Problems Printing to Deskjet 1220C from Moto G5s Plus Smartphone using USB OTG Cable

[Hank61]

I recently purchased a USB On-The-Go (OTG) Cable for my Motorola Moto G5s Plus with the intention of printing directly from my smartphone (i.e. use it’s micro USB port) with a USB cable connected to my HP Deskjet 1220C printer (note: it’s not a wireless printer, hence the need to use a USB cable). I also installed the HP Printer Service Plugin app on my Moto G5s Plus.  However, whenever I attempt to print an email or pdf document, it paints my paper solid black (I’m printing in black and white) with some random white gibberish. There’s no identifiable text printed, just wasted ink. FYI, I’m using Android 8.1

Here’s a link to the HP support website outlining the procedure I used for “Printing With a USB OTG Cable (Android)”:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05384190

Is there a setting I need to change for it to print correctly (e.g. on the printer or the phone)?

Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated.

[sandytechy20]

@Hank61

Welcome to the HP support community.

Have you tried printing with OTG o this printer ever before?

Do you have a different OTG cable to check if that works?

Reply with the requested information for more assistance.

Cheers.

[Hank61]

Hello,

Thanks for your reply.  This is my first time around the block with OTG printing.  

Yes, I purchased two different OTG adapters.  Both produced similar results. Here's the links to view them:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/B2G1-Free-Micro-USB-OTG-Adapter-Cord-Data-USB-Male-to-USB-2-0-Female-For-An...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-Durable-Micro-USB-OTG-Host-Adapter-Male-to-3-0-Female-For-Android-Table...

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks.

[sandytechy20]

@Hank61

Update the printer firmware and check if that works.

Here are the steps:- Click here

I hope that helps.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[Hank61]

Hello,

Thanks for your reply.

It's not clear to me which device should be connected to the printer for the firmware update (my phone or PC). 

When I have my PC connected and follow the instructions  given for "Download firmware updates from the HP website", there's no firmware section listed (see screenshot below). And according to the instructions "If a Firmware section is not listed, an update is not currently available for your printer".

When I have my Android phone connected to the printer via the OTG cable, and follow the instructions under "Install updates through the HP Smart app",  I click on "Add Printer", the App states "No Printer Found. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device."  As I already mentioned, this isn't a WiFi capable printer.  Apparently the HP Smart app only works for WiFi connected printers.

So where do I go from here?

Looking forward to your assistance.

[sandytechy20]

@Hank61

This might require one on one interaction to fix the issue.

I request you to talk to HP support.

They might have multiple options to help you with this.

1. Click on this link - https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp?openCLC=true
2. Select the country.
3. Enter the serial of your device.
4. Select the country from the drop-down.
5. Click on "Show Options".
6. Fill the web-form. A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

I hope that helps.

Cheers.

[Hank61]

OK. I followed your instructions and when I submit the requisite info, a message states: "This product is no longer serviced by HP. You may search for possible solutions on this support website." See screenshot below.

It's curious that an HP Deskjet 1220C printer is no longer serviced by HP. Who the heck services them, Epson?

So can anyone help or am I SOL?

[KrazyToad]

@Hank61

Since it's older model the printer cannot be serviced but can be upgraded

Please check your private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Forums profile.

Next to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope
 

Thank you

[Hank61]

Hello KrazyToad ,

Thanks for your reply.

Granted it's an older printer and as such, I'm not interested in throwing good money after bad. Is the purpose of providing me the HP customer support phone number to find out the upgrade cost? 

I wish I would have known that  my printer is not OTG compatible from the get-go; to avoid all the wasted time shopping for the OTG cable, trouble shooting and all the posting back and forth here.

Out of the gate I consulted your knowledge base article "HP Printers - Printing With a USB OTG Cable (Android)"  which has a list of HP printers that do not support printing from a USB OTG connection, and mine was not on the list.  I'm wondering why not? It would have saved me a lot of time and grief (not to mention a few bucks for the OTG adapters).

[sandytechy20]

@Hank61

I have brought your issue to the attention of an appropriate team within HP. They will likely request information from you in order to look up your case details or product serial number. Please look for a private message from an identified HP contact. Additionally, keep in mind not to publicly post personal information (serial numbers and case details).

If you are unfamiliar with how the Community's private message capability works, you can learn about that here.

Thank you for visiting the HP Support Community.