HP Print Service Plugin


Rating: 4.1	Downloads: 500,000,000+
Category: Productivity	Offer by: HP Inc.

The HP Print Service Plugin is a mobile application designed for Android devices to facilitate printing tasks directly from your phone or tablet to compatible HP printers using various wireless technologies. It enables users to send documents, photos, emails, and other files stored locally on their mobile device or retrieved from cloud services to their designated HP printer. This application is primarily for individuals and businesses looking to extend the printing capabilities from mobile devices without needing additional dedicated hardware like an HP Smart app configured printer.

The HP Print Service Plugin offers significant value by bridging the gap between mobile computing and traditional printing. Its appeal lies in providing a convenient way to manage and execute print jobs directly from your smartphone or tablet, saving time and reducing the need for manual intervention or using a computer as an intermediary. Users find it particularly practical for quick printing tasks on the go, such as printing a report during travel or sharing a presentation wirelessly in a meeting room equipped with an enabled HP printer.

App Features

P2P (Personal Printing) Support: This feature allows users to select a printer directly from their phone’s list of nearby, compatible HP printers, bypassing complex Wi-Fi setups. It significantly benefits users in shared environments by enabling them to print directly from their mobile device to a specific, authorized printer nearby, ensuring the right output reaches the right place instantly, even in locations with multiple similar models.
Built-in Document Handling: The plugin includes tools to view and configure print jobs directly within the app interface, supporting common file formats like PDF, JPG, TIF, and text files. This functionality improves usability by eliminating the need to transfer files via email or USB, streamlining the printing process for common document types and enhancing efficiency for everyday tasks.
Secure Print/Output: Users can set options to require authentication (like a PIN code) before their print job starts, ensuring documents are only printed by the intended recipient. This solves the problem of sensitive information accidentally printed or left unattended, enhancing security and privacy in office settings, especially useful for confidential emails or reports.
Cloud Document Printing: Seamlessly print content stored in services like HP ePrint, Google Drive, Dropbox, and others directly from the app without manual file transfers. This is typically used for quickly printing cloud-based reports or photos; its value lies in simplifying access to online content for printing, saving steps and time for users frequently interacting with these services on their mobile devices.
Multifunction Support: Beyond simple printing, the app allows users to copy, scan, and send fax jobs directly through their HP printer from their mobile device. This matters for users needing versatile device capabilities on the go, integrating functions like scanning documents to email directly, offering flexibility previously only available at a desk, and supporting a wider range of mobile productivity needs.
Background Print: Allows print jobs to be submitted even when the app is closed or the phone is locked, ensuring timely printing without interrupting the user. This supports overall app functionality by handling print tasks asynchronously, useful for submitting a print job before locking the phone or walking away, guaranteeing the job is processed once the printer is connected again.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Convenience and Mobility
Built-in Secure Printing Options
Wide Range of Cloud Service Compatibility
Direct P2P Printer Discovery and Connection

Cons:

Requires Specific Compatible HP Printers
Limited Advanced Settings Compared to Desktop Printing
Dependence on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Availability
Learning Curve for Complex Printing Scenarios

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
Google Cloud Print (Legacy)	Prioritized printing via cloud services, offering flexibility across different brands, though replaced by native OS features. Known for simple setup for remote printing tasks.
Printer Pro (Generic)
HP ePrint
Apple AirPrint	Integrates seamlessly with iOS devices, automatically discovering AirPrint-compatible printers without needing separate drivers or software installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What devices and operating systems does the HP Print Service Plugin support?

A: The Android version of the HP Print Service Plugin app supports select models of HP printers that have built-in wireless printing capabilities. It requires an Android device running a relatively recent operating system version. Please check the app listing or printer documentation for specific compatibility details.

Q: Do I need an active internet connection to use the HP Print Service Plugin?

A: While cloud printing features often benefit from an internet connection (to access cloud services), the core direct printing from your phone to an enabled HP printer typically only requires a local Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth connection between your mobile device and the printer for discovery and printing tasks.

Q: How do I install the HP Print Service Plugin if my printer already has wireless print enabled?

A: You can usually find the HP Print Service Plugin app directly in your Android device’s app store (Google Play Store). Installing this plugin app is necessary to establish the connection and communication between your Android device and specific types of wireless HP printers for direct printing.

Q: Can the HP Print Service Plugin print from cloud services like Google Drive directly?

A: Yes, one of the key features of the HP Print Service Plugin is the ability to print directly from various cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and HP ePrint. This saves you the step of downloading files first, making it convenient for sharing or printing documents stored online.

Q: Is the HP Print Service Plugin free to download and use?

A: The app is typically available for free download from its respective app store. However, the printing capabilities itself are generally enabled by the app, and you will need an enabled and connected HP printer to perform the actual printing. There might be specific printer consumables or paper costs, but the plugin software is usually free.