This has taken me entirely too long and I still don’t have my printer connected and printing

[Jennypop]

Help! Trying to connect my iPhone 14 Pro Max to a wireless hp deskjet 3050A J611 that belonged to my dad. I realize it’s really old and out dated but it still works just fine and it’s his and means a lot just to see it sitting inside of our house now that he passed. Thanks for any advice 

[Dragon-Fur]

@Jennypop 

Welcome to the HP English Community --

Keeping important things close is as important as other ways we honor those who have passed.

Your Dad might be pleased to see that you rescued his old printer.  🌻

The printer supports Wireless at 2.4GHz.

No 5GHz.

Reference -

Printer Specifications for HP Deskjet 3050 Printers

Connect your printer to your network on the SSID named network for 2.4GHz.

The SSID named network(s) are created and broadcasted from your router.

Routers manage your network connections.

The iPhone can connect to the router on 5GHz and the router will connect your phone to the printer on it's own band / frequency.  From your side the connection will appear seamless.

Connection / IPv4 how-to information is provided later in this message

Scroll down to section Message Content References

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HP Smart (Mobile) >>> Download / Install - How-to - and FAQ

 HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

Read the FAQs

For example: 

What is the HP Smart app and its requirements?

And / or

What if my cloud printer is missing, offline, or unavailable in the HP Smart app?

And / or

Why can't I connect my wireless printer or print over the network?

>>> Terms of Use >>>  HP Smart – formally HP Connected – Services Terms of Use

General Example - HP Smart - Mobile - Home Screen

HP_Smart_Mobile_Printer_Settings_2

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What if?

According to the documentation, the printer (when connected to your wireless network) also supports AirPrint.

AirPrint is built into your iPhone.

AirPrint does not provide all the same features as does HP Smart (Mobile).

That said, AirPrint is well documented, works with many printers (old and new), and is worth the time it takes to read and then use the application.

If AirPrint can be made to work, you are closer to having HP Smart working.

Reminders

Have both Bluetooth and Location services switched on during initial connection (AirPrint and / or HP Smart)

and

No VPN during setup -- If VPN works after that, great, else switch VPN OFF to use the Printer (AirPrint and / or HP Smart)

Airprint - HP Document

 HP printer setup (Apple AirPrint for iPhone, iPad)

- HP Document -

 HP Printers - No AirPrint Printers Found error (iOS, iPadOS)

and

From Apple

 About AirPrint 

Excerpted

How to use AirPrint

AirPrint is a technology built into most popular printer models, including the printers and print servers listed here. To use AirPrint, you don't need to install an app, additional drivers, or other software. 

 Use AirPrint to print from your iPhone or iPad

 How to print from your Mac
 How to print from your iPhone or iPad

General Example - AirPrint - iOS - Print Options

AirPrint_iOS_PDF_Print_Options_Media_Quality_1

===================================

Message Content References

User Guide

Traditional wireless connection (requires router) >>  Page 32

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Mobile Printing – Mobile Options for Printers

Start here

Print from your Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire device with the HP Mobile printing app.

Open the section for your printer series > Find your printer and supported applications.

 HP Printers - Mobile Printing Solutions Compatible with HP Printers

Deskjet 3050, 3050A series: Deskjet 3050, 3050A Deskjet 3051A Deskjet 3052A Deskjet 3054, 3054A Deskjet 3055A Deskjet 3056A Deskjet 3057A Deskjet 3059A

HP Smart app (recommended) HP Print Service Plugin Apple AirPrint

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Printer - Network - IPv4

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Dual Band Network - Considerations

Reminders 

Do not ignore your router --

A router that is weak, outdated, poorly located, or incorrectly configured can cause all sorts of odd network behavior issues.

If the printer supports it, connecting using Ethernet is generally a better choice.

If your router supports it, create a separate SSID named network for each frequency.

Connect the printer to the SSID network you want the printer to use on the network.

Wireless

Some printers, particularly older models, only support Wireless at 2.4GHz

Some printers support Wireless at both 5GHz and 2.4GHz – but not at the same time

Regardless, if the printer won't work or cannot connect to your 5GHz SSID named network, connect to the 2.4GHz network.

If you are running a Dual Band Network,

 Check that the router is set up to broadcast all frequencies it supports.

Next,

If your router supports it,

On your router:

 Create a separate SSID named network for each frequency supported by the router

 What?  Create one SSID named network for 5GHz and one SSID named network for 2.4GHz

and

 Connect the printer to the SSID named network on the frequency / band you want it to use.

In general,

• 2.4GHz is less fussy about obstacles and supports a longer distance (separation) between router and device (printer)
• 5GHz is faster

==============================

Examples – EWS Setup – IPv4

EWS > HP Document / How-to (original format)

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

NOTE:  Find printer IP address

Section Open the EWS over a local network orientation

Ethernet

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Network > Wired (802.3) > IPv4 Configuration

Wireless

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > IPv4 Configuration

As Available:

Tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > Advanced

Network Interface on / off, Network SSID name, Security Settings, Passphrase / Password

Select and connect to the correct SSID / network name for the bandwidth you are using.

Note:  

It is not mandatory that you use a manual / static IP address. 

Doing so can improve stability.

EWS_9025_Network_IPv4_Configuration_4

EWS_9025_Network_Wireless_IPv4_Advanced_2

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP Deskjet 3050A e-All-in-One Printer series - J611  

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