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

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

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 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

HP DeskJet 2842e All-in-One Printer

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]

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 

Edits / Update

If not done -

Try / Consider

Remove the printer from the HP App account

Wait for five minutes (or as long as you can stand it).

Open the HP App and Add the printer using the HP Direct connection.

Watch Video

 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”

Original Message

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"

[greenturtle]

Thanks @Dragon-Fur 

Hi @Mvrablic5 ,

Thanks for using the HP Support Community.  

Question : Is the printer subscribed to HP Instant Ink?

Saw from the picture that the ink levels are Zero.

The printer needs to be connected to Internet in order for Instant Ink to track the number of pages printed.

One way to enable this is to use a hot spot rather than Wifi Direct.

Hotspot > Computer/Phone > Printer

Alternatively, if you would prefer to use Wifi Direct, then one suggestion is to buy & use Original HP cartidges and Unscubscribe from HP Instant Ink.

Hope that helps!

[Dragon-Fur]

@greenturtle 

Ah, Interesting.

I missed that the customer is subscribed to Instant Ink.

I did see the "empty ink" indicator.

Thanks!

@Mvrablic5 

Is this your solution?

Are you subscribed to Instant Ink?

Wi-Fi Direct does not support any service that requires the printer be connected to the Internet.

"Connected to the Internet" does include Instant Ink, Print Anywhere (remote printing), HP+ services / contract -- anything for which the printer might need to contact HP services or have those services contact the printer.

--  If relevant --

Need help?

Contact Instant Ink Support -

  Scroll down on the page for phone and days / hours of operation.

 HP Instant Ink Support - Website

Click the Flag near the bottom of the page to update the region / country.

-- Note --

The Terms of Service contract is written to be read and understood.

Should you find something you do not understand, please contact Instant Ink Support. 

Examples of the Terms of Service Contract for various regions

NOTE: Terms of Service Document includes phone contact information

 Instant Ink - Terms of Service - USA

 Instant Ink – Terms of Service - UK

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

Instant Ink - Cancellation

It is important that you understand the Instant Ink cancellation / termination process and your responsibilities.

 >>> Open and read >>>  Cancel your account

Review >>> HP Instant Ink - Cancel Your HP Instant Ink Service

Section Cancel your account

Watch - Video – Cancel HP Instant Ink

 How to unsubscribe or cancel HP Instant Ink subscription

-- Reminder -- 

• After cancellation, the Instant Ink cartridges will not work.
• Purchase and install HP ink cartridges for use in your printer.

 “HP Smart / HP Connected” Account - Printers, HP Instant Ink, HP+

Management / Options

HP Smart / HP Connected

Note:  Website might take 1-10 seconds to open

Click Flag to switch to your region

Open (left column) HP Instant Ink

Scroll all the way down --

Select "Cancel my HP Instant Ink Subscription"

• Follow the prompts as explained.
• Acknowledge and accept the cancellation requirements.
• Complete the cancellation steps.

What if?

  HP Instant Ink - Stopping a cancellation

Recycle HP Instant Ink Cartridges / Subscription Cartridges

 HP Instant Ink - Recycle HP Instant Ink Cartridges

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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"