HP smart app scan requiring sign in - why

[gtmalone]

Hello - again. Why is HP Smart requiring a sign in to scan? This started back in October 2020 and there is no apparent reason or benefit why scan requires me to sign into my HP account.

The sign in does not make the app easier to use as it's extra steps. I also have a concern about privacy. HP does not need to know when or what I scan. This problem as been reported by several people and the answer is always "you have to sign in" with no explanation for the sign in requirement.

An additional problem is that scanning will not work if my internet service is down for any reason. No service, can't sign in.

If HP is interested in improving the customer experience, then remove the sign in requirement for scanning.

Thanks.

[forumreader]

Easy solution. Don't use HP Smart. Instead use their Easy Start software to scan. No sign-in required.

[gtmalone]

Thanks for the info.

1. When I open the downloaded file it finds the printer.

2. I log in to the printer

3. Searches for software

4. Select full software and drivers - continue

5. Extracts software

6. Install starts

7. Presents selection to connect new printer

8. Select wireless - checks network

9. shows printer network connect screen. Select I see the status is connected and signal strength, enter IP addr

10. Get screen saying unable to find the printer,  Computer's network name is stuck on "retrieving"

11. Click SETUP

12. Click show network settings and it finds the network name. check the box YES the blue wireless light is ON solid

13. show checking network environment

14. goes to to step 9 again and stays in this loop. If I select CANCEL it goes back to step 8. There is no way to exit except ending the task in task manager.

Multiple attempts give the same results.  The printer is connected by wireless, the computer sees the printer, the printer shows an IP addr, MAC addr, etc., and I can print and scan (HP smart)

Any ideas?   Win10 Pro with all updates.