Connecting the HP Smart Tank 500 to Wi-Fi: A Complete Walkthrough with Pictures and Tips

Printer HP Smart Tank 500 With a continuous ink supply system (CIS), the Continuous Ink Supply System (CIS) has become a popular solution for home and small offices due to its low cost and high quality. However, many users experience difficulties when first connecting the device to a wireless network. Unlike traditional inkjet printers, the Smart Tank 500 requires a special approach to setting up Wi-Fi due to its unique firmware and interface HP Smart.

In this article we will look at all possible connection methods — from the standard method via the app to manual configuration via the printer control panel. We will pay special attention to typical errors (for example, code 0x6100004a (or a blinking Wi-Fi indicator) and how to fix them. If your router is operating at a frequency 5 GHz, and the printer does not support it - here you will find a solution.

The material is relevant for firmware HP Smart Tank 500 versions 2305A and newer (check your version in the menu Settings → Printer Information). The instructions have been tested on routers. TP-Link Archer C6, Keenetic Ultra And ASUS RT-AX55, but are suitable for most modern routers.

1. Prepare the printer and network before connecting

Before you begin setting up Wi-Fi, make sure you have completed the following steps: basic conditions:

• 📦 Unpack the printer and remove all shipping locks (usually orange). In the model Smart Tank 500 There are two of them: under the scanner lid and inside the ink compartment.
• 🔌 Plug the printer into a power outlet without using extension cords - power surges may interrupt the setup process.
• 📶 Check that the router is turned on and distributing the network within the range 2.4 GHz. Printer HP Smart Tank 500 does not support 5 GHz and encrypted networks WPA3-Enterprise.
• 📱 Install the application HP Smart (available for Android, iOS And Windows) - it will be required for most connection methods.

If your router is working in dual-band mode (simultaneously 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz under one network name), temporarily disable the range 5 GHz in your router settings. This will prevent connection conflicts. After setting up the printer, you can turn it back on. 5 GHz.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer was previously connected to a different Wi-Fi network, reset the network settings by pressing and holding the button Wi-Fi (📶) on the printer panel for 10 seconds, until the indicator starts flashing quickly.

2. Method 1: Connecting via the HP Smart app (recommended)

This is the most reliable method that works in 90% of cases. Application HP Smart Automatically detects the printer model and suggests optimal settings.

Steps to connect:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it is fully initialized (it stops making sounds and all indicators stop flashing).
2. Open the app HP Smart on your smartphone or PC. If the printer is not detected automatically, click Add a printer (+ icon).
3. Select Setting up a new printer → Smart Tank 500.
4. The app will prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network. Make sure your smartphone is connected to the same network you want to connect the printer to.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password (if required) and wait for the process to complete. Indicator Wi-Fi the printer light should be on in blue without blinking.

If an error appears at the password entry stage Failed to connect to the network, check:

• 🔐 The password you entered is correct (case-sensitive!).
• 📵 No Cyrillic characters or special symbols (#$,% etc.) in the network name (SSID).
• 🔄 Restart your router and printer, then try again.

The printer is turned on and ready for setup|

Smartphone/PC is connected to 2.4 GHz network|

HP Smart app updated to latest version|

The network name (SSID) does not contain spaces or Cyrillic letters|

Wi-Fi password at hand-->

3. Method 2: Connecting via WPS (without entering a password)

If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can connect the printer without entering a password. This method takes less than 2 minutes, but it does not work on all router models.

Instructions:

1. Make sure the indicator light on the router is on. WPS (usually indicated by the 🔄 icon or WPS).
2. On the printer HP Smart Tank 500 press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) during 3 seconds, until the indicator starts flashing.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router. The indicators on both devices should flash and then stabilize.
4. Wait for the indicator Wi-Fi the printer will light up blue (connection successful) or orange (error).

If the indicator is blinking orange, repeat the process or try another method. Some routers (e.g., Zyxel Keenetic) require preliminary WPS activation in the web interface (192.168.1.1).

⚠️ Attention: WPS is vulnerable to hacking, so we recommend disabling this feature in your router settings after connecting the printer. Use WPS only for initial setup.

4. Method 3: Manual connection via the printer panel

If you don't have access to the application HP Smart If WPS isn't working, you can enter the Wi-Fi settings through the printer's screen. This method takes longer, but is guaranteed to work if the information is entered correctly.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On the printer panel, press the button Settings (⚙️) → Net → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.
2. Select your network from the list. If it is not there, click Enter manually and specify the network name (SSID).
3. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard. Use the [key] to switch between upper and lower case. Shift (↑).
4. Confirm your input and wait for the connection to complete. If an error occurs, Failed to connect, check the password or restart the printer.

Features of the method:

• 🔤 The printer's on-screen keyboard is pressure-sensitive - please enter your password slowly.
• 🔍 If the network is not displayed in the list, make sure that the router is not hiding SSID (the checkbox must be unchecked in the router settings Hide network).
• 🔄 If the error persists, repeat the process from the beginning—the printer may "forget" the entered data after an error.

5. Troubleshooting connection errors

Even with the printer set up correctly HP Smart Tank 500 may produce errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to resolve them.

Error 0x6100004a (no connection to printer):

• 🔌 Check that the printer is turned on and the power light is on green.
• 📱 Restart your smartphone/PC and the app HP Smart.
• 🔄 Reset the printer's network settings (hold down the button Wi-Fi 10 seconds).

The printer does not find a Wi-Fi network:

• 📡 Make sure your router is distributing the network within the range 2.4 GHz (the printer doesn't see it) 5 GHz).
• 🔍 Check if the network name is hidden (SSID) in the router settings.
• 📌 If you use guest network, disable it - the printer does not support connection to such networks.

The Wi-Fi indicator is flashing orange:

• 🔑 Check your network password (it may have been changed in your router settings).
• 🔄 Restart your router and printer simultaneously (turn them off for 30 seconds).
• 📋 Update your printer firmware via HP Smart or the official website HP.

What should I do if my printer is connected to Wi-Fi but won't print?

If the indicator Wi-Fi Lights up blue, but no print jobs are executed:

1. Check if the printer is installed as default printer in the settings of your PC/smartphone.

2. Make sure there are no stuck jobs in the print queue (open Devices and printers → View the print queue).

3. Reinstall the printer driver from the official website HP, choosing a model Smart Tank 500.

4. If you are printing from a smartphone, make sure that the device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

6. Additional settings after connection

Once you have successfully connected to Wi-Fi, we recommend that you perform a few steps to optimization of work:

• 📲 Update firmware: In the appendix HP Smart go to Printer Settings → Software UpdateThe latest firmware fixes connection errors and adds new features.
• 🖨️ Set up cloud printing: IN HP Smart activate HP ePrint - this will allow you to print from any device via email.
• 🔒 Protect your printer: In the printer network settings (Settings → Network → Security) Enable MAC address filtering to prevent unauthorized access.
• 📊 Ink Monitoring: Turn on low ink alerts in HP Smartto refill the tanks in time.

If you plan to use the printer in an office with multiple users, set it up public access:

1. On PC with Windows open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
2. Right click on HP Smart Tank 500 → Printer Properties → Access.
3. Mark Share this printer and come up with a network name (for example, HP_Office).
4. On other PCs on the same network, add the printer via \\computer_name\printer_name.

⚠️ Attention: When setting up sharing, make sure all computers are on the same working group (default - WORKGROUP). Otherwise, the printer will not be detected.

7. Alternative connection methods (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

If connecting via Wi-Fi is not possible (for example, due to router incompatibility), use alternative methods:

1. USB connection:

• 🔌 Connect the printer and PC with a cable USB 2.0 (included in the kit).
• 🖥️ Install the driver from the official website HP (select model Smart Tank 500).
• 📄 Print as if you had a local printer.

2. Connection via Ethernet (LAN):

• 🌐 Printer HP Smart Tank 500 has a port Ethernet (RJ-45). Connect it to the router or switch with a patch cord.
• 🔧 In the printer settings (Network → Ethernet) turn on Obtaining IP automatically (DHCP).
• 📡 The printer will be available to all devices on the local network.

3. Cloud Printing (HP ePrint):

• ☁️ Activate the feature in HP Smart and get a unique email address for your printer (for example, printer123@hpeprint.com).
• 📧 Send documents to this address from any device.

If none of the methods worked, do the following: full printer reset:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the buttons Cancel (❌) and Black and white printing (🖨️).
3. Turn on the printer without releasing the button for 10 seconds.
4. Release the buttons and the printer will return to factory settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting the HP Smart Tank 500

🔹 Why doesn't my printer see my Wi-Fi network even though it's connected?

Most likely, your router operates in the range 5 GHz or uses encryption WPA3Switch the router to the mode 2.4 GHz with encryption WPA2-PSK (AES). Also check if the network name is hidden (SSID) in the router settings.

🔹 Can I connect my printer to Wi-Fi without the HP Smart app?

Yes, through the printer control panel (Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Setup Wizard) or button WPS (if your router supports this feature). You can also use the printer's web interface by entering its IP address in your browser (e.g. 192.168.1.10).

🔹 The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my phone. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

1. Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
2. In the appendix HP Smart Refresh the printer status (drag the screen down to refresh).
3. Reinstall the application HP Smart and add the printer again.
4. Check if your firewall or antivirus software is blocking network printing.

🔹 How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?

There are two ways:

1. Soft reset: Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) during 10 seconds, until the indicator flashes.
2. Full reset: Turn off the printer, then press and hold the buttons Cancel (❌) and Color printing (🎨), turn on the printer and hold the buttons again 10 seconds.

After resetting, the printer will return to factory Wi-Fi settings.

🔹 Can I connect my printer to two Wi-Fi networks at the same time?

No, HP Smart Tank 500 It only supports connection to one Wi-Fi network at a time. However, you can quickly switch between networks via the control panel or app. HP Smart.