-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Setup, Software & Drivers
- HP forcing me to use App to use my 8 year old OfficeJet 4630

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
08-29-2022 09:17 PM
Hello, I have an OfficeJet 4630 - 8 year old printer - that will not print without using the HP Smart APP
I do not want to have to connect to an app to use this printer. What are my options!
08-30-2022 08:16 AM
Welcome to the HP Community Forum.
What you want is perhaps improbable.
Android - like other mobile Operating Systems - depends on apps to communicate with the outside world.
There might be a "Not HP Smart" Android app that will make a basic connection with the printer - check at the Android / Google Store.
@BEck19 wrote:Product: HP OfficeJet 4630 e-All-in-One PrinterOperating System: Android 8.0 Oreo and olderHello, I have an OfficeJet 4630 - 8 year old printer - that will not print without using the HP Smart APP
I do not want to have to connect to an app to use this printer. What are my options!
Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software
Preparation
- If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers
After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers.
If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.
- If using VPN, shut it off to install software. NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.
- Reminder: If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software. Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).
- Observation: It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection. Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.
Installation
- Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file (likely Downloads)
- Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
- After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in
If using Easy Start
- Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
- When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
- If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”
NOTES
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”
Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners
UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer
Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mobile Printing – Options for Printers
Print from your Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire device with the HP Mobile printing app.
Open the section for your printer series > Find your printer and supported applications.
HP Printers - Mobile Printing Solutions Compatible with HP Printers
HP Smart (Mobile) >>> Download, How-to, and FAQ
HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Android, Apple iOS)
HP Print Service Plugin for Android HP Printers - Printer isn't available error (Android)
There are parts to the Printer Software:
Examples
- HP Smart application - supports printing and scanning PDF and Photos / Images. HP Smart is supported in many regions and on many newer networked printers - The app is available from the Microsoft Store . HP Smart requires that you sign in using your HP Account credentials. HP Smart benefits when the full driver printer software is also installed.
- HP Smart Printing – Where supported, “Smart Printing” is an option in the printer list when choosing the Printer to be used for the current job setup. Example: Open Printer (list – top left of menu) > Select HP Smart Printing -- Note – HP Smart Printing supports Custom Presets (Custom Shortcuts)
- HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in programs (for example, Word), and access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts. The full driver printer software includes HP Scan. If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver. No Sign-in required.
and
When installed,
HP Smart is listed in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features
HP Smart is never listed in Programs and Features
When installed,
The Full Driver printer software is listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
And
The Full Driver printer software can also show up in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features
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, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more
Open
Thank you for participating in the HP Community.
Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.
Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You
Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"