WiFi Direct PIN

[maxd88]

My printer is printing WiFi Direct Pin.  I ask not initiate this. The printer is just printing this on its own. Have had printer for 2 + years and never did this before.  Is someone trying to access the printer?  how to resolve this

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @maxd88 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how unsettling it feels to see your printer act on its own, especially after years of quiet service. Here’s how to regain control and prevent unwanted connections:

When your printer spontaneously prints a Wi-Fi Direct PIN, it’s likely responding to a nearby device attempting to connect via Wi-Fi Direct. This doesn’t necessarily mean someone is trying to hack it—but it does mean the printer is broadcasting and accepting pairing attempts. Let’s secure it.

Step-by-step: Disable or secure Wi-Fi Direct

 

1. Access the printer’s control panel

• On the printer touchscreen, go to Settings > Wireless Settings > Wi-Fi Direct
• You’ll see options like On/Off, Connection Method, and PIN

 

2. Turn off Wi-Fi Direct (if not needed)

• If you don’t use Wi-Fi Direct for mobile printing, simply toggle it Off

 

3. Change the connection method to Manual

• If you want to keep Wi-Fi Direct but prevent automatic pairing:
  • Set Connection Method to Manual
  • This requires you to approve any connection attempt before the PIN is printed

 

4. Clear any pending connection attempts

• Go to Settings > Wireless > Active Connections
• Remove any unfamiliar or pending devices

Why this happens

Wi-Fi Direct allows devices to connect directly to the printer without a router. If a phone, tablet, or PC nearby tries to pair, the printer may automatically print the PIN for authentication. This is normal behavior—but it can be disabled or restricted.

Once Wi-Fi Direct is turned off or set to manual, your printer will stop printing PINs unless you initiate a connection. 

If you’d like help checking for connected devices or resetting the printer’s network settings, I can guide you through that next. You're doing the right thing by staying alert and proactive.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[maxd88]

Hawks_Eye

Sorry for the bother I have a DeskJet 4155e printer it has no touchscreen.  the panel only has 4 icons - ones each for information, wireless , copy and resume.  Is I don't know how to get to settings to able/disable WiFi Direct

Thanks.

maxd88

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for replying @maxd88 

My apologies for the confusion.

Follow the steps below to turn off Wi-Fi Direct on your printer:

Press and hold the Wireless button and the Resume button together for three seconds to turn it off.

This should take care of your issue that you are facing.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye