HP Smart Tank 7301 only fully functional on WiFi

[daGlueGuy]

HP Smart Tank 7301 only fully functional on WiFi.

We started with this printer using ethernet and it kind of worked, but we always had trouble using the scanner. HP Smart would take us to a page saying the function was not available.

So we unplugged the ethernet cable, turned on the WiFi, and now it can always scan.

This is counter-intuitive, and I'm wondering what the issue is with an ethernet connection that seems to confuse the printer?

BTW - It's not like it doesn't work at all. It prints just fine, just the scanning function does not work when the only connection is ethernet.

We keep the device in a closed room, and WiFi gets there, but ethernet is faster and more reliable.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @daGlueGuy 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for the detailed observations and for already testing both Ethernet and Wi-Fi setups—that’s incredibly helpful. I understand how frustrating it must be to see scanning work seamlessly on Wi-Fi but not over a faster, more stable Ethernet connection. 

The scanning issue over Ethernet with your HP Smart Tank 7301 is likely due to how the HP App communicates with the printer’s web services, which can behave differently over wired versus wireless connections.

Let’s walk through a few key points and steps to help ensure the Ethernet setup supports full functionality, including scanning.

 

Why scanning may not work over Ethernet

When the printer is connected via Ethernet:

• The HP App may not detect Web Services properly, especially if the printer’s IP address changes or if multicast/Bonjour protocols are restricted on the wired network.
• Scanning relies on Web Services and WSD (Web Services for Devices), which can behave differently on wired networks if firewall or router settings block discovery protocols.

 

Steps to enable full scanning over Ethernet

Please try the following steps on your Windows PC:

Assign a static IP to the printer:

• On the printer control panel, go to Settings > Network Settings > Ethernet > Advanced Settings > IP Settings.
• Set it to Manual and assign an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.250), subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0), and gateway (your router’s IP, e.g., 192.168.1.1).

Enable Web Services:

• On the printer, go to Settings > Web Services > Enable.
• If already enabled, try disabling and re-enabling it.

Re-add the printer using the HP App:

• Open the HP App on your PC.
• Remove the existing printer entry.
• Click Add Printer, then select Add Printer Using IP Address.
• Enter the static IP you assigned earlier.

Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus:

• Some security software may block WSD or HP scanning protocols.
• Try disabling them briefly to test scanning.

Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to scan:

• Open a browser and enter the printer’s IP address.
• Navigate to the Scan tab and try scanning directly from there.

If scanning works via the Embedded Web Server but not through the HP App, it confirms a communication gap between the app and the printer over Ethernet. Keeping Web Services active and using a static IP often resolves this.

Let me know how it goes after these steps. I’m here to help you get the most out of your Smart Tank 7301, whether it’s humming over Wi-Fi or wired in for speed.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye