---
# System prepended metadata

title: How to fix wireless direct printing issue in HP printer?
tags: [wireless printing issues, Wi-Fi Direct printing, HP Wireless Direct, "\_HP printer Wireless Direct not working"]

---

# How to fix wireless direct printing issue in HP printer?

Having trouble with wireless direct printing on your HP printer? Need help **call 1-844-957-6312** Wireless Direct (also called Wi-Fi Direct on some models) lets devices print to the printer without joining your Wi-Fi network — very convenient, but sometimes tricky. This guide explains why Wireless Direct fails, step-by-step fixes, and preventive tips so your mobile and laptop printing works reliably.
![Screenshot 2025-08-20 174238](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1WMKU2Fgg.png)

### What is Wireless Direct?

Wireless Direct creates a direct secure connection between your device and the printer, bypassing the local Wi-Fi network. It’s ideal for guest printing, presentations, or when you don’t want to share network credentials. Devices find the printer as a Wi-Fi network (SSID) and connect using a password or PIN shown on the printer display.

### Common reasons Wireless Direct fails

* **Wireless Direct is disabled on the printer** — many printers ship with it off.
* **SSID or password mismatch** — using the wrong network or PIN prevents connection.
* **Security/Firewall on device** — your phone or laptop may block direct connections.
* **Firmware or driver bugs** — outdated firmware can break Wireless Direct functionality.
* **Too many active connections** — some printers limit the number of simultaneous Wireless Direct clients.
* **Interference or signal range issues** — distance, walls, or other wireless devices can cause drops.
* **Incorrect printer settings** — mode confusion between Wireless Direct and network-joined modes.

### Quick fixes to try first

1. **Toggle Wireless Direct off and on**: On the printer’s control panel, disable Wireless Direct, wait 10 seconds, then enable it. This often clears transient issues.
2. **Restart devices**: Power cycle the printer and the device you’re printing from (phone, tablet, laptop). Turn the printer on first, then the device.
3. **Connect directly**: In your device’s Wi-Fi list, choose the printer’s SSID (often starts with “DIRECT-” or “HP-”); enter the PIN shown on the printer display.
4. **Move closer**: Bring your device within a few feet of the printer to rule out range/interference problems.

### Step-by-step troubleshooting

#### Confirm Wireless Direct is enabled and visible

Open the printer’s Wireless or Network menu and ensure Wireless Direct (Wi-Fi Direct) is enabled and broadcasting. Note the SSID and the connection password/PIN.
![Screenshot 2025-08-19 170722](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HyyQKU3Yxe.png)

#### Forget and reconnect

On the device, forget the printer’s SSID (if previously connected), then rediscover and reconnect using the displayed PIN. This clears cached credentials that may no longer match.

#### Update firmware and drivers

Visit HP’s support site for your exact model and install the latest firmware. Firmware updates fix known bugs and improve wireless stability. Also ensure any HP printing apps on your phone/tablet are up to date.

#### Disable conflicting network modes

If the printer is currently connected to your home Wi-Fi and Wireless Direct simultaneously, some models handle that poorly. Try turning off the regular Wi-Fi connection on the printer temporarily and enable only Wireless Direct while troubleshooting.

#### Check device settings and security

* On mobile devices, temporarily disable VPNs, advanced firewalls, or enterprise security profiles that may block peer-to-peer connections.
* On Windows or macOS, allow network discovery and file/printer sharing while testing the Wireless Direct connection.
* If your device warns that the Wi-Fi network has “no internet,” allow the connection anyway — Wireless Direct provides local printing without internet.

#### Use HP apps and utilities

HP Smart and other HP printing apps often simplify Wireless Direct printing and automatically handle PINs and discovery. Try installing the official HP app and use its “Add Printer” or “Print” workflow.

### Advanced steps

* **Reset network settings on the printer**: If settings are corrupted, a network reset restores default wireless behavior (note: this may remove configured network settings).
* **Factory reset the printer**: As a last resort, restore factory defaults and reconfigure Wireless Direct from scratch. Back up any required settings first.
* **Check for client limits**: Consult the manual; some printers allow only one or two Wireless Direct clients at once.
![Screenshot 2025-08-19 171142](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJCQY8ntel.png)

### Preventive tips

* Keep firmware and HP apps updated.
* Name your Wireless Direct SSID and set a simple PIN you can easily type on phones.
* If you frequently use Wireless Direct, reserve it for guest or occasional printing — for daily use, connecting the printer to your main Wi-Fi network is typically more stable.
* Position the printer in open space away from heavy microwave or Bluetooth traffic to reduce interference.

### When to contact support

If Wireless Direct still won’t work after these steps, the issue might be a hardware fault (wireless radio or antenna) or a model-specific firmware bug. Contact HP support or a certified technician for deeper diagnostics and possible repair.