What is HP SmartFriend, A Complete Overview

Everyone needs some tech help from time to time. Whether your router has connection issues or a stubborn virus hijacked your PC, it’s comforting to know you have an expert-level tech team at your service. And that’s exactly what you get with HP SmartFriend.

We provide solutions to computer frustrations so you don’t have to take your device to a repair shop. In our HP SmartFriend review, we’ll explain how this service changes the game for tech support and what you can expect when you sign up.

• What is HP SmartFriend and how does it work?
• How much does HP SmartFriend cost?
• What services does HP SmartFriend cover?
• Benefits of HP SmartFriend
• What if you don’t need HP SmartFriend?

HP SmartFriend is a subscription service with a monthly fee that covers your tech devices. The subscription provides 24/7 access to knowledgeable tech experts who can answer questions, troubleshoot common tech problems, and perform basic maintenance. The support is virtual, so you don’t need to make an appointment for someone to come into your home, or disconnect your devices to take them to a repair location.

If the tech agent can walk you through the solution, they will take that route. If they can’t get you up and running, then they will use their tech tools to repair your PC through remote access. Even if you are not a computer whiz, the HP SmartFriend team can get you back on track.

Note: You need an internet connection for remote support. If you can’t get online, your HP SmartFriend support team can assist you over the phone.

Pricing is flexible to meet your unique needs. There are the 3 plans available:

•    Individual plan at $14.99 per month, which includes support for 1 device
•    Family plan at $29.99 per month, which includes support for up to 4 computers and tablets
•    One-time fee of $99.99 to resolve a single issue for 1 device without recurring monthly charges. Guaranteed for 30 days after your service call.

With a monthly plan, you can call when you need help, and your device is covered. Before you sign up for HP SmartFriend, think about how much you’ll use it and how many devices you need to cover.

If you don’t think you’ll need help very often, you can use the one-time pricing option for those times when you need it, such as migrating to a new PC or setting up parental controls. With HP SmartFriend you can avoid repair shop service call fees since our one-time fee is much lower than a typical service call from a repair shop or even their hourly rate. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing the cost up front, before you even make the call.

Whether you have some simple questions or you’re experiencing PC performance issues, the HP SmartFriend team is there for you. They provide support for any brand of computers, too, not just HP. Troubleshoot your Dell or Apple computer with us, the HP SmartFriend team knows them all.

Here are some of the most commonly used services:

1. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND SETUP

Did you just get a new game or office productivity app? From knowing where to install it on your PC to setting it up just right for your needs, the tech team can walk you through it all. Also, if it’s a newer version of an older app, they can help remove the outdated software and ensure you get off to a good start.

2. INTERNET AND NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING

Does your internet connection drop frequently? Are you experiencing a DNS error or are you locked out of your WiFi network? Router and connection issues are often complicated because there are so many potential causes. Let the HP team troubleshoot the issue and get you back online more quickly and easily than if you try to fix it yourself.

3. BLOCK TRACKING COOKIES

Have you ever visited an online retailer, only to see ads for that site on every other website you visit? This means you are being tracked, and the HP team can help you block tracking cookies and give you your privacy back.

4. PARENTAL CONTROL HELP

Whether you want to keep your kids offline after dark or you want to block harmful content, HP can help you secure your home network in a way that helps you sleep better at night. From passwords to router settings, there’s a safer way for your family to stream, surf, and chat. The answer is usually a simple tweak to your existing settings, too, and it’s one you can update on your own after learning how it works.

5. SOCIAL MEDIA PRIVACY

Do you really know who can see your Facebook posts? Are you sharing them publicly without realizing it? From social media pros to newbies, it’s important to get your settings right to protect your information and help you stay private when it matters. The HP SmartFriend app is here to help with your mobile devices, too.

6. HOW-TO WALK-THROUGHS

Have you ever read a tech article and struggled to do the task in real life? The HP team will help you handle these tech issues by walking you through, step by step. If it requires a more specialized level of tech knowledge, they can take over, but their friendly, encouraging approach is something to look forward to when you call.

7. VIRUS REMOVAL

What's the difference between a virus, malware, spyware, and ransomware? The HP team knows and will set up the right software to protect your devices and remove any nasty issues lurking within your computer. You don't have to wait until your device is infected either. HP SmartFriend can help you fine-tune your firewall and antivirus protection settings – well before something happens.

8. PC MIGRATION

If you recently purchased a new PC, you know that it’s a blank slate that doesn’t yet contain all of your favorite programs and important files from your old computer. The HP team can help you perform a migration, which is the process of moving everything over from your old PC to your new one. From software licenses to your favorite photos, we can help you reduce frustration and get you back to using your PC in a jiffy.

Experiencing issues with your PC? No matter the brand of your PC, device, or accessory, HP technicians can help. Here’s how.

1. ACCESSIBLE

If you install HP Support Assistant on your HP computer, you can use the app to reach an HP SmartFriend service contact directly. You can also use the secure online web portal or chat app. If your internet isn’t working, you can use a separate mobile device or your landline to reach our call center, and the phone reps can walk you through your issues.

2. AFFORDABLE

Starting at just $14.99 per month, the service pays for itself in just one or two calls each year. With many IT professionals charging $100 to $200 an hour, it's easy to get a return on your investment. Many people wait until problems are unsolvable to reach out to a tech professional. If you have us on call, you can take care of issues as they come up.

The HP SmartFriend team is available any time as part of your monthly fee, so you can reach out with questions or for advice before your issue becomes too costly or complicated to handle remotely. From virus removal to software updates, being proactive and handling issues now is important for the life of your computer and your family's data security.

3. RELIABLE

Unlike advice from an internet forum or an outdated article, HP SmartFriend’s advice is accurate, up-to-date, and appropriate for your unique situation. They aren’t just knowledgeable about HP PCs, either. You can cover any device from any manufacturer, and feel secure knowing we can advise you when needed.

4. TIME-SAVING

More tech-knowledgeable consumers can probably figure out how to change their Facebook settings or keep the kids off the WiFi after midnight. But you lose time when you try to do it all yourself without prior knowledge. What could you do with those minutes or hours you spend trying to find just the right instructions for your specific PC or router?

The HP SmartFriend team has experience with all these things and can tell you within minutes the best way to handle your issue. They will help you get back to being productive in much less time than if you had to figure it all out on your own. It's also much quicker than scheduling an appointment with a local shop, which may include dismantling your setup and carting your devices across town.

Even if you consider yourself a tech-savvy person, there may come a time when you don’t have the latest knowledge of how to handle a new virus, router glitch, or social media setting. For those who normally handle these things on their own, HP SmartFriend offers value in the time it saves you from researching the latest tips and going through a trial-and-error ordeal.

HP SmartFriend is also a great gift for relatives who may call you for advice on how to deal with pop-ups or internet connection errors. Buying a subscription for a college student or older loved one can show that you care, and it ensures they get the right kind of help from the start.

Learn more about the HP SmartFriend service here.