Cannot connect HP app to new HP 2900 printer

[Art7853d79]

I cannot get the HP app (on my iPad or on my Mac) to recognize my new HP 2900 printer, wither on its own, or by using the host name or IP address. The printer thinks it’s connected to my wifi. My wifi is active. The printer itself prints (e.g. a registration page, a troubleshooting page). I have rebooted the printer, the iPad, and the wifi router. No luck. Please help.

[NonSequitur777]

@Art7853d79,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

OK, when a printer connects to Wi-Fi and prints internal pages but cannot be found by an iPad or Mac (even via IP address), it means the devices are suffering from Network Isolation (AP Isolation), a 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz dual-band split, or a blocked Bonjour/mDNS protocol on the Livebox, Freebox, or local French ISP router.

Since restarting the hardware did not work, the network itself is hiding the printer from your Apple devices.

So, here is how to resolve the communication block and get your HP 2900 detected:

Step 1: Disable "Local Network" Restrictions on the iPad:

Apple iOS blocks apps from searching the local Wi-Fi network unless you explicitly give them permission.

• On your iPad, open Settings.
• Scroll down and select the HP Smart app.
• Ensure the toggle for Local Network is turned On. If it is off, the app is completely blind to your home network.

Step 2: Check for a 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz Band Split:

The HP 2900 printer primarily communicates on the older 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. Many modern French ISP routers merge the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands under one single name (SSID). If your Mac or iPad jumps to the faster 5 GHz band, the router may block them from "seeing" the printer on the 2.4 GHz band.

• Log into your internet router's administration page (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• Go to the Wi-Fi settings and temporarily separate the bands into two different names (e.g., "MyWiFi_2.4G" and "MyWiFi_5G").
• Force your iPad/Mac to connect to the 2.4 GHz name and try searching for the printer again.

Step 3: Turn Off AP Isolation on the Router:

Many default router configurations include a security feature called AP Isolation, Client Isolation, or Guest Network isolation. This allows devices to access the internet but stops them from talking to each other (like an iPad talking to a printer).

• In your router settings, ensure your devices are not connected to a "Guest" network profile.
• Look for AP Isolation, WLAN Isolation, or UPnP/mDNS settings and ensure isolation is Disabled and multicast data is allowed.

Step 4: Bypass the HP App and Add via AirPrint (Mac):

If the HP App is frozen, Apple's built-in print engine can often bypass it entirely using native AirPrint.

• On your Mac, click the Apple logo > System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
• Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax (or the + icon).
• Look for your HP 2900 in the list. If it appears, select it and make sure the "Use" box says AirPrint or Secure AirPrint, then click Add.

Step 5: Force the Printer Back into Setup Mode:

If you recently adjusted network settings, the printer might still be holding onto a glitched network cache. Force it to forget its old link:

• Press the Cancel button to wake up the printer.
• Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds.
• The power button light will blink, and the blue wireless light will begin flashing continuously. This means it is in Wi-Fi Setup Mode.
• Open the HP Smart app on your iPad right away and select Set up a new printer.

Wireless Setup Support References:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_1946968-1947068-16

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_2026505-1746064-16

To narrow down the source of the blockage, let me know:

• Which French internet provider are you using (Orange Livebox, Freebox, SFR, or Bouygues)?
• When you printed the printer configuration sheet, what is the exact status listed next to "802.11 Wireless" (e.g., Connected, Disabled, or Initializing)?
• Are you running any active VPN software on your Mac or iPad? (VPNs completely hide local network printers).

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777