-Fi Direct signal.

Let me know if that helps!