A modern office or home workspace is unimaginable without a high-quality inkjet device. Model HP DeskJet 3520 It remains popular due to its versatility, allowing not only printing documents but also scanning images. However, the initial setup of a wireless connection often presents difficulties for users accustomed to wired interfaces. Switching to wireless technology gives you the freedom to move your device around the room, eliminating cable clutter.
The configuration process takes only a few minutes if you prepare the necessary information in advance. You will need to know your local network name and password. Without this information, automatic configuration is impossible, as the printer must have access rights to the secure perimeter. Also, make sure the router is working properly and assigning IP addresses to connected devices.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available synchronization methods, from using the buttons on the case to manually installing drivers. Wireless connection Requires a stable signal, so router placement is crucial. If the device is located in a niche or far from the access point, it may experience interruptions when transmitting large amounts of data.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin the active setup phase, you need to make sure that your device is ready for use. HP DeskJet 3520 The MFP is equipped with a built-in communication module, but it won't activate automatically without prior preparation. Plug the MFP into a power outlet and wait until the warm-up cycle is complete, indicated by the power indicator light. Make sure there's paper in the tray and ink in the cartridges, as some models perform a self-test before starting.
An important step is to check the compatibility of your computer's operating system. Drivers for this model support a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 and various versions of macOS. If you're using an older operating system, you may need to search for specialized software versions on the manufacturer's official website. Modern systems usually detect the device automatically, but for full scanning functionality, you need to install a full driver package.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same router frequency band. Some older models may not see 5 GHz networks, operating exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band.
It's also worth checking the network card status on the computer itself. If the laptop's Wi-Fi adapter is disabled or in airplane mode, the printer won't be detected. Enable the wireless module and ensure the laptop is already connected to the internet. This ensures that the issue lies with the printing settings and not with the network.
☑️ Ready to connect
WPS method: quick synchronization without entering a password
The easiest way to establish communication between devices is technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows you to transfer security settings from your router to your printer with a simple press of a button, eliminating the need to manually enter a complex password. This method is ideal for those who are concerned about typing errors or forgetting their network access key. The router must also support this feature, which is common among most modern models.
To start the process, find the button with the corresponding icon on the front panel HP DeskJet 3520Press and hold it for a few seconds until the wireless indicator starts blinking. This means the device is waiting for a signal from the access point. Now you have about two minutes to go to the router and press the same button on it.
- 📡 Press the WPS button on the router (sometimes you need to hold it for 2-3 seconds).
- 🖨️ Make sure the light on the printer continues to blink, waiting for a connection.
- ✅ Wait until the indicator stops flashing and turns solid blue.
If the connection is established successfully, the blinking will stop and the indicator light will turn solid. This indicates that IP address The printer has been received and the connection to the router is established. A computer on the same network can now detect the printer without further action. If this fails, the indicator will continue to flash or go out, requiring the procedure to be repeated.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
WPS may not work if the router is too far from the printer or if it is disabled in the router's security settings. The connection may also fail if you're trying to connect to a guest network, where WPS is often blocked by default.
Manual setup via HP setup wizard
If the automatic method doesn't work or your router doesn't support WPS, you'll need to use software. You'll need to download the full driver package from the official HP website. Find your model DeskJet 3520 in the support list and select your operating system. The bootloader will prompt you to select a connection type—choose "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi."
During the installation process, the program will ask you to select a connection method. Select "Use a USB cable during setup" or "Wireless connection." The setup wizard will guide you through each step. At a certain point, the program will ask you to select your network from a list of available ones. Find your router's name (SSID) in the list and enter the password. Password case sensitive, so check your capitalization carefully.
| Installation stage | User action | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| Launching the installer | Run the downloaded .exe file | Opening the language and connection type selection window |
| Search for a device | Selecting a Wi-Fi network from the list | Displaying available wireless networks |
| Authorization | Entering the router password | Successfully transferring settings to the printer |
| Conclusion | Installing drivers and software | Ready to print a test page |
After successfully installing the drivers, it's recommended to immediately print a network configuration report. This will help ensure the device has received the correct address and is visible to the computer. HP software often prompts you to register the device for updates, which is useful for long-term support. Declining registration will not affect basic printing functionality.
Configuration via the router control panel
For advanced users, there is a configuration method via the router's web interface. This method is useful if you need to register MAC address Whitelist the printer or assign it a static IP address. Access your router settings through a browser, usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Find the section related to wireless clients or DHCP.
Here you can see a list of all connected devices. If HP DeskJet 3520 If you've already tried to connect, it may show up as an unknown device. You can copy its MAC address and add it to the list of allowed devices. This improves network security by preventing unauthorized devices from connecting. You can also check the signal strength your router is receiving from your printer here.
Sometimes you need to change encryption settings. Make sure your router is using the standard WPA2-Personal, as older printer models may not support the latest WPA3 protocol. If you have mixed mode enabled, try switching to pure WPA2. This often resolves compatibility issues where the drivers are installed but printing fails.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (ASUS, TP-Link, Keenetic) vary significantly. Exact menu names may vary, so be sure to follow the operating logic, not just the menu item names.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, problems may still occur. Often, the problem is that the computer and printer are on different subnets. This happens if you have a dual-band router, and one device is on the 2.4 GHz band and the other on the 5 GHz band, but the router doesn't combine them into a single network. Check the connection properties on your PC and ensure they match the printer's operating range.
Another common reason is blocking by an antivirus or firewall. Windows Firewall It may consider the printer connection attempt suspicious. Try temporarily disabling protection and testing the connection. If printing works, add an exception for the print service in the security settings. Don't leave your computer unprotected for long; adjust the rules after testing.
- 🔄 Restart your router, printer, and computer—this solves 80% of IP address problems.
- 📶 Move the printer closer to the router to avoid packet loss due to walls.
- 🛠️ Use the built-in Windows troubleshooter under Devices and Printers.
If nothing helps, reset the printer's network settings. On the control panel HP DeskJet 3520 Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button simultaneously. The device will reset to factory network settings, and you can start setup again. This clears any old, possibly erroneous, configurations that may have been stored in memory.
Software maintenance and updates
After successful setup, it's important to keep the software up to date. HP periodically releases firmware updates that improve connection stability and add support for new security standards. You can check for updates through the app. HP Smart or in the Tools section of the printer control panel if it supports online updates.
Regularly printing a test page helps prevent ink from drying out in the printhead nozzles. If you don't plan to print for an extended period, it's best to turn the printer off using the power button so it can park the carriage. This will preserve the life of the cartridges and ensure high-quality printing the next time you turn it on. Prevention It takes a minute, but saves money on replacing dried-out cartridges.
⚠️ Caution: Do not interrupt the printer firmware update process. If power is lost while the printer is updating its memory, the device may stop functioning and require service.
For macOS and mobile device users, make sure AirPrint support is enabled. HP DeskJet 3520 supports this technology, allowing you to print directly from an iPhone or iPad without installing additional drivers. Just make sure your mobile device is on the same Wi-Fi network. Print quality from mobile devices is often higher because it uses the native system driver.
Questions and Answers
Can I connect my HP DeskJet 3520 to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but automatic detection won't work. You'll need to use WPS or manually configure a USB connection with the hidden network settings (SSID) using the HP setup wizard.
Does this model support Wi-Fi Direct connection?
The 3520 model has limited functionality. Some revisions lack Wi-Fi Direct support or require activation through a dedicated menu on the panel. It's best to connect through a shared router for stable operation of all functions.
What should I do if the orange wireless light is on?
An orange light usually means the Wi-Fi module is enabled but there's no connection to the router. Check the password and network name, or try resetting the network settings on the printer itself.
Do you need internet access to print via Wi-Fi?
No, internet access is not required. A working local router (even without a connection to a provider) and a computer and printer connected to it are sufficient. Printing takes place within the local network.