Connecting the HP Smart Tank 513 Printer to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Solutions to Common Errors

Wireless printer connection HP Smart Tank 513 Connecting your home or office Wi-Fi network allows you to print remotely from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. However, many users encounter difficulties during setup—the printer doesn't find the network, constantly drops the connection, or requires incomprehensible drivers. In this article, we'll look into this. all connection methods (via control panel, application HP Smart and WPS), we will explain how to avoid common mistakes and provide recommendations for optimizing the printer's operation in a wireless network.

Feature of the model Smart Tank 513 - support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), but not all routers work correctly with both standards. We'll cover in detail how to choose the optimal network mode, configure your router for stable printing, and protect your printer from unauthorized access. If you've already tried connecting but encountered errors like "Unable to connect to the network" or "The printer is not responding.", at the end of the article you will find table of error codes and ways to eliminate them.

Before you begin setting up, make sure that:

  • 📶 The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi (the network indicator is green or blue).
  • 🖨️ Printer HP Smart Tank 513 connected to the power grid and within the network range (no further than 10 meters from the router).
  • 📱 The app is installed on your smartphone or computer HP Smart (current version).
  • 🔒 Do you know the name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID) and the password for it.
📊 How do you usually connect printers to the network?
Through the manufacturer's app
Manually via the control panel
I use WPS
I have never connected it myself.

1. Preparing the printer and network for connection

Before setting up Wi-Fi on HP Smart Tank 513 You need to perform basic device preparation and check your router settings. Many connection issues arise due to incompatible network settings or incorrect printer configuration.

Step 1: Reset your printer (if it has already been used). If the printer was previously connected to a different network, its network settings may conflict. To reset them:

  1. Turn on the printer and wait for it to boot up.
  2. Press and hold the button «Wi-Fi» (antenna icon) on the control panel for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
  3. Click the button Cancel (red cross) 3 times in a row - this will reset the network parameters.

Step 2. Checking the router settings. Printer HP Smart Tank 513 works best online 2.4 GHz, since the range 5 GHz may have limited coverage. Make sure that:

  • 🔄 In the router settings 5 GHz Only mode is disabled (if there is one).
  • 🔒 The network is password protected (open networks are often blocked by HP printers).
  • 📡 The Wi-Fi channel is not overloaded (use channels 1, 6 or 11 for minimal interference).
⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) activate the function by default "Protection against connection of new devices" in routers. If the printer does not find the network, check this setting in the router's web interface (usually in the section "Safety" or Device Control).

2. Connecting via the printer control panel

The most reliable way to set up Wi-Fi on HP Smart Tank 513 — Use the built-in menu. This method doesn't require any additional apps and works even if your smartphone or computer isn't connected to the same network.

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the printer and wait until it initializes (the power indicator stops blinking).
  2. On the control panel, press the button "Settings" (gear) → select "Net" → Wireless Network.
  3. Select an item Wi-Fi Setup Wizard (Wi-Fi Setup Wizard).
  4. The printer will begin searching for available networks. When the list appears, select your network (SSID) and enter the password using the arrows and button "OK".
  5. After successful connection, a message will appear on the screen. «Connected», and the Wi-Fi indicator will turn blue.

If your network doesn't appear in the list, try entering its name manually:

  • On the menu Wireless Network select Entering the SSID manually.
  • Enter the network name (case sensitive!) and password.
  • Save the settings and wait for the connection.

☑️ Checking a successful connection

Completed: 0 / 3
⚠️ Attention: If the printer asks «WPS-PIN», but you don't know this code, skip this step and use the connection method through the app HP Smart (described below). The WPS PIN is generated by the printer and is not typically required for standard setup.

3. Connect via the HP Smart app (for smartphones and PCs)

Application HP Smart simplifies Wi-Fi setup, especially if you're connecting a printer for the first time. It automatically detects the device model and suggests the optimal settings. However, this method requires temporarily connecting your smartphone or computer to the printer via direct connection (Wi-Fi Direct).

Step-by-step instructions for Android/iOS:

  1. Download and install the application HP Smart from App Store or Google Play.
  2. Turn on the printer mode «Wi-Fi Direct»:
    • Press and hold the button «Wi-Fi» until the indicator blinks.
    • The name of the direct connection network will appear on the panel (for example, DIRECT-xx-HP Smart Tank 513).
  • On your smartphone, connect to this network (no password required).
  • Launch HP Smart → click Add a printer → select Smart Tank 513 from the list.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will prompt you to select your primary Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
  • After setup, the printer will automatically reconnect to your network, and your smartphone will reconnect to regular Wi-Fi.

    • For settings from a PC/laptop:

    • 💻 Download HP Smart With official HP website and install.
    • Connect the printer to your computer via USB (a temporary cable is usually included).
    • Launch HP Smart → select "Printer Setup" → Follow the Wi-Fi connection wizard.
    What should I do if the app doesn't find the printer?

    If HP Smart does not detect Smart Tank 513, check:

    • The printer is turned on and in the mode Wi-Fi Direct.
    • VPN or power saving modes are disabled on your smartphone (they may block local connections).
    • Your antivirus doesn't block the app (try temporarily disabling protection).

    If the problem persists, try reinstalling HP Smart or use an alternative connection method (via control panel or WPS).

    4. Connection via WPS (quick method without password)

    Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect your printer to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method works if your router supports WPS (usually there's a button labeled WPS or a lock icon).

    How to connect:

    1. Make sure your router supports WPS (check for a button or section «WPS» in the web interface).
    2. On the printer, go to “Settings” → “Network” → “Wireless” → “WPS Setup”.
    3. Select WPS button (Push Button).
    4. Press the button within 2 minutes WPS on the router (usually you need to hold it for 3-5 seconds).
    5. Wait for the message "Connected" on the printer screen.

    WPS may not work if this protocol is disabled in the router settings or if non-standard firmware is used (for example, DD-WRT). In this case, use other methods.

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The printer does not find the network Network hidden (SSID Hidden) or operates in the range 5 GHz Turn on visibility SSID in the router settings or switch to 2.4 GHz
    Error "Incorrect password" Incorrect entry or change of Wi-Fi password Check the capitalization of the characters. If the password has been changed, reset the printer.
    WPS doesn't work The protocol is disabled in the router. Activate WPS in the router's web interface (section "Safety")
    The printer connects but does not print. A firewall or antivirus is blocking access. Add the printer to your firewall exceptions or temporarily disable protection.

    5. Configuring the router for stable printer operation

    Even after successful connection HP Smart Tank 513 The device may periodically disconnect from the network or experience slow printing. This is due to router settings, which by default are optimized for smartphones and PCs, not for peripheral devices.

    Recommended parameters for the router:

    • 📶 Range: Priority on 2.4 GHz (even if the router is dual-band).
    • 🔄 Channel width: Install 20 MHz (and not 40 MHz or Auto) for greater stability.
    • 🔒 Security type: WPA2-PSK (AES) (avoid WPA3 or TKIP, which may not be supported).
    • 📡 Wireless network mode: 802.11n (or Mixed, if you have old devices).

    If your printer frequently loses connection, reserve a static IP address for it:

    1. Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
    2. Find the section «DHCP» or Local Area Network.
    3. Add a new reservation rule for the printer's MAC address (this can be found on the sticker on the back or in the network report that prints via Settings → Reports).
    4. Please specify an IP address outside the DHCP range (e.g. 192.168.0.100, if DHCP distributes addresses with .2 By .99).

    6. Solving typical connection errors

    Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Below are the most common issues and how to fix them. HP Smart Tank 513.

    Error: "Printer not responding"

    • 🔌 Check that the printer is turned on and the power indicator is solid.
    • 📡 Make sure the device you are printing from is connected to the same network as your printer.
    • 🔄 Restart the printer (turn it off for 30 seconds and then turn it on again).
    • 🖥️ If you are printing from a PC, check if the drivers are installed (download from HP website by model Smart Tank 513).

    Error: "Unable to connect to the network"

    • 🔒 Make sure you entered the correct password (check case and special characters).
    • 📶 Try connecting to the network 2.4 GHz (if the router is dual-band).
    • 🔄 Reboot your router (unplug it for 1 minute).
    • 📱 If you use HP Smart, update the application to the latest version.

    Error: "Network not found"

    • 📡 Check that the router is distributing Wi-Fi (the network indicator is on).
    • 🔍 If the network is hidden, enter SSID manually on a printer.
    • 📵 Make sure the printer is within range (no further than 10 meters from the router).
    • 🔌 Try connecting via cable (USB or Ethernet) to check if the printer is working.
    ⚠️ Attention: If your printer is connected to the network but won't print from mobile devices, check your router's firewall settings. Some models (e.g., TP-Link Archer or Keenetic) by default block printing by protocol mDNSTurn off filtering Bonjour/mDNS in the section "Safety" or "Additional settings".

    7. Optimizing printer performance on a Wi-Fi network

    After successful connection HP Smart Tank 513 There are a few steps you can take to improve your Wi-Fi performance and security:

    1. Updating the printer firmware. Outdated software can cause problems with modern routers. To update:

    1. Open HP Smart on a smartphone or PC.
    2. Select your printer → "Settings" → Firmware update.
    3. If an update is available, confirm the installation (the printer will restart).

    2. Setting up remote printing. To print on Smart Tank 513 from anywhere in the world:

    • 🌍 In HP Smart activate the function Remote Access (HP account required).
    • 📱 Install the application on your smartphone HP ePrint for printing from cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox).
    • 🔒 Set up two-factor authentication for your HP account to protect your printer from unauthorized access.

    3. Saving ink and energy. In the printer settings (Eco mode) Can:

    • 🌿 Turn on Toner Saver to save ink (print quality will decrease slightly).
    • ⏱️ Set up automatic shutdown after 5-10 minutes of inactivity.
    • 📄 Use double-sided printing by default.

    8. Security: How to protect your printer on a Wi-Fi network

    Wi-Fi-connected printers can become a vulnerable link in your network. Attackers can intercept documents sent to print or use the device to attack other devices. To protect HP Smart Tank 513:

    Basic safety precautions:

    • 🔐 Change the default password to the printer's web interface (if supported). To do this:
      • 1. Print the network settings page (Settings → Reports → Network Configuration).

      2. Find the IP address of the printer (e.g. 192.168.0.10).
      

      3. Enter this address in your browser → go to the “Security” section → change your password.

    • 🛡️ Disable unnecessary protocols: In the printer settings, deactivate LPD, IPP And SNMP, if they are not used.
    • 📡 Configure MAC address filtering on the router so that only authorized devices can connect to the printer.

    Additional recommendations:

    • 🔄 Update your printer firmware regularly (every 3-6 months).
    • 📵 Turn off Wi-Fi on the printer when it is not in use (button «Wi-Fi» on the panel).
    • 📱 Use HP Smart with fingerprint or PIN authentication enabled.
    ⚠️ Attention: If the printer is connected to a public network (for example, in an office or coworking space), Never enable remote printing. Without a VPN. Data sent to print can be intercepted through protocol vulnerabilities. IPP.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting the HP Smart Tank 513 to Wi-Fi

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

    Yes, but only in mode Wi-Fi Direct or through Ad-Hoc network. To do this:

    1. Activate on the printer Wi-Fi Direct (button «Wi-Fi» until the indicator blinks).
    2. On your laptop, connect to the printer's network (the name will be something like DIRECT-xx-HP Smart Tank 513).
    3. Install drivers from HP website and print as if to a local printer.

    Limitations: In this mode, there will be no internet access on the laptop, and only one device can be connected at a time.

    The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

    The problem may be with your network settings or drivers. Check:

    • 🖥️ Are the drivers installed for Smart Tank 513 (download from official website).
    • 🔍 Is the protocol enabled in Windows? SMB 1.0 (sometimes required to discover network printers).
    • 📡 Is the computer on the same network as the printer (check IP addresses via ipconfig (in the command line).
    • 🔄 Restart both devices and the router.

    If the problem persists, add the printer manually via Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a Printer → Network Printer.

    How do I reset my printer's network settings if it's not responding?

    If your printer is frozen or not responding to commands, follow these steps: hard reset:

    1. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cable.
    2. Hold the buttons Cancel And Black and white copy (or Color copy, if there is no first one).
    3. Without releasing the buttons, connect the power supply and turn on the printer.
    4. Hold the buttons for another 10 seconds, then release.

    After the reset, all settings (including Wi-Fi) will be erased. The printer will return to factory settings.

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

    No, HP Smart Tank 513 Supports connection to only one Wi-Fi network at a time. However, you can:

    • 🔄 Quickly switch between networks via the control panel.
    • 📡 Use Wi-Fi Direct to temporarily connect to another device.
    • 🖥️ Connect the printer to your PC via USB if you need to work on another network.
    How to check the printer's Wi-Fi connection speed?

    The printer does not display the connection speed, but you can assess the connection quality indirectly:

    • 📄 Print Network test page (Settings → Reports → Network Configuration). The report will indicate Signal level (optimally - above 70%).
    • ⏱️ Time the printing of a test document (if the signal is weak, printing may take 2-3 times longer).
    • 📡 Check the ping to the printer from your computer: 
      ping [printer IP address]

      (For example, ping 192.168.0.100). If packets are lost or the delay is >100 ms, the signal is weak.

    To improve the connection, move the printer closer to the router or use Wi-Fi repeater.

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