<h1 data-path-to-node="0"><strong data-path-to-node="0" data-index-in-node="0">Guide: HP Network Printing Support &amp; Troubleshooting (2026)</strong></h1>
<p data-path-to-node="1">Network printing issues usually stem from a "communication gap" between your device and the printer&rsquo;s IP address. In 2026, HP has transitioned to the <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="150">HP App</strong> (formerly HP Smart) as the primary engine for resolving these network handshakes, replacing older utilities like the <em data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="274">Print and Scan Doctor</em>.</p>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="3"><strong data-path-to-node="3" data-index-in-node="0">Understanding Network Printing Errors</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="4"><strong data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0">Description:</strong> A "Network Error" or "Printer Offline" status occurs when your computer's print spooler cannot reach the printer&rsquo;s specific network address.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="5,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">IP Address Mismatch:</strong> If your router reboots, it may assign your printer a new IP. Since your computer is still looking for the old address, a "Communication Error" occurs.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="5,1,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">WSD vs. TCP/IP:</strong> Windows often defaults to a <strong data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="44">WSD (Web Services for Devices)</strong> port. These are convenient for setup but notoriously unstable. Switching to a <strong data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="153">Standard TCP/IP Port</strong> is the most reliable long-term fix.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="5,2,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Network Isolation:</strong> Ensure your computer isn't on a "Guest" network or a 5GHz band if the printer only supports 2.4GHz.</p>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="7"><strong data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="0">Phase-by-Phase Network Fixes</strong></h3>
<h4 data-path-to-node="8"><strong data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Phase 1: The "Diagnose &amp; Fix" Tool (Modern Solution)</strong></h4>
<p data-path-to-node="9">Use the automated repair engine built into the latest 2026 HP software.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="10,0,0">Open the <strong data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="9">HP App</strong> on your PC or Mac.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="10,1,0">Click the <strong data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="10">Wrench Icon</strong> (Diagnose &amp; Fix) in the bottom-left corner.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="10,2,0">The app will automatically check the <strong data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="37">Print Spooler</strong>, <strong data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="52">Port Settings</strong>, and <strong data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="71">Network Handshake</strong>. Click "Apply Fix" if prompted.</p>
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<h4 data-path-to-node="11"><strong data-path-to-node="11" data-index-in-node="0">Phase 2: Assigning a Static IP (The Permanent Fix)</strong></h4>
<p data-path-to-node="12">To prevent the printer from "disappearing" when the router restarts:</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="13,0,0">Print a <strong data-path-to-node="13,0,0" data-index-in-node="8">Network Configuration Page</strong> from the printer settings to find its current IP (e.g., <code data-path-to-node="13,0,0" data-index-in-node="91">192.168.1.250</code>).</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="13,1,0">Type that IP address into any web browser to open the <strong data-path-to-node="13,1,0" data-index-in-node="54">EWS (Embedded Web Server)</strong>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="13,2,0">Navigate to <strong data-path-to-node="13,2,0" data-index-in-node="12">Network</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="13,2,0" data-index-in-node="22">IPv4 Configuration</strong>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="13,3,0">Change the setting from "Automatic/DHCP" to <strong data-path-to-node="13,3,0" data-index-in-node="44">"Manual/Static."</strong> This "locks" the printer to that address.</p>
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<h4 data-path-to-node="14"><strong data-path-to-node="14" data-index-in-node="0">Phase 3: Switching to a Standard TCP/IP Port</strong></h4>
<p data-path-to-node="15">If the printer is "Offline" but the IP address is correct:</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="16,0,0">On your PC, go to <strong data-path-to-node="16,0,0" data-index-in-node="18">Settings</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="16,0,0" data-index-in-node="29">Bluetooth &amp; Devices</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="16,0,0" data-index-in-node="51">Printers &amp; Scanners</strong>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="16,1,0">Select your printer &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="16,1,0" data-index-in-node="22">Printer Properties</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="16,1,0" data-index-in-node="43">Ports</strong> tab.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="16,2,0">Click <strong data-path-to-node="16,2,0" data-index-in-node="6">Add Port</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="16,2,0" data-index-in-node="17">Standard TCP/IP Port</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="16,2,0" data-index-in-node="40">New Port</strong>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="16,3,0">Enter the printer's <strong data-path-to-node="16,3,0" data-index-in-node="20">Static IP address</strong> and follow the prompts. This bypasses the unreliable Windows WSD discovery.</p>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="18"><strong data-path-to-node="18" data-index-in-node="0">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="19"><strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Why does my printer work on my phone but not my PC?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="55">A:</strong> This typically means a <strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="81">Firewall</strong> or <strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="93">Antivirus</strong> on the PC is blocking ports 9100, 515, or 631. Temporarily disable your firewall to test if the connection returns.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="20"><strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Does HP still support the "Print and Scan Doctor"?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="54">A:</strong> No. HP officially retired that utility in 2025 due to security vulnerabilities. You should now use the <strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="160">HP App</strong> (available at 123.hp.com) for all network diagnostics.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="21"><strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="0">Q: What is "SNMP Status Enabled" and should I turn it off?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="59">A:</strong> If your printer incorrectly shows as "Offline," go to <strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="116">Printer Properties</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="137">Ports</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="145">Configure Port</strong> and <strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="164">uncheck "SNMP Status Enabled."</strong> This often brings the printer back online immediately by stopping Windows from waiting for a specific response the printer may not be sending.</p>