Multiple Issues with HP "Smart"

[Geno_4decades]

In 38 years as a professional IT Support person at all levels, I have not hated the decision of any one company more than the one to completely "dummy-proof" driver installation and printer setup.  HP Smart has turned me completely against Hewlett Packard. I am in a position of support and advisory roles where I can affect HP sales nationwide. After the battle to try and use my experience and knowledge to install printers just the way I have always done it without HP Smart, now I a new problem. 

I can not browse to the Web Interface of a LaserJet Pro MFP 4201fdwe without first registering, signing in (whatever) to admin.hpsmart.com.  I can't tell you how livid I am right now as I am supporting a client in a different state and I can't get into his printer to set a static IP.

Is there ANYONE at HP who is reading these and/or doing anything about the sales drop they are (or will) experiencing thanks to this horrible application, platform, prison???

[Meghana_10]

@Geno_4decades, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4201fdwe.

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution. We hope our assistance has been helpful! 

HP has tightened up access to the Embedded Web Server (EWS) on newer Color LaserJet models.
Instead of letting you just type the printer IP direct into a browser, they often require authentication via the “admin” login screen. That can sometimes surface through URLs like admin.hpsmart.com first, especially when security is enabled on the device.

This behaviour is by design for cloud-connected and modern printers — it isn’t a bug but an added layer that ties local access to authenticated control. That’s why just entering the IP without credentials is getting blocked.

How to open the web interface without the HP Smart cloud step

You can access the printer’s internal web admin directly, but you must use the right credentials:

1. Find the printer’s IP address
   • Print a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel and note the IPv4 address.
2. Enter that IP into your browser
   • In the browser address bar type: http://<printer-ip> (for example: http://192.168.1.100).
3. Log in when prompted
   • Username is typically: admin
   • Password is usually a printer-specific PIN number
   • That PIN can often be found on a sticker on the printer (back or inside by the toner), or printed on the network configuration page.

Once you use those direct credentials in the Embedded Web Server prompt, you’ll get into the web interface and can set a static IP or other setting

I hope this helps!

Take care and have an amazing day! 

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Regards,

Meghana