How to connect the HP Smart Tank 515 printer to Wi-Fi: complete instructions with photos and tips

Printer HP Smart Tank 515 — a popular model with a continuous ink supply system (CISS), but its wireless network connection often raises questions among users. Issues arise due to the specifics of Wi-Fi protocols, router settings, or subtle nuances of the proprietary software. HP SmartIn this article, we will look at all the current connection methods (including WPS, manual input and mobile application), typical errors of the type "Unable to connect to the network", and we will also provide recommendations on optimizing the network for stable printing.

It's important to understand that the connection process may differ depending on your printer's firmware version, router model, and your device's operating system. For example, on Android 14 algorithm in the application HP Smart slightly modified compared to iOS 17We've taken these nuances into account and compiled universal solutions that work in 95% of cases. If your router supports 5 GHz And 2.4 GHz At the same time, pay attention to the section on choosing the right frequency - this is critical for Smart Tank 515.

1. Preparing for connection: what to check before starting

Before setting up Wi-Fi, make sure the basics are met. Problems often arise from small details that users overlook:

• 🔌 The printer is turned on and ready to work.: The power indicator is green and there are no flashing errors on the panel (e.g. No ink or Paper jam).
• 📶 The router is working stably.: Check that other devices (smartphone, laptop) are connected to the same network to which you want to connect the printer.
• 📱 HP Smart app installed: download it from App Store or Google Play (version not lower than 12.5 for full compatibility with Smart Tank 515).
• 🔄 Reset network settings: If you have already tried to connect the printer before, reset the network settings via Settings → Network → Reset.

Please pay special attention to router operating mode. HP Smart Tank 515 supports networks only 2.4 GHz (Not 5 GHz!). If your router broadcasts both frequencies under the same name (SSID), the printer may not see the network. In this case:

⚠️ Attention: If the mode is enabled in the router settings «Smart Connect» (automatic switching between 2.4 and 5 GHz) is disabled, the printer will not be able to connect. Disable this feature or create a separate network for 2.4 GHz.

Make sure the printer is plugged in | Check the ink levels (at least 20%) | Install the HP Smart app on your smartphone | Disable the VPN on your phone/computer | Reset the printer's network settings (if there were errors previously) -->

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

This is the most reliable and simple method that works on most devices. The instructions are valid for Android And iOS:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it finishes initializing (stops making noise).
2. Open the HP Smart app on your smartphone. If the printer is new, the app will offer to add it automatically. Tap Add a printer.
3. Select a model: find in the list HP Smart Tank 515If it is not there, click "My printer is not on the list" and follow the prompts.
4. Connect to the printer's temporary network: the application will offer to connect to a network type «HP-Print-XX-515». A password is usually not required.
5. Select your Wi-Fi networkAfter connecting to a temporary network, the app will display a list of available networks. Select yours and enter the password.

If an error occurs at this stage "Unable to connect to the network", check:

• 🔒 The password you entered is correct (case sensitive!).
• 📡 Distance between the printer and the router (no more than 5 meters during setup).
• 🔄 Restart your router and printer, then try again.

3. Method 2: Connecting via WPS (for compatible routers)

Function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to your network without entering a password. This method works if your router supports WPS and the button is enabled. Instructions:

1. On the printer, go to the menu Settings → Wireless → Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).
2. Select Press the button on the router (Push Button).
3. For 2 minutes Press the physical WPS button on your router (usually it's labeled or marked with a 🔄 icon).
4. Wait for the message "Connected" on the printer screen.

If the connection fails:

• ⏱️ Make sure you press the WPS button within 120 seconds of activating the mode on the printer.
• 🔌 Check if WPS is enabled in your router settings (sometimes it is disabled by default).
• 📡 Some routers (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) require holding the WPS button for 3-5 seconds.

⚠️ Note: The WPS method is considered less secure than manually entering a password. If your router only supports WPS, we recommend disabling this feature in the router settings after connecting the printer.

What to do if the router does not support WPS?

If your router does not have a WPS button or it does not work, use alternative methods:

1. Manual password entry (described in the next section).

2. Connecting via USB cable (temporary solution for setting up Wi-Fi via PC).

3. Using Ethernet (if the printer supports wired connection, but Smart Tank 515 (it doesn't have it).

4. Method 3: Manually entering the Wi-Fi network via the printer panel

If the application HP Smart If your printer isn't working or you prefer to set it up without a smartphone, you can enter the network details manually:

1. Press the button on the printer "Settings" (gear) and select Wireless communication.
2. Go to Wi-Fi Setup Wizard and select Manual tuning.
3. Find your network in the list (if it is not there, click "Refresh").
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard. To switch between upper and lower case, use the [key] «Shift».
5. Confirm your input and wait for the connection to complete (the Wi-Fi indicator should be blue).

Difficulties with manual input:

• 🔠 Long passwords: If your password contains more than 16 characters, the printer may not accept it. Shorten the password temporarily (for example, with «1234567890abcdef» on «12345678»).
• 🌐 Hidden networks (SSID): If your network does not broadcast a name, select Another Network and enter the SSID and password manually.
• 🔄 Incompatible encryption standards: printer does not support WPA3. Set it in the router settings. WPA2-PSK (AES).

5. Network optimization for stable printer operation

Even after successful connection HP Smart Tank 515 may lose connection to the network or "forget" settings. To avoid problems:

• 📶 Dedicated 2.4 GHz network: If your router broadcasts both frequencies, create a separate network for 2.4 GHz (for example, «MyWiFi_2G») and connect the printer to it.
• 🔒 Static IP address: In your router settings, bind the printer to a fixed IP to avoid DHCP conflicts.
• 🔄 Firmware update: Check if your printer software is up to date Settings → Maintenance → Firmware Update.
• 🛡️ Disabling energy saving: disable the mode in the router settings Wi-Fi Energy Saving, which can break the connection.

A critical detail for owners of ASUS and Xiaomi routers: these devices use "Smart Connect" technology by default, which automatically switches devices between 2.4 and 5 GHz. Printer HP Smart Tank 515 The router doesn't support this switching and will lose connection. Disable "Smart Connect" in the router's control panel.

6. Solving common errors

Let's look at common errors and their causes. Most problems can be resolved without contacting a service center:

Error: "Printer not responding" in the HP Smart app

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔌 The printer is turned off or in sleep mode: Press the power button to wake it up.
• 📱 The smartphone is connected to another network: Make sure your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 Synchronization failure: Restart the printer (turn it off for 30 seconds) and try connecting again.

Error: "Cannot find printer" when printing from PC

Algorithm of actions:

1. On your PC, open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
2. Remove the current printer HP Smart Tank 515 (right click → "Remove device").
3. Click Add a printer and select "My printer is not listed".
4. Enter the printer's IP address (can be found in the router settings or on a printout) Network Information from the printer).

Error: Wi-Fi indicator is blinking orange

This means the printer is connected to the network but does not have internet access. Check:

• 🌍 DNS settings: set public DNS in the router (for example, 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4).
• 🔒 Firewall or parental control: Disable MAC address blocking of devices.
• 📡 Network congestion: Disconnect unnecessary devices from Wi-Fi and try connecting again.

7. Alternative connection methods

If connecting via Wi-Fi is not possible (for example, there is no router or the printer does not see the network), use alternative methods:

Connecting via USB cable

Temporary solution for setting or printing:

1. Connect the printer to your PC or laptop with a cable USB-A → USB-B (included in the kit).
2. Install drivers from official HP website (select model Smart Tank 515).
3. In the appendix HP Smart on PC select Add a printer → USB connection.

After that, you can set up Wi-Fi via PC or print directly.

Connect via Ethernet (if supported)

HP Smart Tank 515 does not have an Ethernet port, but if you have another model of the series Smart Tank with RJ-45 connector:

• Connect the printer to the router with a cable Ethernet.
• In the printer settings, select Wired network.
• On your PC, add the printer by IP address (see section 6).

Cloud Printing (HP ePrint)

If your printer is connected to the Internet, you can print from any device via email:

1. Turn on the function ePrint in the printer settings.
2. Register your printer on HP Connected website.
3. Send the document to the address type printer123456@hpeprint.com (the address is on the printer sticker).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I connect the HP Smart Tank 515 to Wi-Fi without a smartphone?

Yes, there are two ways:

1. Manual network entry via the printer panel (section 4).
2. Connecting to a PC via USB and setting up Wi-Fi using the program HP Smart for Windows/macOS.

If you don't have a smartphone but you have a laptop, use the second method.

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

Check the following:

• 📱 The phone and printer are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to the guest!).
• 🔄 Restart the app HP Smart (close and reopen).
• 📄 Problem with a specific document: Try printing a test page.
• 🔒 On Android Check the app permissions (storage and network access).

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

Perform a reset using one of the following methods:

1. Via the menu: Settings → Wireless → Reset network settings.
2. Hard reset: hold the button Cancel (❌) 10 seconds until the indicator blinks.

After resetting, the printer will create a new temporary network. «HP-Print-XX-515».

My printer keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi. How do I fix it?

Reasons and solutions:

• 📶 Weak signal: Move the printer closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi repeater.
• ⚡ Router energy saving: disable the option Wi-Fi Energy Saving in the router settings.
• 🔄 IP address conflict: Assign a static IP to the printer in your router's DHCP settings.
• 🔒 Changing your Wi-Fi passwordIf you changed the network password, the printer will not connect automatically. Update the settings manually.

Is it possible to connect a printer to two networks at the same time?

HP Smart Tank 515 Supports only one active connection (Wi-Fi or USB). To switch between networks:

1. Disconnect the printer from the current network via Settings → Wireless.
2. Connect to the new network using one of the methods described.

Exception: If the printer is connected to Ethernet (for models with a port), you can use Wi-Fi for other devices at the same time.