How to Remove a Device from HP Smart App on PC: A Comprehensive Guide
HP Smart is a versatile application designed to streamline your printing and scanning experience across various devices. It allows you to manage your HP printers, scanners, and even perform tasks like printing photos, scanning documents, and ordering supplies directly from your computer. However, there might be instances where you need to remove a device from the HP Smart app. Perhaps you’ve replaced a printer, moved it to a different network, or simply want to declutter your device list. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to remove a device from the HP Smart app on your PC, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
Why Remove a Device from HP Smart?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s briefly discuss why you might want to remove a device from the HP Smart app:
* **Device Replacement:** You’ve upgraded to a new printer or scanner and want to remove the old one from the app.
* **Network Changes:** The printer has been moved to a different Wi-Fi network, and the app is still trying to connect to the old network.
* **Troubleshooting Connection Issues:** Removing and re-adding the device can sometimes resolve connectivity problems.
* **Decluttering:** Over time, you might accumulate several devices in the app, some of which are no longer in use. Removing them can make the app cleaner and easier to navigate.
* **Security Concerns:** If you suspect a device might be compromised, removing it from the app can be a precautionary measure.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
* **A Windows PC:** This guide is specifically for removing devices from the HP Smart app on a Windows computer.
* **HP Smart App Installed:** Make sure you have the HP Smart app installed on your PC. If not, you can download it from the Microsoft Store.
* **HP Account Credentials:** You’ll need your HP account username and password if you’re signed in to the HP Smart app. If you haven’t created one, it’s recommended to do so for full functionality.
* **Internet Connection:** A stable internet connection is required for the HP Smart app to communicate with your HP account and devices.
* **Administrative Privileges (Optional):** In some cases, administrative privileges might be required to make changes to the app or device settings. However, removing a device typically doesn’t require them.
Step-by-Step Guide: Removing a Device from HP Smart App on PC
Follow these detailed steps to remove a device from the HP Smart app on your Windows PC:
Method 1: Removing a Device Directly from the HP Smart App
This is the most straightforward method for removing a device.
1. **Open the HP Smart App:** Locate the HP Smart app icon on your desktop, in the Start Menu, or in the taskbar and click on it to launch the application. If you can’t find it, search for “HP Smart” in the Windows search bar.
2. **Ensure You Are Logged In:** If you aren’t already logged in, the app will prompt you to sign in with your HP account. Enter your username (email address) and password, and click “Sign In.” If you don’t have an account, you can create one for free.
3. **Identify the Device You Want to Remove:** Once logged in, you’ll see a list of devices connected to your HP Smart account. This list includes printers, scanners, and other compatible devices. Carefully identify the device you want to remove. Make sure you select the correct device to avoid accidentally removing the wrong one.
4. **Access Device Settings:** Once you have identified the device, there are typically two ways to access the device settings. The exact wording or appearance might vary slightly depending on the version of the HP Smart app you are using.
* **Option A: Three Dots/More Options:** Look for three vertical dots (often referred to as an ellipsis) or a “More Options” link near the device icon. Click on these dots or the link.
* **Option B: Device Image:** Sometimes, clicking directly on the image of the device itself will bring up the device settings.
5. **Locate the “Remove Printer” or “Remove Device” Option:** After accessing the device settings, you will need to find the option to remove the device. This option might be labeled differently depending on the version of the app. Common labels include:
* “Remove Printer”
* “Remove Device”
* “Delete Printer”
* “Forget Device”
The location of this option can also vary. It might be in a dropdown menu, a settings panel, or a separate tab.
6. **Confirm the Removal:** Once you click on the “Remove Printer” or similar option, a confirmation prompt will appear. This prompt is a security measure to ensure you don’t accidentally remove a device. The prompt will usually ask something like, “Are you sure you want to remove this printer?” or “This will remove the device from your account. Continue?”
Carefully read the prompt and click “Yes,” “Remove,” “Delete,” or the equivalent confirmation button to proceed.
7. **Device Removed:** After confirming, the HP Smart app will remove the device from your account. The device should disappear from the list of connected devices in the app. You might see a brief loading message while the app processes the removal.
8. **Verify the Removal:** To ensure the device has been successfully removed, close the HP Smart app and reopen it. Check the list of connected devices to confirm that the device you removed is no longer listed. If the device still appears, repeat the steps above or try one of the alternative methods described below.
Method 2: Removing a Device Through HP Account Settings (Online)
This method involves accessing your HP account online and managing your connected devices from there.
1. **Open a Web Browser:** Launch your preferred web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
2. **Go to HP Connected Website:** In the address bar, type in the following URL: `https://www.hpconnected.com` or `https://myhp.hp.com`. These URLs might redirect you to the appropriate HP account management page for your region.
3. **Sign In to Your HP Account:** On the HP Connected website, click on the “Sign In” or “Log In” button. Enter the email address and password associated with your HP account. This is the same account you use to log in to the HP Smart app. If you have forgotten your password, click on the “Forgot Password” link and follow the instructions to reset it.
4. **Navigate to “My Devices” or “Printers”:** Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled “My Devices,” “Printers,” or something similar. The exact wording and location might vary depending on the layout of the HP Connected website. This section typically lists all the devices connected to your HP account.
5. **Identify the Device You Want to Remove:** In the list of devices, carefully locate the device you want to remove. Make sure you select the correct device to avoid accidentally removing the wrong one.
6. **Access Device Settings:** Click on the device you want to remove. This will usually open a page with more details about the device, including its model number, serial number, and connection status. It will also provide options for managing the device.
7. **Locate the “Remove” or “Delete” Option:** Look for an option to remove the device from your account. This option might be labeled “Remove,” “Delete,” “Unregister,” or something similar. It might be a button, a link, or an icon. The location can vary, so carefully examine the device settings page.
8. **Confirm the Removal:** When you click on the “Remove” or similar option, a confirmation prompt will appear. This prompt is a security measure to ensure you don’t accidentally remove the device. The prompt will usually ask something like, “Are you sure you want to remove this printer?” or “This will unregister the device from your account. Continue?”
Carefully read the prompt and click “Yes,” “Remove,” “Delete,” or the equivalent confirmation button to proceed.
9. **Device Removed:** After confirming, the HP Connected website will remove the device from your account. The device should disappear from the list of connected devices on the website. You might see a brief loading message while the website processes the removal.
10. **Verify the Removal in HP Smart App:** To ensure the device has been successfully removed, open the HP Smart app on your PC. Check the list of connected devices to confirm that the device you removed is no longer listed. If the device still appears, try restarting the HP Smart app or your computer. If it persists, contact HP support for assistance.
Method 3: Removing a Device by Resetting the HP Smart App
If the above methods don’t work, you can try resetting the HP Smart app. This will clear the app’s data and settings, effectively removing all connected devices.
1. **Close the HP Smart App:** Make sure the HP Smart app is completely closed before proceeding. If it’s running in the background, right-click on the app icon in the system tray (lower-right corner of your screen) and select “Exit” or “Close.”
2. **Open Windows Settings:** Click on the Start button (the Windows logo) in the lower-left corner of your screen. Then, click on the gear icon to open the Windows Settings app.
3. **Go to Apps:** In the Windows Settings app, click on “Apps.” This will open a list of all the apps installed on your computer.
4. **Find HP Smart in the List:** Scroll through the list of apps until you find “HP Smart.” You can also use the search bar at the top of the Apps list to quickly locate the app.
5. **Click on HP Smart:** Click on the “HP Smart” app in the list. This will expand the app options.
6. **Click on “Advanced options”:** Under the HP Smart app, you will see an “Advanced options” link. Click on it.
7. **Reset the App:** In the Advanced options, scroll down until you find the “Reset” section. This section has a “Reset” button. Click on the “Reset” button. A warning message will appear stating that this will permanently delete the app’s data, including your preferences and sign-in details.
8. **Confirm the Reset:** Read the warning message carefully and click “Reset” again to confirm. The app will now be reset to its default settings.
9. **Open the HP Smart App:** After the reset is complete, open the HP Smart app. You will be prompted to sign in with your HP account again. The app will be like new, with no devices connected.
10. **Add Devices (Optional):** If you want to use the HP Smart app with your printers or scanners, you will need to add them again. Follow the app’s instructions to add your devices. The app will typically search for nearby devices or allow you to add them manually by entering their IP address or hostname.
Method 4: Uninstalling and Reinstalling the HP Smart App
This is the most drastic method, but it can be effective if other methods fail. Uninstalling the HP Smart app will completely remove it from your computer, along with all its data and settings.
1. **Close the HP Smart App:** Make sure the HP Smart app is completely closed before proceeding. If it’s running in the background, right-click on the app icon in the system tray (lower-right corner of your screen) and select “Exit” or “Close.”
2. **Open Windows Settings:** Click on the Start button (the Windows logo) in the lower-left corner of your screen. Then, click on the gear icon to open the Windows Settings app.
3. **Go to Apps:** In the Windows Settings app, click on “Apps.” This will open a list of all the apps installed on your computer.
4. **Find HP Smart in the List:** Scroll through the list of apps until you find “HP Smart.” You can also use the search bar at the top of the Apps list to quickly locate the app.
5. **Click on HP Smart:** Click on the “HP Smart” app in the list. This will expand the app options.
6. **Click on “Uninstall”:** Under the HP Smart app, you will see an “Uninstall” button. Click on it. A confirmation prompt will appear asking if you are sure you want to uninstall the app.
7. **Confirm the Uninstall:** Click “Uninstall” again to confirm. The app will now be uninstalled from your computer.
8. **Restart Your Computer (Recommended):** After uninstalling the HP Smart app, it is recommended to restart your computer. This will ensure that all traces of the app are removed from your system.
9. **Download and Install HP Smart Again:** After restarting, open the Microsoft Store. Search for “HP Smart” and download and install the app. Make sure you download the official HP Smart app.
10. **Sign In and Add Devices (Optional):** Once the app is installed, open it. You will be prompted to sign in with your HP account. After signing in, you will need to add your printers and scanners again. Follow the app’s instructions to add your devices.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter while removing a device from the HP Smart app and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Device Not Removing:** If the device doesn’t remove after following the steps, try restarting the HP Smart app, your computer, and your printer. Also, ensure your internet connection is stable.
* **Error Messages:** If you encounter error messages during the removal process, note the error code and message. Search online for the specific error to find potential solutions. HP’s support website is a good resource.
* **HP Smart App Not Responding:** If the HP Smart app is not responding, try closing it and reopening it. If that doesn’t work, restart your computer. If the issue persists, try resetting or reinstalling the app.
* **Cannot Sign In to HP Account:** If you cannot sign in to your HP account, ensure you are using the correct email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” link to reset it. Also, check your internet connection.
* **Printer Still Shows Up After Removal:** If the printer still shows up in the HP Smart app after removing it, try removing it from the Windows Devices and Printers settings. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click on the printer, and select “Remove device.”
Preventing Future Issues
Here are some tips to prevent future issues with the HP Smart app:
* **Keep HP Smart App Updated:** Regularly check for updates to the HP Smart app in the Microsoft Store and install them. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.
* **Keep Printer Firmware Updated:** Ensure your HP printer’s firmware is up to date. You can usually update the firmware through the printer’s control panel or through the HP Smart app.
* **Maintain a Stable Network Connection:** A stable internet connection is crucial for the HP Smart app to function properly. Ensure your Wi-Fi network is reliable and that your printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
* **Use a Strong Password for Your HP Account:** Protect your HP account with a strong and unique password to prevent unauthorized access.
* **Remove Unused Devices Regularly:** Periodically review the list of devices connected to your HP account and remove any devices that are no longer in use.
Conclusion
Removing a device from the HP Smart app on your PC is a relatively simple process, but it’s essential to follow the steps carefully to avoid any issues. By using the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage your connected devices and keep your HP Smart app organized. Whether you’re replacing a printer, troubleshooting connection problems, or simply decluttering your device list, this guide provides the information you need to successfully remove a device from the HP Smart app. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that arise and take preventative measures to avoid future problems. By keeping your HP Smart app up to date and maintaining a stable network connection, you can ensure a smooth and efficient printing and scanning experience.