How to Print from Your Phone with HP Smart and the HP App

Published October 16, 2026 - by the hpsmart.cc editorial team

Yes, you can print from your phone to most current HP printers, and you have more than one way to do it. The HP app (the app that replaced HP Smart) is the most complete option, but iPhones can also print with AirPrint and Android phones have built-in printing, so you can often print even without the app. This guide explains each method, how they differ, and which one to choose.

Every method below assumes the printer is already connected to Wi-Fi. If it is new or offline, set it up first with our install guide, and if the phone cannot see the printer, see printer not found fixes.

Method 1: Print with the HP app (iPhone and Android)

Install the HP app from the App Store or Google Play. On both stores the listing that used to be HP Smart is now called HP; check that the publisher is HP Inc.
Connect the phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
Open the app, add your printer if it is not already shown, and select it.
Choose the print option for photos or documents, then pick the file from your phone, a cloud folder or the camera roll.
Check the preview and settings: number of copies, color or black and white, paper size, page range and quality. The app also lets you edit documents before printing, according to its App Store description.
Tap Print.

The app is worth having if you also want to scan with the printer or your camera (see our scanning guide), check ink levels, receive low-ink alerts, or set up custom print shortcuts. HP says you do not need an HP account to use the app, although signing in is required for full functionality. The app is free to download; HP notes it may introduce charges for select features in the future.

Method 2: AirPrint on iPhone and iPad

Most current HP wireless printers support Apple AirPrint, which is built into iOS and iPadOS. HP's printer setup guide notes that once the printer is on the same network, you can print with AirPrint from apps such as Photos or Mail. No HP app is needed:

Connect the iPhone or iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
Open the photo, email, web page or document you want to print.
Tap the Share button (or the app's menu) and choose Print.
Select your HP printer, set copies and options, then tap Print.

AirPrint is ideal for quick prints. Use the HP app when you need scanning, printer maintenance or settings that AirPrint does not show.

Method 3: Android built-in printing and the HP Print Service Plugin

Android has a print system built in, and HP supplies a free HP Print Service Plugin that lets Android apps send jobs to HP printers on your network. HP's support pages describe the steps: install the plugin from Google Play if it is not already on your phone, turn it on in the printing settings, connect to the same network as your printer, then open the item you want to print, tap the menu and choose Print.

Many Android phones also include the Default Print Service or the Mopria Print Service, which can print to many network printers without any brand-specific plugin. The menus differ between phone makers, so look for "Printing" in the phone's settings search.

HP app or HP Print Service Plugin? They do different jobs. The plugin only adds your HP printer to Android's standard Print menu. The HP app is a full app for setup, printing, scanning and printer status. Many people keep both: the plugin for printing from any app, and the HP app for setup and scanning.

Method 4: Wi-Fi Direct when there is no shared network

If there is no Wi-Fi network to share (for example, a printer at a venue or a home with no router), many HP printers broadcast their own Wi-Fi Direct signal. HP's guide to printing from Android notes that most HP printers built after 2014 have Wi-Fi Direct. Connect the phone to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct network (its name and password are usually shown on the control panel or a printed info page), then print with any of the methods above. While connected this way, the phone may not have internet access.

Method 5: HP ePrint by email

Compatible HP printers can be given their own email address. HP explains that once Web Services is turned on, you can print an information page that shows the printer's email address. Anything you email to that address, such as a document or photo attachment, is printed. It works from any phone with email, even when you are not on the same network. Availability depends on the printer model and on HP's current services in your country.

Which method should you use?

Method	Phones	Needs an app?	Best for
HP app	iPhone, iPad, Android	Yes (free)	Setup, printing, scanning, ink alerts
AirPrint	iPhone, iPad	No	Quick prints from any app
HP Print Service Plugin	Android	Plugin only	Printing from any Android app
Wi-Fi Direct	iPhone, Android	No	No shared Wi-Fi network
HP ePrint email	Any phone with email	No	Printing when away from the printer

If the print does not come out

Confirm the phone and printer are on the same network, and turn off any VPN on the phone.
Check the printer for paper, ink or toner, and error lights, and cancel stuck jobs.
If the HP app freezes or will not open, see HP Smart app not working fixes.
For model-specific steps, use HP Customer Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print from my phone to an HP printer?

Yes. Most current HP wireless printers accept prints from phones through the HP app, AirPrint on iPhone and iPad, Android built-in printing with the HP Print Service Plugin, Wi-Fi Direct, or HP ePrint email on supported models.

How do I print from the HP Smart app?

Connect the phone to the same Wi-Fi as the printer, open the app, select your printer, choose the photo or document option, pick the file, check the settings and tap Print. The same steps apply in the HP app.

Do I need the HP app to print from my iPhone?

No. iPhones and iPads can print to most current HP wireless printers with AirPrint from the Share menu. The HP app adds scanning, printer status and other features.

What is the difference between HP Smart and the HP Print Service Plugin?

The HP Print Service Plugin only adds HP printers to the standard Android Print menu. HP Smart, now the HP app, is a full app for setup, printing, scanning and printer status.

Can I print from my phone without Wi-Fi?

Yes, on many models. Connect the phone to the Wi-Fi Direct signal from the printer and print from there. HP ePrint email printing also works on supported printers when you are away from them.

Sources

Related guides on this site: install the HP app, scan with the HP app, HP Smart vs HP app and the HP Smart app guide home page.