HP Smart will not detect my HP 2135 DeskJet

[eakushigian]

I am helping my mom install her printer. She wants to use the HP Printer Assistant app because she is used to it. The HP website redirects us to use the HP Smart app. The HP Smart app will not detect the printer. None of the HP pages, the virtual assistant, the user guide, etc help...they just say "Use the smart app to detect the printer".

This has been the most infuriating process I've ever gone through. I have a PhD in computer science and I've spent hours on this and can't get it to install...this is a fundamentally broken toolchain.

• I've restarted the computer
• I've restarted the printer
• I've updated windows
• I've reinstalled HP Smart
• Bluetooth is on

So for the love of god, how do I fix this? How do I get this stupid app to install the printer?

And god help me if we get this to install the printer and the HP Printer Assistant isn't available (which is probably going to be the case because this entire tool chain is custom made to make me want to jump off a bridge).

Thank you for you help 🙂

[Dragon-Fur]

@eakushigian 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Update - Added the "how to scan" document to References section

Not new, but perhaps worth a look...

Original Content

HP Smart -- the app used for Print / Scan and / or using the app as a method to install the software -- presumably works with a USB connection.  I've not seen it -- but I've never been in a position with I had a printer that lacked at least Wireless.

Printer Specifications for HP DeskJet 1110, 2130 Printers

Connectivity

Review information about the supported methods for connecting the printer to your computer, mobile device, or network and the network protocol specifications.

The following list of methods contains options for connecting the printer to your computer, mobile device, or network.

Wireless	Ethernet	USB
No	No	Yes

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

Good News

Fortunately, if your mother is running a supported version of Windows, you / she can install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

Operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows 10 (32-bit)
• Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Microsoft Windows 11
• Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit)
• Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit)
• Microsoft Windows 8 (32-bit)
• Microsoft Windows 8 (64-bit)
• Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32-bit)
• Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-bit)
• Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit)
• Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit)

Yes, for this printer and the software available for it, the Printer Assistant is included as is the favorite scan software:  HP Scan.

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

Printer - Software

If you have not done so, you want to Install the Full Feature Software.

HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver generally adds at one, possibly least one, possibly two shortcuts to the Desktop: Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and HP Scan.

NOTES:  HP Scan is not installed if the printer does not support Scan. The Printer Assistant is not installed if the type of full driver software does not support it.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver. No Sign-in required.

Basics - Printer Software

Note: Skip part(s) that are not relevant to your situation.

Uninstall the full driver printer software from Programs and Features

Restart computer and Sign in

Next,

If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

Install a new copy of the Full Feature Software

If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).

Restart computer and Sign in

Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download / Save / (then) Install <<<

HP DeskJet 2130 series Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

After the Software is installed > Restart the computer and log in.

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

The installation of the full driver generally adds at least one, possibly two shortcuts to the Desktop.

 Note:  Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and HP Scan are dependent on printer model and supported software options.

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_11

References / Resources

 HP Printer Assistant - Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

User Guide

HP Document - How to Scan

 HP Printers - How to Scan (Windows, Mac, Mobile) | HP® Customer Support

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

Open  HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 2135 All-in-One Printer  

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[eakushigian]

Dragon Fur,

This is the Mom responding to your message.  Thank you, your information allowed me to find an option to download the Printer Assistant software directly rather than going through HP Smart which was repeatedly offered as the only option when we were searching yesterday, and which was always a dead end. For whatever reason, my printer remains undetectable by Bluetooth, but my needs are modest and I am happy to work with a USB cable.