1 Method 1: AirPrint (Easiest)
AirPrint is Apple's built-in printing technology. Most HP printers made after 2010 support it.
Steps:
- Ensure iPhone and HP printer are on the same WiFi network
- Open the document, photo, email, or webpage
- Tap the Share button (square with up arrow)
- Scroll down and tap Print
- Tap Select Printer
- Your HP printer should appear - tap to select
- Choose copies, page range, color options
- Tap Print in top right
AirPrint-enabled HP printers: DeskJet, ENVY, OfficeJet, OfficeJet Pro, LaserJet, LaserJet Pro, and most printers made after 2010.
2 Method 2: HP Smart App
HP Smart offers more features and works with older printers that don't support AirPrint.
Setup:
- Download HP Smart from App Store (free)
- Open app and tap Add Printer or +
- Make sure printer is on and connected to WiFi
- App will find your printer - tap to add
- Follow any setup prompts
To Print:
- Open HP Smart app
- Tap Print Photos or Print Documents
- Select files to print
- Adjust settings (size, color, quality)
- Tap Print
HP Smart Features: Scan documents, check ink levels, order supplies, access HP Instant Ink, print from cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive).
3 Method 3: WiFi Direct (No Router Needed)
Print directly to HP printer without a WiFi router. Perfect for travel or when router is down.
Steps:
- On HP printer, go to Settings > Network > WiFi Direct
- Enable WiFi Direct if not already on
- Note the printer's WiFi Direct name and password
- On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi
- Connect to network starting with DIRECT-xx-HP...
- Enter the password shown on printer
- Open document and print using Share > Print
Note: While connected to WiFi Direct, your iPhone won't have internet access. Reconnect to your regular WiFi after printing.
Troubleshooting
iPhone Can't Find HP Printer
- Verify both devices on same WiFi network
- Print a network configuration page from printer to confirm WiFi
- Restart printer and iPhone
- Disable VPN on iPhone if active
- Check router isn't blocking device communication
Print Job Stuck or Failed
- Cancel job: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > AirPrint > Delete
- Turn printer off and on
- Check printer has paper and ink
- Try printing a test page from printer itself
Poor Print Quality from iPhone
- In print options, select Best quality
- For photos, use HP Smart app with photo paper setting
- Run printer cleaning cycle from HP Smart app
Compatible HP Printers
These HP printer series support iPhone printing via AirPrint:
Inkjet
- DeskJet series
- DeskJet Plus series
- ENVY series
- ENVY Inspire series
- OfficeJet series
- OfficeJet Pro series
Laser
- LaserJet series
- LaserJet Pro series
- LaserJet Enterprise
- Color LaserJet series
Tank
- Smart Tank series
- Smart Tank Plus series