HP Smart doesn't accept Printer PIN

[wiwa53]

Try to setup my printer with HP Smart App. Want to configure the Scan to Networkfolder. If I enter the FASTCONFIGURATION? ("Schnelleinstellung" in german) to setup this, HP Smart ask for the printer PIN.

Using the PIN found behind the Cartridge access door, HP Smart allways enters back into the mainscreen, never switches to the next properties pages. So I use the WEBCONNECT (edited). In this configuration option the PIN I must use will work fine. Now everything is setup well, but the HP Smart App apparently has massive problems with PIN authentication!

Regards Wiwa53

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @wiwa53 

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

I understand how frustrating it must feel to enter the PIN from your Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3302sdwg and see the HP App return to the main screen instead of continuing with the setup. Thank you for already testing both the Fast Configuration and WebConnect options — that effort is appreciated and gives us a clear starting point. 

Let’s go through a set of steps that can help stabilize PIN authentication and allow you to configure Scan to Network Folder smoothly:

Confirm the correct PIN location

• The PIN used for app authentication is printed on the label inside the cartridge access door.
• Ensure you are entering all digits exactly as shown, without spaces or extra characters.

Update printer firmware

• Firmware updates often improve PIN handling and app communication.
• Download the latest firmware for your model here:
  HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3302sdwg Software and Driver Downloads
• Install the update and restart the printer.

Clear and re‑add the printer in HP App

• Open the HP App on your Windows or macOS device.
• Remove the printer from the app.
• Add it again using “Set up a new printer” rather than “Available printers.”
• Enter the PIN when prompted.

Check network consistency

• Make sure the printer and computer are on the same Wi‑Fi network.
• If your router has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, connect both devices to the same band.

Use Embedded Web Server (EWS) for advanced setup

• Open a browser and type the printer’s IP address.
• Log in with the PIN.
• Configure Scan to Network Folder directly from EWS if the app continues to loop back.

Test with another device

• Try entering the PIN from a different computer or mobile device using the HP App.
• This helps confirm whether the issue is device‑specific or app‑specific.

These steps should help the HP App accept the PIN and allow you to complete the setup. Since WebConnect worked for you, the printer itself is authenticating correctly — the focus now is on ensuring the app and firmware are aligned.

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

[wiwa53]

Your solution dowsn't work. From HP Smart Topscreen entering Printerproperties the PIN works. Inside the next Screen of the properties the PIN doesn't work. Doing that from the Webconnect via Browser and PrinterIP PIN works. That seems to have nothing to do with my Network, Printerfirmwareupdate (done well) or other false handling. Forf me it looks like a failure inside HP Smart.

OK, while my printer is setup well with Webconnect I'm satisfied.

[Hawks_Eye]

I appreciate the detailed follow‑up and the effort you’ve put into testing both Fast Configuration and WebConnect. It’s clear you’ve already ruled out the usual suspects like firmware, network consistency, and PIN entry format. 

From what you describe, the PIN is accepted at the top level of HP App but fails deeper in the properties screen, while the same PIN works flawlessly in the Embedded Web Server. That strongly suggests the printer itself is authenticating correctly, and the difficulty lies within the HP App’s handling of PIN authentication in that specific workflow.

Since you’ve already completed setup successfully through WebConnect, you’re in a good position—the Scan to Network Folder feature is configured and usable. The HP App behavior you’ve observed is not related to your network or firmware, but rather to how the app processes PIN validation in certain menus. In these cases, continuing to manage advanced features through the Embedded Web Server is the most reliable path, as you’ve already discovered.

If you’d like to keep using the HP App for convenience, one workaround that sometimes helps is:

• Remove the printer from the HP App.
• Clear the HP App cache (on Windows, uninstall and reinstall; on mobile, clear app data).
• Re‑add the printer fresh with the PIN.

This can occasionally reset the authentication loop. But since your printer is already fully configured and working via WebConnect, you don’t need to repeat the process unless you prefer managing everything through the app.

You’ve done the right thing by using the Embedded Web Server—it’s the most direct and stable method for advanced configuration. If you’re satisfied with the current setup, you can continue using the printer without issue.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye