Modern continuous inkjet systems such as HP Smart Tank 513, are designed for maximum battery life. The ability to print directly from a smartphone eliminates the need to find a cable or turn on a computer. However, initial setup of the wireless module often raises questions for users accustomed to wired connections.
To successfully sync your device with your mobile device, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. Any deviation from the algorithm may result in indicators The control panel will begin flashing, indicating a connection error. In this article, we'll walk you through all the activation steps in detail. Wi-Fi module and pairing with the phone.
The setup process doesn't require in-depth technical knowledge, but it does require attention to detail. We'll cover the method using a proprietary app, which is the most reliable way to integrate the printer into your home network. We'll also cover the nuances of working with different operating systems.
Preparation of equipment and software
Before you start setting up wireless network, make sure the printer is physically ready for use. This includes unpacking, removing all shipping tape, and, crucially, installing the cartridges and priming the ink. If the printer is new, this step will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
Your smartphone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the MFP. Please note that most modern HP printers support the following standards: 2.4 GHz, and there may be difficulties with 5 GHz networks if the router doesn't have the ability to automatically reroute devices. Make sure that the [unclear] function is enabled on your phone. Bluetooth and geolocation, as the application uses them to locate the device.
The next step is downloading the necessary software. HP has abandoned legacy drivers in favor of a unified cross-platform solution. You'll need to download the app HP Smart from the official store (Google Play or App Store). This software is the key tool for managing all printer functions.
⚠️ Attention: If you have a dual-band router where the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks have different SSIDs, temporarily switch your phone to the 2.4 GHz network before starting setup. This will eliminate 90% of printer detection issues.
Don't forget to check your smartphone's battery level. The initial configuration process can take time, and a dead battery at a critical moment will interrupt the installation. digital certificate or updating the printer firmware, which will require repeating all the steps.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Activating the setup mode on the printer
For the phone to "see" the printer, the device must go into connection standby mode. On the control panel HP Smart Tank 513 The button with the wireless antenna icon is responsible for this. If the indicator next to it is solid blue, it means the printer is already connected to a network and needs to be reset first.
To enter setup mode, press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (X) simultaneously for 3 seconds. The power indicator may flash. After this, the Wireless button will start flashing blue. This means Wi-Fi Direct activated and the printer is broadcasting a signal for pairing.
There's an alternative menu method if the buttons on the case are missing or unresponsive. You can find the "Wireless" or "Network" option on the screen (if the model has a display) or by pressing a combination of buttons. However, for the 513 model, the most effective method is to hold down the buttons on the front panel.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware interfaces are subject to update. If the standard button combination doesn't work, consult the included user manual, as the manufacturer may have changed the logic for activating modes.
It's important to understand that the blinking blue light isn't an error, but a ready state. The printer is waiting for a command from an authorized device. In this state, it doesn't print, but rather establishes a connection. communication protocol.
What to do if the indicator is flashing orange?
Orange blinking usually indicates a hardware error or low ink. In setup mode, orange may indicate that the printer is unable to find the network or has lost its connection. Try moving the device closer to the router.
Pairing process via the HP Smart app
Launch the application HP Smart on your smartphone. If you're using it for the first time, you'll need to create an HP account or sign in to an existing one. This is required to activate advanced features and remote printing. After signing in to the main menu, tap the "Add Printer" button or the plus icon.
The app will begin scanning the surrounding area. Thanks to Bluetooth, the search will take a few seconds. Once your image appears on the screen, HP Smart Tank 513, click it. The system will prompt you to confirm the location—this is necessary for regional printing settings to work correctly.
The process of transferring Wi-Fi settings from your phone to the printer will then begin. Your phone will automatically send your network's SSID and password. At this point, the printer's indicator light may stop flashing and turn solid blue. This means IP address successfully received from the router.
In some cases, the application may prompt you to update your printer software. Firmware This firmware update contains important security fixes and Wi-Fi stability improvements. It is strongly recommended to accept the update with your phone connected to a charger, as the process can take up to 15 minutes.
Alternative connection methods (WPS and Wi-Fi Direct)
If automatic setup via the app doesn't work for some reason, you can use the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to connect your printer to your router without entering a password, using a physical button on the router.
Press the WPS button on your router, and then, within 2 minutes, press and hold the wireless button on the printer HP Smart Tank 513 until the indicator starts blinking. The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys. This method is especially useful if your phone is having trouble transmitting the password to the app.
Another option is to use technology Wi-Fi DirectIn this mode, the printer creates its own wireless network. You need to go to the Wi-Fi settings on your phone, find a network with a name like "HP-Print-513-Tank," and connect to it. The default password is often located on a sticker under the printer's case or on the printer's screen (if applicable).
| Connection method | Necessary actions | Advantages | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP Smart App | Scan QR or search via Bluetooth | Full control, remote printing | Requires HP account |
| WPS | Pressing buttons on the router and printer | Fast, no password required | Physical access to the router is required |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Connecting a printer to the network | Works without internet and router | There is no internet access on the phone while printing. |
| USB cable | Physical connection to PC | Maximum stability | Limited mobility |
Wi-Fi Direct is ideal for situations when the router is unavailable or you're visiting someone. However, keep in mind that in this mode, your phone will be disconnected from the global network if it has only one Wi-Fi antenna. For regular use at home, it's better to set up a connection through the router.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, problems may still occur. Most often, the problem lies in frequency rangeAs mentioned, the 513 series printers operate in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz or hides the 2.4 GHz network name, the printer simply won't see the access point.
The second common cause is antivirus software or a firewall on the router blocking new devices. Try temporarily disabling MAC address filtering or adding the printer to the list of allowed devices. MAC addresses You can find out the printer configuration by printing a configuration report (usually by pressing the "Information" and "Copy" buttons).
If the app says "Printer not found", try the following:
- 📱 Restart your smartphone and turn Bluetooth back on.
- 📶 Turn off mobile internet (4G/5G) on your phone, leaving only Wi-Fi.
- 🔄 Reboot the router by unplugging the power cord for 10 seconds.
- 🖨️ Reset the network settings on the printer (hold down Wireless and Cancel).
⚠️ Attention: If you experience frequent connection failures, check whether the printer is located near a microwave oven or other strong sources of interference. The 2.4 GHz signal is highly susceptible to interference from household appliances.
It's also worth checking whether your router has reached its maximum number of connected devices. In modern smart homes with dozens of gadgets, budget routers may refuse to assign IP addresses to new devices. In this case, expanding the DHCP address pool in the router settings can help.
Remote printing and additional features
After successful connection, opportunities open up remote printingYou can print documents from another room or even another city (provided the printer is connected to the internet, not just a local network via Wi-Fi Direct). To do this, activate the "Web Services" or "ePrint" feature in the HP Smart app.
The app also lets you scan documents directly to the cloud or your phone's memory. You can set up automatic saving of scanned files to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. This makes HP Smart Tank 513 into a full-fledged office tool.
An important feature is ink level monitoring. The app displays the remaining ink in the CISS tanks in real time. Furthermore, the HP Instant Ink system (if enabled in your region) can automatically order ink when the level drops below a critical threshold.
Don't forget about resource conservation. In the app settings, you can select "Draft" or "Economy Print" mode, which will significantly increase the ink life. This quality is more than sufficient for everyday text printing.
Is it possible to print without the Internet after setup?
Yes. After the initial setup and receiving an IP address from the router, the printer will work on the local network even if the ISP's internet connection is disconnected. The main thing is that the router is turned on.
Why won't my printer connect to the 5GHz network?
The HP Smart Tank 513's Wi-Fi module only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard, which operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. 5 GHz networks (802.11 ac/ax) are physically unavailable for this device. You'll need to switch your router to compatibility mode or use a 2.4 GHz guest network.
How do I reset Wi-Fi settings on an HP printer?
To reset network settings to factory defaults, press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (X) on the control panel for 3 seconds. The indicators will flash, and the network settings will be cleared. You will then need to repeat the pairing process.
Do I need a USB cable to set up Wi-Fi?
No, the HP Smart Tank 513 model does not require a USB cable and is not even included in the box in most regions. Setup is entirely wireless via the HP Smart app and your smartphone's Bluetooth.
What should I do if the wireless light is orange?
An orange light indicates an error. If it's constantly on, the Wi-Fi module may be damaged. If it's blinking, the connection or reset process is in progress. If the orange light remains on after attempting setup, try moving the printer away from the router (ironically, a strong signal can sometimes cause problems) or change the router's broadcast channel to 1, 6, or 11.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
The HP Smart app may not automatically detect a hidden network. In this case, you'll need to temporarily unhide the network in your router settings, configure the printer, and then unhide the network again. The printer will remember the settings and continue working.