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HP Printers - Printer isn't available error (Android)

When printing from an Android smartphone or tablet, a This printer isn't available right now message displays.

Note:

When printing from Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, a This printer isn't available right now message displays. Install the HP Print Service Plugin and select the available printer to print. You only need to do this one time.

Perform the following tasks in the order given. Use the printer after each task to see if the issue is resolved.

Install the HP Print Service Plugin and select the available printer

Make sure the HP Print Service Plugin is installed and you have selected an active printer.

  1. Install the HP Print Service Plugin.

  2. Check the box to agree to the terms, tap Start, and then close the app.

  3. Open the file format you want to print.

  4. Tap the More icon , and then tap Print.

    The This printer isn't available right now error displays. Ignore the error.

  5. Tap the down arrow in the upper-right corner, and then select the available printer name that is not grayed out.

    Tapping the down arrow in the upper-right corner

  6. If necessary, change any settings, and then tap the Print icon.

    Tapping the Print icon in Android

  7. Select the HP Print Service Plugin option, tap OK, and then the document or photo prints.

    HP Print Service Plugin message

Restart your printer, router, and mobile device

Restart all devices to clear network and hardware error states.

  1. Turn off the printer, and then turn it on again.

  2. Disconnect the power cable from the router, wait ten seconds, reconnect the cable, and then wait for the internet connection to complete.

  3. Turn off your phone or tablet, and then turn it on again.

Troubleshoot the wireless printer connection

Check network issues and setup requirements if the printer is not found during software installs or when wireless print jobs fail.

  • Poor network connection: Move the printer and computer or mobile device closer to the wireless router, and then check if the signal quality improved. Try opening a website to see if the internet connection is working properly. If Wi-Fi is slow or intermittent, restart the router by disconnecting the power cord, waiting 15 seconds, and then reconnecting the cord.

  • Printer is off or in sleep mode: Touch the control panel menu or press the Power button to wake the printer and put it in a ready state. Sometimes the printer status might display Offline when it is actually ready.

  • Check the printer connection status: Make sure the wireless signal is on, and the printer is connected to the same network as your computer or mobile device. If your printer has a light next to a Wireless icon or button , make sure the light is on. If it is off or blinks the printer is disconnected from the network.

  • Reconnect the printer to the network: Place the printer within range of the Wi-Fi router signal, and then connect it to the network.

    • Printers with a touchscreen control panel: Open the Setup, Network, or Wireless settings menu, select Wireless Setup Wizard, and then follow the instructions to select the network name and enter the password.

    • Printers without a touchscreen control panel: Press and hold the Wireless button for five seconds or until the wireless light starts to flash. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the router until the connection process begins. The printer wireless light stops flashing when the connection completes.

    • HP Deskjet 6000 and 6400, ENVY 6000 and 6400, and Tango printers: Press and hold the Wi-Fi button and the Power button on the back of the printer for five seconds until the blue bar flashes. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS button on the router until the connection process begins. The blue bar stops flashing when the connection completes.

  • Restart devices: Restart the printer and the computer or mobile device to clear possible error conditions.

  • Print a Wireless Test Report: Search the HP Customer Support website for your printer model, and then search for self test page to find the document on how to print and evaluate the report.

  • Enable Bluetooth for an HP Smart app setup: Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device so that HP Smart can detect the printer during the setup.

Check print spooler settings and status (Android)

Make sure the print spooler is clear on your Android smartphone or tablet.

  1. In the Settings menu, tap Apps or Applications.

  2. Tap the More icon , and then tap Show System Apps.

  3. Tap Print Spooler. If Print Spooler is not an option, tap Storage, and then tap Print Spooler.

  4. Tap Clear Data or Force Stop.

  5. Restart your mobile device.

Use a different method to print

In some cases, the configuration of your mobile device is not compatible with an HP printing method.

If you cannot print, install the HP Smart app for a guided printer setup, or use Wi-Fi Direct if connecting through a local network is unsuccessful.

Additional support options

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