WiFi direct

[Mvrablic5]

I recently got a hp deskjet 2842e. I live in a dorm building that doesn’t have a WiFi protected password, so I knew I was going to have to use WiFi direct. I set it all up and connected my phone to the printer wifi, but when I do that it says that the printer isn’t connected to the internet. Because of that it won’t print.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Mvrablic5 

Welcome to the HP Community --

The printer should print -- but you are right, there are limitations.

For example, Wi-Fi Direct cannot connect to the Internet -- or the Cloud.

-- References for those reading --

HP printer setup (Wi-Fi Direct)

and

User Guide - HP DeskJet 2800e DeskJet 4200e All in One Series

Starting on Page 11

Start...

Make sure your phone is not connected to your data line.

and

Perhaps try printing a file that is stored locally on your device, that is, a file the connection can "find and open".

What else?

Using Android? Video 

HP DeskJet 2821 | 2810 | 2855 Printer : Using WiFi Direct to print a document with Mopria Print

Sure -- it could be something else.

References and how-to

====  ====  ====  ====  ====  ====

HP App (Mobile) >>> Download / Install - How-to, FAQ, Troubleshooting

                                 << Important -- Fall 2025 >>

HP has replaced the HP Smart Mobile application with the HP App.

The HP App is available at the App Store for your mobile device.

 HP printer setup (HP app)

Read the FAQs

For example: 

What are the HP app requirements?

And / or

Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP app?

And / or

Why can't I connect my wireless printer or print over the network?

>>> Terms of Use >>>  HP App - Terms of Service

-- Reminders -- Initial Connection --

• Your Mobile device (tablet, phone) must be on the same network as the printer.
• On that mobile device, Location Services and Bluetooth should both be switched ON

-- Be Aware –

Any HP application you install should be sourced from “HP”.

What?  Fakes have been discovered on at least one Mobile App Store –

Check who is providing the application >> “HP Inc.”

If you can’t tell, ask or use the Homepage method (if using Windows) to download and install the HP Smart application.

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

 HP Support Videos – HP App - What happened to HP Smart? | Use the new HP app 

 10 chapters

 Expand the area that describes the application – read the first sentences and click “More”

 Samples

 Print, Scan, Fax, Save – Minute 1:15

 Account Information and Print Dashboard – Minute 1:30

 Get Help – Minute 2:02

 Select “Use AI Search” – Minute 2:08

 EWS (Embedded Web Server) – Minute 2:21 > Printer Settings > View all > Advanced (opens EWS)

 Reminders

• If asked enter the printer’s PIN number – The default PIN might be located on the back or inside the printer (ink access area).

 And

• “Advanced” / EWS can also be opened using your Browser:   Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

And

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Scan using the HP App | HP printers | HP Support

And

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Fix unavailable features in the HP app | HP printers | HP Support

 HP Support Videos – HP App - Fix a “Scanning Unavailable” error in the HP app | HP printers | HP Sup...

===================================

Message Content References

-- Take advantage of the extensive HP Video collection --

                                            ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

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References / Resources

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: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

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 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

HP DeskJet 2842e All-in-One Printer

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[Mvrablic5]

After I connect my phone to the printers WiFi direct, the HP app says this: 

I’ve tried printing downloaded files and even turning off my cellular date. None of which have worked

[Dragon-Fur]

@Mvrablic5 

---

@Mvrablic5 wrote:

After I connect my phone to the printers WiFi direct, the HP app says this: 

I’ve tried printing downloaded files and even turning off my cellular date. None of which have worked

---

True, the printer must be connected to the "Wi-Fi Direct" network and not your regular Wireless or your Data line.

The image seems to indicate the printer is expecting you to be connected to a general network and not Wi-Fi Direct.  ??

 User Guide - HP Deskjet 2800e DeskJet 4200e All in One Series

Page 6 (Print the Wi-Fi Direct information)

AND

Pages 11-12

I don't think we established your phone type -- iOS or Android ?

AND

Can you confirm that you are connected to the Wi-Fi Direct network?

The how-to documentation should make the distinction for phone types --

For example, for iOS / iPadOS --

Review the video in HP printer setup (Wi-Fi Direct) 

Minute 1:30

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[Mvrablic5]

I am using an apple device (iOS). I turn on the printer WiFi direct then connect my phone to that with the password that was printed out. However as soon as I connect them and try to print something that message comes up. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@Mvrablic5 

OK, thanks for the information.

I will ask for someone to help who has a better understanding of why the app would fail in this way.

@greenturtle 

I've tagged the Mods for help, too.

Can you offer any updated advice for this printer (2800e series), iOS, the HP App, and Wi-Fi Direct?

Thanks for any insight.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"