How to Print to HP Printer from iPhone (Every Method)

HP makes more printers than anyone else, which means more people search for "HP printer not showing up on iPhone" than any other brand. Whether you have a brand-new HP Smart Tank or a decade-old LaserJet, this guide covers every way to print from your iPhone to your HP printer.

Does Your HP Printer Support AirPrint?

Most HP printers made after 2012 support AirPrint, but not all. Here's how to check:

Quick Check

1. Look for the AirPrint logo on your printer or its box
2. Check Apple's AirPrint printer list
3. Search "[your model] AirPrint" online

HP Printers With AirPrint

Generally supported:

• HP ENVY series (most models from 2012+)
• HP OfficeJet series (most models from 2012+)
• HP LaserJet Pro series (most wireless models)
• HP Smart Tank series (all models)
• HP DeskJet Plus series (most models)

HP Printers Without AirPrint

Typically not supported:

• HP DeskJet 1000/2000/3000 basic series
• HP LaserJet (non-Pro, non-wireless models)
• Most USB-only HP printers
• Printers made before 2010

If your printer doesn't support AirPrint, skip to the PrintCast section or HP Smart app section.

Method 1: Native AirPrint

If your HP printer supports AirPrint, this is the simplest approach.

Setup

1. Make sure your HP printer is on and connected to WiFi
2. Verify your iPhone is on the same WiFi network
3. Open any app with content to print (Safari, Photos, Mail, etc.)
4. Tap the Share button → Print
5. Tap Select Printer — your HP should appear
6. Adjust settings and tap Print

Troubleshooting AirPrint with HP

If your HP printer doesn't appear:

Check WiFi connection:

1. On the printer, print a Network Configuration page (usually Settings → Network → Print Network Config)
2. Verify it shows "Connected" and note the IP address
3. Make sure your iPhone is on the same network

Restart everything:

1. Turn off the HP printer, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on
2. Restart your iPhone
3. Wait 2 minutes for the printer to fully boot

Check for HP firmware updates:

1. Go to HP Support
2. Enter your printer model
3. Download any available firmware updates

Disable HP Smart app interference: Sometimes the HP Smart app conflicts with AirPrint:

1. Force-close HP Smart on your iPhone
2. Try printing via AirPrint again

Method 2: PrintCast (Works with Any HP Printer) {#printcast}

If your HP printer doesn't support AirPrint, or AirPrint is unreliable, PrintCast is the most seamless solution—especially for older HP printers.

Why PrintCast Works Better for HP

1. No AirPrint required — Works with any HP printer your Mac can see
2. Better compatibility — Uses HP's Mac drivers instead of AirPrint
3. More reliable — Mac-to-printer connections are more stable than iOS-to-printer
4. Full feature support — Duplex, color settings, paper trays all work

Setup

1. Make sure your HP printer works from your Mac (test print something)
2. Download PrintCast from the Mac App Store
3. Launch PrintCast — it appears in your menu bar
4. Toggle on your HP printer
5. On your iPhone, the printer now appears in the print dialog

PrintCast works with:

• USB HP printers connected to your Mac
• Network HP printers
• HP printers shared from another computer
• Old HP printers that never had AirPrint

PrintCast is a one-time purchase of $16.99.

Method 3: HP Smart App {#hp-smart-app}

HP's official iOS app can print directly to HP printers without AirPrint.

Setup

1. Download HP Smart from the App Store
2. Open the app and create an HP account (required)
3. Tap Add Printer or the + icon
4. Follow the setup wizard to connect your printer
5. Print from within the HP Smart app

Printing with HP Smart

From HP Smart directly:

1. Open HP Smart
2. Tap Print Photos or Print Documents
3. Select files from your device
4. Choose print settings
5. Tap Print

From other apps:

1. Open the document/photo in any app
2. Tap Share → Print with HP Smart
3. Select your printer and print

HP Smart Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free to use
• Works with most HP printers
• Includes scanning features
• Direct connection (no AirPrint needed)

Cons:

• Requires HP account
• Can be slow to connect
• App quality varies by printer model
• Doesn't integrate seamlessly with iOS print dialog
• Sends data through HP's servers

Method 4: WiFi Direct

Some HP printers support WiFi Direct, which creates a direct connection between your iPhone and printer without going through your router.

Setup

1. On your HP printer, enable WiFi Direct (Settings → Network → WiFi Direct)
2. Note the WiFi Direct name and password shown on the printer
3. On your iPhone, go to Settings → WiFi
4. Connect to the printer's WiFi Direct network
5. Print using AirPrint or HP Smart

Limitations

• Your iPhone disconnects from your regular WiFi
• No internet access while connected to printer
• Must manually switch networks each time
• Some apps won't print without internet

WiFi Direct is a workaround, not a daily solution.

HP-Specific Issues and Fixes

"HP Printer Offline" on iPhone

Even when the printer is on:

1. Check printer display — Look for any error messages
2. Print network config page — Verify it's actually connected
3. Restart printer's WiFi — Disable and re-enable wireless on the printer
4. Assign static IP — In router settings, give your HP a fixed address
5. Update firmware — HP frequently releases fixes

HP Printer Found But Won't Print

1. Clear print queue on the printer (usually in Setup → Tools)
2. Check ink/toner levels — HP printers can refuse to print when low
3. Disable HP Instant Ink if you have it — it sometimes causes issues
4. Check paper tray — HP printers are picky about paper alignment

HP Smart Won't Find Printer

1. Same network check — Both devices must be on identical network (not guest)
2. Bluetooth enabled — HP Smart uses Bluetooth for initial discovery
3. Location services — HP Smart needs location permission on iOS
4. Restart HP Smart — Force-close and reopen the app
5. Reinstall HP Smart — Delete and reinstall if nothing else works

Slow Printing from iPhone

1. Reduce print quality — Draft mode prints faster
2. Use PrintCast — Routes through Mac, often faster than direct
3. Connect printer via Ethernet — More reliable than WiFi
4. Check for firmware updates — HP has fixed speed issues in updates

Colors Wrong or Missing

1. Check ink levels in HP Smart or on printer display
2. Run printhead cleaning — HP Smart → Printer Settings → Clean Printhead
3. Align printhead — HP Smart → Printer Settings → Align Printer
4. Check color settings — Make sure you're not printing in grayscale

Which Method Should You Use?

HP Printer Recommendations

If you're buying a new HP printer for iPhone use:

Best for home:

• HP ENVY Inspire series — Reliable AirPrint, good photo printing

Best for home office:

• HP OfficeJet Pro series — Fast, duplex, AirPrint built-in

Best budget:

• HP DeskJet 4100 series — Basic but AirPrint-capable

Avoid:

• HP DeskJet 1000/2000 series — Often lacks AirPrint
• Very old HP printers — Use PrintCast instead of replacing

Summary

For most HP printers, try methods in this order:

1. AirPrint — If your printer supports it, this is simplest
2. PrintCast — If AirPrint doesn't work or isn't supported (requires Mac)
3. HP Smart — If you don't have a Mac and AirPrint fails

The HP Smart app works but adds friction. If you have a Mac, PrintCast provides a more seamless experience that works exactly like native AirPrint—even with HP printers that don't officially support it.