What is the deal with requiring printer owners to sign in in order to use their printers?

[CCraigS]

It took me over 10 minutes this morning to get through the sign-in process just to scan a document!

What is the thinking behind this? Is there another way to use my printer, that I paid good money for, without the ridiculous requirement to be signed in to the HP Smart printer app? 

Please make it easier to use MY printer without being signed in! If the internet happened to be down I would be sitting doing nothing.

I imagine there is a way that I'm not thinking of, but it's probably a hassle as well!

And...sending me an email verification every time I log in to your web site is nonsense! How can I turn off that garbage? Do we really need 2-factor ID for this?

It's becoming way too cumbersome to get anything done these days! 

[Dragon-Fur]

@CCraigS 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

Use of the HP Smart application is optional.

Yes, as of the end of 2020, HP Smart requires sign-in using your HP Account credentials.

What to do?

Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software and use that.

The Full Driver printer software supports printing and scanning (HP Scan) and also provides access to printing and scanning using other Software and programs.

What else?

The two-factor verification is a requirement recently stomped on by Google (and maybe other providers).

Google recently shut off access to "Less Secure apps"

This video will quickly show you how to set up scan to email with an HP printer with **bleep** AND keep the 2-Step verification security feature. App Passwords

Set up Scan to Email HP Printer with 2 Step Verification on **bleep** and Google

References / Resources

HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

OR

Open the Homepage / Support Website for your printer

Category Software and Drivers > Check/ Get the App

>>> Open and Read >>> HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

NOTES: 

• Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.

• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.

• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

• When working through a browser to access HP Smart, be sure you have Cookies enabled.  If cookies are enabled and you are having trouble, clear Cache and Cookies.   And / Or … Try a different browser – assign that browser as the Default. (Note:  Chrome not working?  Use / Assign a different default browser.)

• Where possible, HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
    • Which languages does the HP Smart app support?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the required login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

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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:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

Open

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[SofiaML]

Hi community!

As mentioned in the previous comment full drivers are an option for installation. If you have any doubts about how to install using the complete drivers, access the links below with the page where you can find the drivers and the video with the step by step.

HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads

How to setup Printer using HP Easy Start Printer setup software

I hope it helps.

SofiaML
HP Support Community