Connecting the HP Smart Tank 516 Printer to Wi-Fi: 3 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Wireless printing saves time and eliminates cable clutter, but connecting a printer HP Smart Tank 516 Wi-Fi is often a concern. This model, despite its simple design with a continuous ink supply system, requires precise setup, especially if the router uses a dual-band network or has non-standard security settings. Unlike laser printers, where the Wi-Fi module activates automatically, manual configuration via the control panel or mobile app may be required.

Many users encounter common errors: the printer can't find the network, constantly asks for a password, or connects but doesn't print from the computer. These errors are often caused by protocol conflicts (e.g., WPA3 vs WPA2), MAC address blocking by the router, or outdated device firmware. In this article - three working connection methods (including hidden WPS mode), router compatibility table and analysis of the most common errors with solutions.

If you have previously connected other devices HP (For example, DeskJet or OfficeJet), the algorithm may seem familiar, but Smart Tank 516 It has some unique features: there's no display, and the status indicators blink differently. This doesn't complicate the process, but it does require paying close attention to the LED signals—they'll tell you at what stage the failure occurred.

1. Preparing for connection: what to check before starting

Before you begin setting up, make sure that The router and printer are ready to connect.Problems often arise due to trivial details: low batteries in the router, "guest" mode enabled on the network, or blocking new devices in the security settings.

Here mandatory checklist before connecting:

Pay special attention network security type. Printer HP Smart Tank 516 supports protocols WPA2-PSK (recommended) and WPA-PSK, But does not work with WPA3 without any additional router settings. If your network uses WPA3, temporarily switch it to WPA2 in the router admin panel (usually at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

⚠️ Attention: If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), the printer may connect to 5 GHz, which is less stable for printing. HP Smart Tank 516 works better on frequency 2.4 GHz - Disable 5 GHz during setup or rename networks to differentiate them.

Also check if it is enabled on the router MAC address filterThis feature blocks new devices from connecting unless their MAC address is whitelisted. Find the printer's MAC address (it's on the sticker on the back or in the menu). Settings → Network → Printer Information) and add it to the router settings.

2. Method 1: Connecting via the printer control panel (without an app)

This method is suitable if you don't have a smartphone or prefer to configure your equipment without additional programs. All control is carried out via buttons on the printer body and status indicators.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until the power indicator lights up steadily (without blinking).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (with antenna icon) within 5 secondsuntil the wireless indicator starts blinking.
3. Click the button Information (with the "i" icon in a circle) once - the printer will print network status report.
4. Find the line in the report Wi-Fi Direct — This is the printer's temporary network. Connect to it from your smartphone or computer (the password is provided in the same report).
5. Open your browser and enter the address 192.168.223.1 — the printer's web interface will open. Go to the section Settings → Wireless Network.
6. Select your primary Wi-Fi network from the list, enter the password and save the settings.

If the printer does not print the report, check:

• 📄 Availability of paper in the tray (even one sheet).
• 🔋 Ink level - at critically low levels, some functions are blocked.
• 🔄 Restarting the printer (turn off for 30 seconds and turn on again).

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

Mobile application HP Smart (available for Android And iOS) automates the process and offers additional features, such as printing from cloud services. This method the most reliable For Smart Tank 516, since the application itself detects the model and offers optimal settings.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Download and install HP Smart from App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app and tap Add a printer.
3. Select Setting up a new printer → Smart Tank 516 (if the model is not detected automatically).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will prompt you to connect to the printer's temporary network (as in Method 1), and then redirect you to a page for entering your Wi-Fi password.
5. Once successfully connected, the printer will print a test page to confirm.

If the application does not find the printer:

• 📱 Turn on Bluetooth on a smartphone - this speeds up the search for devices HP.
• 🔄 Restart the application and the printer (turn it off/on).
• 🌐 Check your smartphone's Wi-Fi connection - it must be active.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting via HP Smart Don't use mobile data (3G/4G/5G). The app requires your smartphone and printer to be on the same local network. If you don't have Wi-Fi, use method 1 or 3.

What should I do if HP Smart asks me to update the firmware?

If the app prompts you to update your printer firmware, accept it—this will fix connection issues and add support for new security protocols. The update will take 5–10 minutes, so don't turn off the printer during the process. You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi after the update.

4. Method 3: Quick connection via WPS (if your router supports it)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to a network without entering a password — just press a button on the router. This is the fastest method, but it only works if:

• 📡 The router supports WPS (usually there is a button with a lock icon or caption).
• 🔒 In the router settings WPS enabled (check in the web interface).
• ⚡ The printer is within the network range (no further than 2–3 meters from the router).

Instructions:

1. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi until the indicator starts flashing in blue (WPS mode).
2. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (usually you need to hold it for 3-5 seconds).
3. Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer turns solid—this means the connection is successful.

If the indicator continues to flash or goes out:

• ⏱️ Repeat the process — You only have 2 minutes to connect.
• 🔄 Reboot your router and the printer, then try again.
• 🔧 Check your WPS settings in the router panel - the function may be disabled.

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, problems may still occur. Here the most common problems and ways to eliminate them:

Error 1: The printer cannot find the Wi-Fi network.

• 🔍 Check network visibility — it may be hidden (the SSID is not broadcast). In this case, you need to temporarily make it visible or connect through HP Smart, where there is an option to manually enter the network name.
• 📶 Make sure the printer is within range. Walls and metal objects weaken the signal. Move the printer closer to the router.
• 🔄 Reboot your router — sometimes resetting network settings helps.

Error 2: The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but does not print from the computer.

• 🖥️ Install the drivers from the official website HP (select model Smart Tank 516 and your OS).
• 🔗 Check your computer's connection - it must be on the same network as the printer.
• 📡 Disable your firewall/antivirus - They can block communication with the printer.

Error 3: The Wi-Fi indicator is flashing orange.

• 🔌 Check the power supply — the printer cable may not be fully inserted into the socket.
• 🔄 Reset network settings on the printer: hold down the button Wi-Fi for 10 seconds.
• 📋 Print a network report (button Information) and check the connection status.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer still doesn't connect after several attempts, reset it to factory settings. To do this, turn off the printer, hold down the power button Cancel (red cross) and, without releasing it, turn on the printer. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until all the indicators flash. After the reset, repeat the setup from scratch.

6. Additional settings after connection

Once your printer is successfully connected to Wi-Fi, configure it for convenient operation:

• 📱 Set up email printing - V HP Smart You can assign a personal email address to the printer, to which you can send documents from any device.
• 🖨️ Set up double-sided printing as default - This will save paper. In the printer driver (on your computer), select Properties → Features Tab → Double-Sided Printing.
• 🔒 Enable password protection for printing — If the printer is used in an office, a PIN code for access can be set in the network settings.

Important: Printer HP Smart Tank 516 Doesn't support connection to Captive Portal networks (such as those in hotels or airports) that require browser authentication. In such cases, use a USB cable or mobile hotspot.

To print from Android-smartphone without an app HP Smart:

1. Open a document (photo, PDF) and select Seal.
2. In the list of printers, select Save as PDF → All printers → Add a printer.
3. The system will automatically find Smart Tank 516 in the local network.

7. How to check the connection quality

To ensure that your printer is working properly on your network, follow these steps:

1. Print it out self-test page: press and hold the button Cancel (red cross) 5 seconds.
2. Check the line in the report Wi-Fi status — must be specified Connected.
3. Send a test document to print from your computer and smartphone.
4. If printing is slow, check network speed — the printer requires at least 2 Mbps for stable operation.

If the test page does not print:

• 🔋 Check the ink — perhaps one of the colors is out of stock.
• 📄 Make sure there is paper in the tray. and it's not wrinkled.
• 🔄 Restart the printer and repeat the test.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection HP Smart Tank 516

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a router (directly to a computer)?

Yes, but only through Wi-Fi DirectTo do this:

1. Press the button on the printer Wi-Fi and hold until the indicator starts flashing.
2. On your computer, connect to the printer's network (the name will be DIRECT-xx-HP Smart Tank 516).
3. Install the drivers and print as usual.

Limitation: In this mode, the printer is not accessible to other devices.

The printer is connected, but the printout contains artifacts (stripes, blurriness). What should I do?

It's not a Wi-Fi problem, but clogged print heads. Run the cleanup:

1. On the printer, press and hold the button Ink (drop) 5 seconds.
2. The printer will print a test page and automatically clean the print heads.
3. If the problem persists, repeat cleaning 2-3 times or use the function Deep cleaning V HP Smart.

How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings if I've forgotten the network password?

Do it hard reset:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press the buttons Cancel (red cross) and Wi-Fi simultaneously.
3. Without releasing the button, turn on the printer.
4. Hold for 10-15 seconds until all indicators flash three times.

After the reset, set up Wi-Fi again.

Can I connect my printer to multiple Wi-Fi networks (e.g. at home and in the office)?

No, HP Smart Tank 516 remembers only one networkWhen changing location, you need to:

1. Disconnect the printer from the current network (in HP Smart or through reset).
2. Connect to a new network using one of the methods described.

Alternative: Use Wi-Fi Direct for temporary connection to a laptop.

The printer connects to Wi-Fi, but after a few days the connection drops. What's wrong?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 The router is rebooting — configure a static IP for the printer in the router's DHCP server.
• 📶 Weak signal — move the printer closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi repeater.
• ⚡ Energy saving — In your router settings, disable the "Turn off Wi-Fi when idle" option.