Why Can I Only Print When I Am online?

[WhiteLabel]

I Have A HP Smart Tank 5105 Printer.  Simple Question : Why Do I Have to Be online, In Order to Print?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @WhiteLabel 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

It sounds like your HP Smart Tank 5105 requires an internet connection for certain printing functions, likely due to HP Smart integration or cloud-based printing features. 

Some HP printers rely on HP Smart App or HP Web Services to manage print jobs, which may require an active internet connection.

Possible Reasons for Online Printing Requirement

HP Smart App Dependency

• If you're using the HP Smart App, it may require an internet connection to authenticate and process print jobs.

HP Web Services & Cloud Printing

• Some HP printers use HP Web Services for remote printing, which may require an internet connection.

Network Configuration Issues

• If your printer is set up as a cloud-based device, it may default to online printing instead of direct local printing.

 

Possible Solutions

• Try Printing via USB
  • If your printer supports USB printing, connect it directly to your computer and test printing offline.
• Disable HP Web Services
  • If Web Services are enabled, they may be forcing online printing. You can check this in the Embedded Web Server (EWS) settings.
• Check Printer Settings
  • Navigate to Printers & Scanners > Printing Preferences and ensure the printer is set to local printing rather than cloud-based printing.

Let me know if you need further clarification! 😊

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[WhiteLabel]

Thanks for your reply. However, I find this an invasion of privacy. How can I use my printer without going through you or anybody else?

[Hawks_Eye]

@WhiteLabel 

Thanks for getting back to us.

I understand your concern about privacy when printing. Some HP printers require an internet connection for certain features, especially if they use HP Smart or Instant Ink services. However, you can still print offline by following these steps:

1. Use Direct USB Connection

• Connect your printer to your computer via USB cable.
• Install the printer driver manually from HP’s support page.
• Print directly without needing an internet connection.

2. Disable Web Services

• On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup → Web Services.
• Disable HP ePrint and Cloud Printing to prevent online dependencies.

3. Set Printer to Offline Mode

• Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your printer and select Printer Properties.
• Ensure Use Printer Offline is enabled.

4. Use Local Print Drivers

• Instead of HP Smart, install the basic print driver from HP’s official site.
• This allows printing without cloud-based services.

Let me know if any of these steps help! I appreciate your patience while we work through this.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye