Modern continuous inkjet systems such as HP Smart Tank 516, require a stable wireless connection to function properly. Without access to a local network, you lose the ability to print from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop without the hassle of unnecessary wires. The setup process may seem confusing due to the lack of a full-color display on the device's body, but knowing the correct steps solves the problem in a few minutes.
In this guide, we'll cover all the current methods for connecting your printer to your home network. We'll cover using the app. HP Smart, WPS technology, and manual setup via USB cable. We'll also cover common errors that occur when attempting to sync devices and how to troubleshoot them.
Successful integration into the network opens access to cloud services and functions ePrint, allowing you to print documents from anywhere in the world. Proper router and printer configuration is essential for the smooth operation of your office or home workspace.
Preparing equipment and checking network parameters
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your network equipment is working properly. Your router should be turned on, working properly, and broadcasting a signal in the 2.4 GHz band, as many printer models, including Smart Tank 516, may not see 5 GHz networks during initial setup.
Make sure you know the password for your WiFi network. If the password contains complex characters, it's best to write it down or copy it beforehand to avoid typing errors. Also, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone or computer, as the app HP Smart uses it for initial device detection.
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses the "Guest Network" feature, the printer may not connect due to security restrictions. Use your main home network.
The printer itself must be turned on and filled with ink. The power light should be solid, not flashing, indicating the device is ready for use. If the ink lights are flashing, first complete the system priming procedure.
- 📶 Make sure your smartphone and printer are in the same room (within 1-2 meters) during setup.
- 🔋 Check the battery level of your mobile device to ensure the process doesn't interrupt unexpectedly.
- 📡 Disable VPN on your phone or computer, as they may block local device searches.
Basic setup via the HP Smart app
The most modern and manufacturer-recommended method is to use the proprietary application. HP SmartThis method automatically configures network settings, downloads necessary drivers, and registers the device for an extended warranty.
First, you need to install the app on your mobile device or computer. For Android and iOS, it's available in the official App Store and Google Play stores, and for Windows and macOS, it's available in the Microsoft Store or on the official website. After installation, launch the app and sign in to your HP account (or create a new one).
In the main interface, click on the big plus + or the "Add Printer" button. The app will scan for Bluetooth and WiFi ranges. If the printer is in setup mode, it will appear in the list of available devices.
☑️ Checklist before launching the app
If the automatic search doesn't yield any results, you'll need to put the printer into setup mode. To do this, press and hold the button. Wireless (antenna icon) and a button Cancel (cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the power indicator starts flashing. Then, try searching again in the app.
Follow the on-screen instructions: select your network from the list and enter the password. The app will transfer data to the printer, and the wireless indicator on the device should turn blue, indicating a successful connection.
Using WPS technology for fast synchronization
The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method allows you to connect HP Smart Tank 516 Connect to the network without entering a password, simply by pressing a button on the router. This is one of the fastest methods if your router supports this feature and has a physical button.
Press the WPS button on your router. It's usually located on the back panel and may require a short or long press (check your router's manual). The WPS indicator on the router should start blinking, indicating it's searching.
Press and hold the button for two minutes Wireless on the printer control panel for 3 seconds. The wireless indicator will begin flashing. The printer will automatically detect the WPS signal and establish a connection.
⚠️ Attention: WPS won't work if your router hides the network name (SSID) or uses MAC address filters. In these cases, use the HP Smart app.
The connection process takes about 2 minutes. When the printer's WiFi indicator stops flashing and stays on, the connection is established. You can check the status by printing a network report (see the section below).
Setup via USB cable (classic method)
If wireless methods don't work, you can use a temporary wired connection. To do this, you'll need a computer (laptop or PC) and a standard USB Type AB cable (square connector), which is often included but may require an additional cable.
Connect the printer to your computer via USB. Run the driver installation from the official HP website or use the installation disc if you have one, although it's best to download the latest version of the software. During the installation, select "Wireless" as the connection type.
The installer will prompt you to temporarily use a USB cable to transfer network settings. Select your WiFi network from the list and enter the password. The program will transfer the settings from your computer to the printer.
After the data transfer is successful, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. The printer will switch to a wireless connection, and you can remove the device from the list of USB printers, if it remains there.
| Parameter | Meaning / Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cable type | USB 2.0 Type A-B | Length no more than 2 meters |
| Printer mode | Off when connected | Turn on after connecting with cable |
| Driver | Full Feature | Provides all functions |
| Action after setup | Disconnect the cable | To switch to WiFi mode |
Diagnosing and Printing a Wireless Network Report
If the indicators are behaving strangely or the computer isn't detecting the printer on the network, you need to obtain technical information about the current status of the WiFi module. This can be done by printing a wireless network report.
Press and hold the button Wireless (antenna) and button Information (the letter "i" in a circle) simultaneously for 3 seconds. The printer will begin printing the page.
In the resulting report, find the "Wireless" section. You are interested in the line StatusIf it says "Connected," then there is a connection to the router. Also check the IP address: if it starts with 192.168... or 10..., then the address was received correctly. If the address 0.0.0.0 or 169.254..., there is no connection.
What do the blinking lights mean?
Blue blinking: searching for a network or transferring data. Solid blue: connected. Orange blinking: connection error or incorrect password.
This report also contains the printer's MAC address. If you use MAC address filtering on your router, you'll need to add this address to the whitelist of allowed devices.
Solving common connection problems
A common issue is that the printer isn't visible in the network list. This may be because the router is broadcasting a 5 GHz network, while the printer is searching for a 2.4 GHz network. Make sure the 2.4 GHz band is enabled on the router; networks may have different names if they aren't connected using Band Steering technology.
Another possibility is that your antivirus or firewall software may be blocking device detection. Try temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus software while you're setting it up. Restarting your router may also help: unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
If nothing helps, reset the printer's network settings. Press and hold the buttons Wireless And Cancel simultaneously for 3 seconds. The power and wireless indicators will start flashing. After this, try setting up again.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and app versions are updated. If the steps in the app differ, check the latest help on your router manufacturer's official website or in the HP support section.
Sometimes the problem lies in the password length or special characters. If the password contains rare characters, try temporarily changing the router password to a simpler one (letters and numbers only), connecting the printer, and then resetting the password to a more complex one (although you'll still need to reconfigure the printer after changing the router password).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP Smart Tank 516 be connected to a hidden WiFi network?
Direct connection to a hidden network (Hidden SSID) via the printer's standard menu is not possible. You will need to first connect the device to a visible network, then try changing the printer's settings through the printer's web interface (by entering its IP address in a browser), or temporarily make the network visible for configuration.
The printer sees the 5 GHz network but won't connect. What should I do?
WiFi module in HP Smart Tank 516 It operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router combines networks under a single name, try temporarily separating them into different names (SSIDs) in the router settings, for example, "MyWiFi" and "MyWiFi_5G," and connect the printer to the network without the 5G adapter.
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
Print a wireless network report (press and hold the Wireless and Info buttons). The IP address will be listed in the Network Information section. You can also find the address in the HP Smart app by clicking the printer image and selecting "Printer Information."
Why can't the HP Smart app find my printer via Bluetooth?
Make sure location services (GPS) are enabled on your phone. On modern versions of Android and iOS, location access is required for Bluetooth scanning in apps. Also, make sure the printer is in setup mode (the indicator light is blinking).