Since you're close by, the issue is likely with your phone's settings, not distance. Two key services need to be enabled for the HP Smart app to find the printer.
First, go into your phone's main settings (not the HP app). You need to turn on two things:
- Bluetooth: The app uses this to help discover the printer on your network.
- Location Services (or GPS): This also helps the software locate your network and the printer. You'll need to allow location access for the HP Smart app when it asks.
Once both are on, close the HP Smart app completely and reopen it, then try the setup process again.
If that didn't work: Double-check the printer's Wi-Fi light. If it's not blinking, the printer isn't in discovery mode. Swipe down on the printer's screen, go to Network Setup > Restore Network Settings, confirm, wait a minute, and try again from your phone.