HP PCs - Connecting Devices and Sharing Files Using HP Orbit

Introduction

HP Orbit bridges your phone, computer, and tablet to get things done while staying connected. The HP Orbit Canvas feature allows you to transfer files to your computer and mobile phone over your Wi-Fi network or LAN. This document describes how to get started and provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about HP Orbit.

Getting started

To get started with HP Orbit, you need a Windows 10 computer with the preinstalled HP Orbit app. You also need either an Android device (phone or tablet) running Android OS 4.1 or higher, and/or an iOS device (phone or tablet) running iOS 9.1 or higher.

Step one: Start HP Orbit on the computer

Perform the following steps to start the HP Orbit app:

Use one of the following methods to start HP Orbit on your computer.
- Click the HP Orbit icon on the taskbar.
  
  Figure : HP Orbit icon on the taskbar
- Open HP Orbit from the Start menu:
  1. Click Start, and then click All apps in the lower-left corner.
  2. Scroll through the list of apps to locate HP Orbit (apps are listed in alphabetical order).
  3. Click the HP Orbit folder, and then click the HP Orbit icon to start the app.
    
    note:
    Right-click the app to pin to the taskbar or Start menu for easy access.
    
    Figure : Opening HP Orbit from the Start menu
Click Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions through the startup process. The app will display your code and Wi-Fi network. Your computer is now ready to pair with your Android or iOS device.

Figure : HP Orbit Get Started screen

Step two: Download and install the Android and iOS apps

Use the information in the following sections to download and install either the Android app or the iOS app.

Download the Android app

Use the following steps to download the Android app to your mobile device.

Use one of the following methods:
- Visit the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  
  Figure : Google Play icon on your Android device
- Click the Google Play link from the HP Orbit app on your computer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  
  Figure : Google Play link on your computer in the HP Orbit app
In the Google Play Store, search for the HP Orbit app.

Figure : Google Play Store Search box
In the Search results, select and install HP Orbit.

Figure : HP Orbit logo
After HP Orbit is installed, find the HP Orbit app in the apps list on your Android device, normally sorted alphabetically.

Figure : HP Orbit app in the app list
Hold down the HP Orbit app to move it to your home screen.

Figure : Move HP Orbit to the home screen

Download the iOS app

Use the following steps to download the iOS app to your mobile device.

Use one of the following methods:
- Visit the App Store on your iOS device.
  
  Figure : App Store icon on your iOS device
- Click the App Store link from the HP Orbit app on your computer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  
  Figure : App Store link on your computer in the HP Orbit app
In the App Store, search for HP Orbit.

Figure : App Store Search box
In the Search results, select and install HP Orbit.

Figure : HP Orbit logo
After HP Orbit is installed, find the HP Orbit app in the apps list on your iOS device.

Figure : HP Orbit app in the app list

Step 3: Pair your devices

Use the following information to pair your Android and iOS devices with the computer.

Pairing your PC and Android device

Before attempting to pair your devices, make sure both the computer and the Android device are on the same wireless network.

Then use the following steps:

Tap the HP Orbit icon on the Android home screen to open the app.

Figure : HP Orbit on the Android home screen
A pairing code displays on your computer desktop.

Figure : Example of the pairing code on the computer desktop
The HP Orbit Android app prompts you to enter the pairing code displayed in the computer app. Enter that code into the HP Orbit Android app in the space indicated, and then tap Pair.

Figure : Enter code in HP Orbit Android app
When connected, HP Orbit opens to Canvas.

Figure : HP Orbit Canvas

Pairing your PC and iOS device

Before attempting to pair your devices, make sure both the computer and the iOS device are on the same wireless network.

Then use the following steps:

Tap the HP Orbit icon on the iOS home screen to open the app.

Figure : HP Orbit on the iOS home screen
A pairing code displays on your computer desktop.

Figure : Example of the pairing code on the computer desktop
The HP Orbit iOS app prompts you to enter the pairing code displayed in the computer app. Enter that code into the HP Orbit iOS app in the space indicated, and then tap Pair.

Figure : Enter code in HP Orbit iOS app
When connected, HP Orbit opens to Canvas.

Figure : HP Orbit Canvas

Step 4: Transfer between devices

Use the following methods to share files between your devices with HP Orbit.

Transferring files from the computer

With Canvas, you can transfer many types of files, including the following:

Text documents such as Word files
Spreadsheets such as Excel files
Graphics such as JPG files
Online video links
News sites and other URLs
Music such as MP3 files
Text messages and notes

Use one of the following methods to share files from the computer:

Drag and drop your files - text documents, spreadsheets, graphics, and media links to videos or music - onto Orbit Canvas. When you drag a file over Canvas, the screen changes and a message appears - Drop files here.

Figure : Canvas showing where to drop files
Right-click the file and select Send to Orbit from the menu.

Figure : Select Send to HP Orbit in the menu
Send a link or write a note.
- Place the cursor in the Send a link or write a note field.
  
  Figure : Send a link or write a note field
- Type your text. For example, type a message or paste a copied URL.
- Press Enter.

When the transfer is complete, the Orbit Canvas on your Android or iOS device shows the new file as a tile on Canvas. Swipe down from the top of the screen to retrieve new shared files, if necessary.

Transferring files from the Android device

On your Android device, open the HP Orbit app by tapping the icon on the home screen.

Tap the Add

icon in the lower-right corner of the HP Orbit screen.

Figure : Add icon

Use one of the following options to transfer files:

Transferring with the Images icon
1. Tap the Images icon.
  
  Figure : Images icon
2. Choose a source folder such as My Files or Gallery.
3. Choose a file, either an image or a document file.
4. Tap Send.
Transferring with the Camera icon
1. Tap the Camera icon.
  
  Figure : Camera icon
2. When the camera function opens, take a photo.
3. Save the photo.
  
  note:
  HP Orbit saves the image into itself, not to the device, so you won’t find it in My Files or Gallery.
4. Tap Send.
Transferring with Send a link or write a note
1. Place the cursor in the Send a link or write a note field.
  
  Figure : Send a link or write a note field
2. Type your text. For example, type a message or paste a copied URL.
3. Tap Send.

When the transfer is complete, HP Orbit Canvas on the computer shows the new file as a tile on Canvas. If Orbit Canvas is minimized, a pop-up window displays the message Image added… or Text added….

Figure : New file added notification

Transferring files from the iOS device

On your iOS device, open the HP Orbit app by tapping the icon on the home screen.

Tap the Add

icon in the upper-right corner of the HP Orbit screen.

Figure : Add icon

Use one of the following options to transfer files:

Transferring with the Images icon
1. Tap the Images icon.
  
  Figure : Images icon
2. Choose a source folder, such as Photos.
3. Choose a file, either an image or a document file.
4. Tap Send.
Transferring with the Camera icon
1. Tap the Camera icon.
  
  Figure : Camera icon
2. When the camera function opens, take a photo.
3. Save the photo.
4. Tap Send.
Transferring with Send a link or write a note
1. Place the cursor in the Send a link or write a note field.
  
  Figure : Send a link or write a note field
2. Type your text. For example, type a message or paste a copied URL.
3. Tap Send.

When the transfer is complete, HP Orbit Canvas on the computer shows the new file as a tile on Canvas. If HP Orbit Canvas is minimized, a pop-up window displays the message Image added… or Text added….

Figure : New file added notification

Step 5: Work with your transferred files

Use the following information to view, share, save, and delete your transferred files.

Viewing transferred files

Left-click, right-click, or tap the tile in Canvas to open the file. Choose the app to Open with, if prompted.

Figure : Open a shared file for viewing

Deleting transferred files

The Orbit canvas is shared across all paired devices. Deleting content on one device will automatically remove it from all paired devices. Content saved from Orbit canvas to your local device storage (such as saving an image to your gallery or to your desktop) will not be removed.

Use one of the following methods:

Computer - To delete a file from Canvas using your computer, right-click a tile on Orbit Canvas and choose Delete from the menu.

Figure : Delete from the HP Orbit Canvas on the computer
Android device - To delete a file from Canvas using your Android device, tap to open the file, and then tap the Recycle bin icon in the upper-right corner.
iOS device - To delete a file from Canvas using your iOS device, press and hold the file, and then tap the Delete button from the pop-up menu. Press Delete again to confirm.

Figure : iOS Delete button

The content is deleted from all connected and paired devices immediately. If the content is not automatically deleted, refresh the app on either device to remove the deleted files from Canvas.

Sharing documents from the paired devices

You can further share documents from Canvas to other apps on any of your connected devices.

Android device - Sharing from Orbit canvas

Use the following information to share a file from Canvas with another app on your Android device.

Open the document.
Use one of the following:
- Click or tap the Send menu or Share icon.
  
  Choose the app to use to Share.
  
  Figure : Share menu
- Follow the Send or Share directions on the screen.

iOS device - Sharing from Orbit canvas

Use the following information to share from a file from Canvas with another app on your iOS device.

Open the document.
Press and hold the file. Select Share from the pop-up menu.
Choose the app to use for sharing.

Figure : iOS Share menu
Follow the Send or Share directions on the screen.

Saving transferred files

On the computer Orbit Canvas, you can save documents transferred from your Android or iOS device by dragging and dropping them to your desktop or by right-clicking the document tile and choosing Save as… from the menu.

If you plan to access Microsoft Office documents transferred from your computer to your Android or iOS device, you might want to prepare by first downloading the appropriate Microsoft Office apps from the Google Play Store or the App Store.

Open the document by tapping its tile on Canvas. Choose the Open with app, if prompted. The document opens in the appropriate Microsoft app, allowing you to use normal Microsoft Office menus.

note:
If the tile is a shared link, there is no specific Save option. Open the link in a browser and bookmark it.
Choose File. Then choose Save As… to save the transferred documents.

Figure : Microsoft Office Save As menu

Give HP your feedback

Use one of the following methods to give HP feedback about your HP Orbit Canvas experience:

Computer app

Use the following steps:

Click Settings in the upper-left corner.
Click Send Feedback.

Figure : Send Feedback in the Settings menu
Type your comments in the email window and click Send.

Android app

Use the following steps:

Tap Settings in the upper-right corner of Canvas.
Tap Send Feedback.

Figure : Settings in the HP Orbit for Android app
Type your comments in the email window, and tap Send.

iOS app

Use the following steps:

Tap Settings in the upper-left corner of Canvas.
Tap Send Feedback.

Figure : Settings in the HP Orbit for iOS app
Type your comments in the email window, and tap Send.

HP Orbit FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about HP Orbit in the following sections.

Windows computer issues

Use the information in this section to answer questions about Windows computer issues in HP Orbit.

Why do I get an error message saying that HP Support Assistant must be installed to use HP Orbit?

HP Support Assistant must be installed to use HP Orbit. Download and install HP Support Assistant. The latest version is available at the HP Support Assistant website.

Why do I get an error message after clicking Update Now?

HP Orbit uses HP Support Assistant to deliver updated versions. Make sure the HP Support Assistant window is closed, restart HP Orbit, and click Update Now again.

What does making my PC discoverable mean?

Changing your computer network to Private means that other computers on the same network can see your computer in the network list. Other users cannot see your personal files, but can see any files or folders you’ve made public including shared folders.

HP recommends that you use the Public setting when using Wi-Fi networks other than your home or work network.

Android device issues

Use the information in this section to answer questions about Android device issues in HP Orbit.

Why do I get a setup error when trying to install HP Orbit on my Android device?

HP Orbit does not work with versions of Android OS older than 4.1. Verify that your device is running Android version 4.1 or higher.

iOS device issues

Use the information in this section to answer questions about iOS device issues in HP Orbit.

Why do I get a setup error when trying to install HP Orbit on my iOS device?

HP Orbit does not work with versions of iOS older than 9.1. Verify that your device is running iOS version 9.1 or higher.

Pairing Issues

Use the information in this section if you are having problems pairing your devices in HP Orbit.

Why can’t I initiate pairing from my computer?

Pairing is initiated from the Android or iOS device, not the computer.

Why can’t my Android or iOS device find my computer?

Both devices must be on the same wireless network. Make sure that both devices are on the same wireless network. If the problem persists, reboot both devices.

My Android or iOS device is asking me to enter a pairing code. Where do I find that?

The pairing code appears in a pop-up window on the computer you chose to pair with.

Why aren't my HP Orbit devices recognizing each other even though I’ve paired them before?

Use the following steps:

Make sure that both devices are on the same wireless network.
If the problem persists, restart your computer.
If the problem still persists, a third-party software firewall application installed on your computer might be blocking Orbit from communicating between your devices. The process for configuring software firewalls varies from product to product.

Search the help information provided with your software firewall application for instructions to create a firewall exception rule.
Create a firewall exception to allow incoming TCP traffic on ports 9955 and 13148.

Why isn't HP Orbit transferring my file?

Use the following steps:

Check the size of the file you are trying to transfer. There is a 30MB individual size limit for transferring files.
Check the available storage on your device to ensure you have enough free space to receive and save files.

Computer transfer issues

Use the information in this section if you are having problems sharing files from the computer in HP Orbit.

Where is my Canvas?

Use one of the following methods:

If HP Orbit is running, the icon displays in the system tray. Click the icon to open Canvas.
If HP Orbit is not running, click the shortcut on the taskbar or Start menu to open Canvas, or search for HP Orbit using Cortana.
Search for HP Orbit using Cortana.

Why won't drag and drop transfer my file to Canvas?

Hover the cursor holding the file over the middle of Canvas until the Drop to add to Canvas box appears. If you release the file over Canvas before the message box appears, the Add function fails.

Why can’t I add a file folder to Canvas so my folder can be transferred?

File folder transfers are currently not supported. The app supports sending groups of individual files and zip files only.

Where is the Send a link or write a note field?

The Send a link or write a note field is located at the top of the Canvas window.

Figure : Send a link or write a note field

Why is my file transfer so slow?

Check for the following:

You might be transferring too many items. Try transferring fewer files at a time.
Older networked devices that use the 802.11a/b/g protocol, which may include some routers, printers, tablets, or phones, might affect transfer speeds.
For the best experience, ensure your network devices use the latest protocols. Note that most devices manufactured after 2010 will have the latest protocols.

Android transfer issues

Use the information in this section if you are having problems transferring files with your Android device.

Where is the Add icon so I can begin transferring from my Android device?

Locate the Add

icon in the lower-right corner of the HP Orbit screen.

Figure : Add icon

Where is the Images icon?

Locate the Images

icon on the left side of the screen directly above the keyboard.

Figure : Images icon

Where is the Camera icon?

Locate the Camera

icon on the left side of the screen directly above the keyboard.

Figure : Camera icon

Where is the Send a link or write a note field?

Click the Add icon

in the lower-right corner of the screen and type a link or write a note.

Figure : Send a link or write a note field

Where is the Send button so I can transfer my selected file to my computer?

Locate the Send button in the upper-right corner of the Edit screen.

Why is my file transfer so slow?

Check for the following:

You might be transferring too many items. Try transferring fewer files at a time.
Older networked devices that use the 802.11a/b/g protocol, which may include some routers, printers, tablets, or phones, might affect transfer speeds.
For the best experience, ensure your network devices use the latest protocols. Note that most devices manufactured after 2010 will have the latest protocols.

iOS transfer issues

Use the information in this section if you are having problems transferring files with your iOS device.

Where is the Add icon so I can begin transferring from my iOS device?

Locate the Add

icon in the upper-right corner of the HP Orbit screen.

Figure : Add icon

Where is the Images icon?

Locate the Images

icon on the left side of the screen directly above the keyboard.

Figure : Images icon

Where is the Camera icon?

Locate the Camera

icon on the left side of the screen directly above the keyboard.

Figure : Camera icon

Where is the Send a link or write a note field?

Click the Add icon

in the upper-right corner of the screen and type a link or write a note.

Figure : Send a link or write a note field

Where is the Send button so I can transfer my selected file to my computer?

Locate the Send button in the upper-right corner of the Edit screen.

Why is my file transfer so slow?

Check for the following:

You might be transferring too many items. Try transferring fewer files at a time.
Older networked devices that use the 802.11a/b/g protocol, which may include some routers, printers, tablets, or phones, might affect transfer speeds.
For the best experience, ensure your network devices use the latest protocols. Note that most devices manufactured after 2010 will have the latest protocols.

File viewing issues

Use the information in this section if you are having problems viewing shared files in HP Orbit.

Why can't I get the transferred file to open on my computer?

Use one of the following methods:

Click the tile in Canvas to open the file with the default app.
Right-click the tile in Canvas to open a menu of options. Choose Open. Choose an Open with app, if prompted.

Why can’t I get the shared file to open on my Android device?

Tap the tile in Canvas to open the file. Choose an Open with app, if prompted.

Why can’t I get the shared file to open on my iOS device?

Tap the tile in Canvas to open the file. Choose an Open with app, if prompted.

File deleting issues

Use the information in this section if you are having problems deleting files in HP Orbit.

Why can't I delete a transferred file from Canvas on my computer?

On the computer, right-click the tile in Canvas to open a menu of options. Choose Delete from the menu.

Figure : Delete

Why can’t I get delete a transferred file from Canvas on my Android device?

Press and hold the tile in Canvas to select the file. Then tap the Trash

icon in the upper-right corner to delete.

You might need to restart the app on your Android device to refresh Canvas.

Why can’t I get delete a transferred file from Canvas on my iOS device?

Press and hold the tile in Canvas to select the file. Then tap Delete in the pop-up menu.

You might need to restart the app on your iOS device to refresh Canvas.

Send and share issues

Use this information if you are having problems sending or sharing files in HP Orbit.

Why can't I share a file on Canvas with another app on my Android device?

To share a file on Canvas with another app on your Android device, press and hold the tile in Canvas to select the file. With the file selected, click the Share

icon in the upper-right corner and select an app from the menu.

Why can't I share a file on Canvas with another app on my iOS device?

To share a file on Canvas with another app on your iOS device, press and hold the tile in Canvas to select the file. With the file selected, click the Share in the pop-up menu.

File saving issues

Use the information in this section if you are having problems saving shared files in HP Orbit.

Why can't I save a transferred file on my computer?

Use the following steps:

Drag and drop the file from the tile on Canvas to your desktop.
Right-click the tile in Canvas to bring up a menu of options.
Choose Save as and select the location where you want to save the file.

Why can't I save a transferred file on my Android device?

Use the following steps:

Press and hold the tile in Canvas to select the file.
With the tile selected, click the Download icon in upper-right corner.

The file is saved to your Downloads folder.

Why can't I save a transferred file on my iOS device?

Use the following steps:

Press and hold the tile in Canvas to select the file.
With the tile selected, click Download in the pop-up menu to save the file.

Feedback issues

Use the following information to send HP Orbit feedback to HP.

How do I send feedback from Canvas on my computer?

Click the Settings

icon in the upper-left corner of Canvas and click Send Feedback.

How do I send feedback from Canvas on my Android device?

Tap Settings

in the upper-right corner of Canvas and tap Send Feedback.

If a default email app is not set up on your device, send email to orbitfeedback@hp.com.

How do I send feedback from Canvas on my iOS device?

Tap Settings

in the upper-left corner of Canvas and tap Send Feedback.

If a default email app is not set up on your device, send email to orbitfeedback@hp.com.

Installation issues

Use the information in this section to answer questions about installing and reinstalling HP Orbit.

How do I uninstall the HP Orbit App from my computer?

Use the following steps:

Open the Start menu on your computer.
Search for and open Control Panel.
Select Programs and Features or Uninstall a program.
Scroll to HP Orbit in the list of installed apps.
Right-click HP Orbit and select Uninstall.

How do I reinstall the HP Orbit app on my computer?

Use the following steps:

Search for and open HP Recovery Manager.
Under the Help column, click Reinstall drivers and/or applications.
Scroll down the list of apps to find HP Orbit.
Select the checkbox and click Install.

Other HP Orbit issues

If you have encountered some other error or your issue is still not resolved, contact HP Support.