How to Connect the HP Smart Tank 516 Printer to Wi-Fi: 3 Working Methods + Troubleshooting

Printer HP Smart Tank 516 — a popular model with a continuous ink supply system, but its capabilities are only fully realized when connected to a wireless network. Without Wi-Fi, you won't be able to print from a phone or tablet or send documents from a computer wirelessly. However, many users encounter issues: the printer doesn't find the network, constantly drops the connection, or requires complex settings.

In this article we will look at all current connection methods — from standard WPS to manual configuration via the control panel. We will separately cover typical errors (for example, code 0x6100004a or a blinking Wi-Fi indicator) and provide a diagnostic checklist. If your router is operating at a frequency 5 GHz, and the printer only supports 2.4 GHz - You will learn how to bypass this limitation without purchasing new equipment.

The instructions are suitable for owners Smart Tank 515/516/518 and similar models of the series Tank (The only difference is the control panel design). All steps have been tested on firmware versions from 2023–2026, but if you have an older software version— go to the update section.

1. Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before setting up Wi-Fi, make sure your network meets the printer's requirements. HP Smart Tank 516 works only with networks 2.4 GHz (not supported) 5 GHz) and safety standards WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSKIf your router uses WEP or mixed mode WPA/WPA2, the connection will be unstable.

Here's what you need to do Necessarily:

• 📶 Check your Wi-Fi frequency: go to the router settings (usually at the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and make sure that the network 2.4 GHz enabled. If you have a dual-band router, temporarily disable it. 5 GHz, to avoid confusion.
• 🔒 Make sure encryption is correct: printer does not support WPA3-Enterprise or open networks (without a password). The best option is WPA2-PSK (AES).
• 📡 Place the printer closer to the routerIf the signal is weak (less than 2-3 bars on the indicator), the connection will drop. For a test, you can temporarily move the printer to the same room as the router.
• 🔋 Charging and power supply: The printer must be plugged into a power outlet without using extension cords (they can cause power surges). Make sure the power indicator is on. even green (not blinking).

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses hidden network name (SSID), the printer will not be able to find it automatically. In this case, you will need manual tuning with manual SSID entry.

Also check if it is enabled on the router client isolation mode (Client Isolation or AP Isolation). This feature blocks communication between devices on the local network, which may prevent the printer from responding to requests from a computer or phone. Find this setting in your router settings and disable it.

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

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 (most modern models do).
• 📶 The network uses WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK (Not WEP).
• ⏱️ Connection time is no more than 2 minutes after pressing the button.

Instructions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and in standby mode (the power indicator is solid).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer control panel (usually indicated by an antenna icon) for 3-5 secondsuntil the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on your router (usually located on the back panel and labeled). If there is no button, go to the router's web interface and enable WPS in the "WPS" section. Wi-Fi → WPS.
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer turns on blue or green (depending on the model). This means the connection is successful.

If the indicator continues to flash or remains red, repeat the process. If the error persists, proceed to manual setup.

Make sure your router supports WPS|

Check that the network is operating at 2.4 GHz|

Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the indicator light flashes|

Activate WPS on the router within 2 minutes|

Wait for a stable signal (not blinking)-->

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) WPS is disabled by default for security reasons. If the button doesn't work, check your router settings in the Security → WPS.

3. Method 2: Manual connection via the printer panel

If WPS doesn't work or your router doesn't support it, use manual entry of network parametersThis method is universal and works even with hidden networks.

Steps:

1. Press the button on the printer Settings (gear) → select Net → Wi-Fi → Setting up Wi-Fi.
2. Select Manual setup (Manual Setup).
3. The printer will start searching for networks. If your network is not displayed, click Enter the network name (SSID) manually and enter the name of your Wi-Fi (case sensitive!).
4. Select the security type (WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK) and enter the password. Use the keyboard on the printer screen (it's easier to enter a password with numbers than with letters).
5. Confirm your entry and wait for the connection to complete. If an error appears, check that the password is correct (a common mistake is to confuse it). 0 And O, 1 And l).

If the printer gives an error 0x6100004a or 0x610000f0, this means that:

• 🔹 Incorrect password (check case and characters).
• 🔹 The router uses an incompatible encryption type (for example, TKIP instead of AES).
• 🔹 The MAC address filter is enabled on the network (this must be disabled in the router settings).

4. Method 3: Connecting via a computer or mobile app

If the printer panel is inconvenient for entering a password (for example, due to a long, complex key), you can set up Wi-Fi via:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS (via utility HP Smart).
• 📱 Mobile application HP Smart (Android/iOS).

Instructions for computer:

1. Download and install the program HP Smart from the official website.
2. Connect the printer to the computer via USB cable (temporary connection).
3. Launch HP Smart → select your printer → go to Settings → Wireless Network.
4. The program will prompt you to select a network from the list. Select your Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and wait for the connection to complete.
5. Disconnect the USB cable - the printer should remain online.

Instructions for the phone:

1. Install the application HP Smart from Google Play or App Store.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and bring it close to the printer (distance no more than 1 meter).
3. Launch the app → click Add a printer → select Smart Tank 516 from the list.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi. The app will prompt you to enter the network password.

⚠️ Attention: If after setting up through HP Smart The printer loses connection when printing from a phone. Check if it is turned on on the router. power saving mode for Wi-Fi (may turn off devices after 5-10 minutes of inactivity).

5. Table: Common errors and their solutions

If your error is not listed in the table, try reset network settings on the printer: go to Settings → Network → Reset network settingsAfter reset, try connecting again.

How to find the MAC address of the HP Smart Tank 516 printer?

To add a printer to the MAC address whitelist on a router, you first need to know its physical address:

1. On the printer, press Settings → Reports → Network configuration.
2. The printer will print a sheet with parameters, which will contain a line MAC address (Wi-Fi).
3. Copy this address (format: XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX) and add it to the router settings in the section MAC filter or Access control.

6. Optimize Wi-Fi for stable printing

Even after a successful connection, the printer may still perform erratically: printing slowly, losing connection, or freezing. This is due to network settings. Here's how to improve the situation:

• 📶 Allocate a fixed IP address For the printer, set up DHCP reservation in the router settings. This will prevent the address from changing after a reboot.
• 🔄 Disable automatic channel switching on the router. Select a fixed channel 2.4 GHz (for example, 6 or 11), where there is less interference.
• 🛡️ Update your router firmwareOlder versions may conflict with HP printers.
• 📵 Disable Wi-Fi power saving on the printer: Settings → Power → Sleep → Never.

Critical recommendation for offices: If there are many devices on the network (more than 10), enable it on the router splitting the 2.4 GHz band into two SSIDs (For example, Office_24G_1 And Office_24G_2) and connect the printer to a less congested network. This will reduce printing delays.

7. Updating the printer firmware (if nothing works)

If your printer stubbornly refuses to connect to Wi-Fi despite all your attempts, the problem may be due to outdated firmware. HP releases updates regularly, fixing compatibility issues with new routers.

How to update firmware:

1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
2. Download the latest firmware version from HP website (enter model) Smart Tank 516 in search).
3. Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions of the update wizard.
4. Do not turn off the printer until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

After updating, please reset your network settings (Settings → Network → Reset) and try connecting to Wi-Fi again.

⚠️ Attention: If an error occurs during the update (for example, a power outage), the printer may become inoperable. Use uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a laptop with a full charge.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can the HP Smart Tank 516 be connected to 5GHz?

No, this model only supports 2.4 GHzIf your router operates in two bands, temporarily disable it. 5 GHz or create a separate network 2.4 GHz with a different name (SSID).

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

Check:

1. The phone and printer are on the same network.
2. In the appendix HP Smart The correct printer has been selected.
3. It's disabled on the router. AP Isolation (client isolation).

If the problem persists, reinstall the application. HP Smart.

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

Go to Settings → Network → Reset network settingsAfter resetting, the printer will forget all saved networks, and they will have to be configured again.

Can I use the printer without Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• Printing only from computer via USB.
• Unable to print from phone or tablet.
• Cloud printing functions (Google Drive, Dropbox) are not available.

The printer connects to Wi-Fi, but disconnects after a few minutes. What's wrong?

Possible reasons:

• It's enabled on the router. power saving mode for Wi-Fi (turn it off).
• Weak signal - move the printer closer to the router.
• IP address conflict - assign a static IP to the printer in your router settings.