HP Smart won’t detect printer – keeps asking for location access (Windows 11)

[Gerry1963]

Hi,
I'm trying to set up my HP DeskJet 4120e All-in-One Printer using the HP Smart app on Windows 11. However, I keep running into an error where the app insists on accessing my location before it will detect the printer.

Here’s what I’ve already checked and confirmed:

• Location Services are enabled globally in Windows Settings > Privacy & security > Location

• “Let apps access your location” is ON

• “Let desktop apps access your location” is ON

• HP Smart has individual location access permission, and the system confirms it was accessed recently

• I’ve restarted both the app and the PC

• I’ve tried launching HP Smart using PowerShell with -Verb RunAs in case admin access was required

• I’ve also attempted setting a default location using the Maps app

Despite all of this, HP Smart still shows the same message asking for location access, and won’t proceed with Wi-Fi printer setup.

My goal is to set up the printer over Wi-Fi.

Any guidance on how to resolve this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Gerry1963,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thanks for the detailed breakdown. You're doing all the right things to enable location access for the HP Smart app on Windows 11, and it's frustrating that it still refuses to detect your HP DeskJet 4120e over Wi-Fi.

Fix HP Smart App Location Access Issue on Windows 11

1. Run HP Smart as a Trusted App

Sometimes HP Smart doesn’t register properly as a “desktop app” for location access.

Try this:

• Right-click the HP Smart shortcut > Properties
• Under Compatibility, check Run this program as administrator
• Apply and launch the app again

2. Reinstall HP Smart from the Microsoft Store

If installed via an offline installer or third-party source, it may not register correctly.

• Uninstall HP Smart
• Open Microsoft Store Download: HP Smart - Free download and install on Windows | Microsoft Store
• Restart your PC and try setting up again

3. Reset Location Permissions via Registry (Advanced)

Sometimes Windows doesn’t properly register location access for HP Smart.

⚠️ Only try this if you're comfortable editing the registry.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter
2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CapabilityAccessManager\ConsentStore\location
3. Delete the folder named HP Smart if present
4. Restart your PC and re-launch HP Smart

4. Use HP Smart Web Setup as a Workaround

If the app still fails, try setting up via HP’s web-based Smart setup:

🔗 HP printer setup (HP app) | HP® Support

This bypasses the location requirement and may allow you to complete Wi-Fi setup.

5. Temporarily Disable Location Enforcement

Some users have bypassed the location check by:

• Disconnecting from the internet
• Launching HP Smart
• Reconnecting after the app opens

This may trick the app into skipping the location check.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat