Owners of modern inkjet MFPs often face a situation where they need to connect a new device to an existing wireless network, but the access key is lost or forgotten. HP Smart Tank 513 — a popular model that by default does not have a pre-installed password for its own access point in the standard sense, since it most often operates in client mode or uses technology Wi-Fi Direct with a dynamically generated key. Understanding the architecture of this series of network modules is critical for successful configuration.
In most cases, the user doesn't need to know the static password embedded in the firmware, but rather to restore access to the router settings or reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. Wireless connection Hewlett-Packard devices are protected by encryption protocols, and simply viewing the saved home Wi-Fi password from the printer's control panel is impossible for security reasons. However, there are effective ways to bypass this limitation by printing reports or using the buttons on the printer.
This guide details all legitimate ways to restore network access. We'll cover both software and hardware methods, including the use of WPS and resetting network settings. It's important to proceed sequentially to avoid disrupting the current device configuration if it's already partially configured.
Finding the Wi-Fi Direct password on the label and in the menu
The first place to look for connection information is the physical marking on the device's body. Model HP Smart Tank 513 equipped with a module Wi-Fi Direct, which allows printing from mobile devices without connecting to the main router. On the back or front of the device (often near the wireless button), there's a sticker with the network name (SSID) and PIN. This code serves as the password for connecting smartphones or tablets directly to the printer.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, the information can be retrieved programmatically. By pressing the button Wi-Fi Direct On the control panel, you initiate a printout of the current settings. The printed page will contain the SSID and password, which is typically 8 characters long. Please note that this password is only relevant for direct connection mode, not for connecting the printer to your home router.
⚠️ Attention: The Wi-Fi Direct password can be changed by the user via the EWS web interface. If the default code on the sticker doesn't work, the settings may have been previously changed.
To access advanced settings via a browser, enter the printer's IP address in the address bar. Go to the tab Network → Wi-Fi Direct, you'll be able to see the current network name and set a new password if necessary. This step requires the device to be connected to the local network somehow.
Print a wireless network diagnostic report
The most informative source of connection status data is the built-in wireless network report. To access it, click the button Wireless communication on the printer control panel, and then press the button Information (icon with the letter "i"). The device will automatically generate and print a document containing detailed technical information.
The report will show not only the connection status but also the device's MAC address, firmware version, and security type. If the printer was previously connected to the router, the report may show the network name (SSID) to which it most recently connected, but the password itself is not displayed in plain text for security reasons. Nevertheless, this step is essential for understanding the module's current status.
☑️ Check the wireless network report
When analyzing the printed sheet, pay attention to the line IP AddressIf the address starts with 192.168... or 10.0..., then the device has successfully received an address from the router. If you see an address like this 169.254..., this means there's no connection to the access point, and the printer has entered self-assignment mode. In this case, you'll need to know the router password again to perform the pairing procedure.
Using the WPS button to connect automatically
If you don't know the password for your Wi-Fi router, but have physical access to it, the easiest way to connect HP Smart Tank 513 there will be use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method transfers security settings automatically, without manually entering characters. This method is ideal when the password is complex or has been lost.
To implement this method, press and hold the button Wireless communication Press and hold the WPS button on the printer's control panel for 3 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The devices will find each other and exchange encryption keys.
Once paired successfully, the wireless indicator on the printer will stop flashing and remain solid blue. This indicates that network module Active and ready to use. If the indicator continues to flash or turns orange, automatic data transfer has failed and manual key entry will be required via a computer or mobile app.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
In situations where the printer "remembers" the old router or the incorrect password and fails to connect to the new network, you need to reset the network settings. This will return the Wi-Fi module to its original state, ready for initial setup. It's important to understand that this is not a complete reset of the entire printer, but only its settings. network configuration.
To perform a reset on series models Smart Tank A combination of buttons is usually used. Press and hold the buttons simultaneously. Wireless communication And Cancel (cross) for 3-5 seconds. The power and wireless indicators may flash, after which the printer will reboot the network module.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting your network settings, all previously saved Wi-Fi profiles will be deleted. You will need to reconnect your device to the router.
After the reset, the Wi-Fi indicator will start flashing blue, indicating that you're in setup mode. You can now use the app. HP Smart on your smartphone or computer to detect the device and transfer new internet connection information. During setup, the program will automatically request the password for your current Wi-Fi network.
Setup via HP Smart app and USB
The most modern and reliable way to share your Wi-Fi password with your printer is to use the official app. HP SmartThe app is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. If the printer has been reset or is new, the app will automatically detect it in setup mode and offer to transfer the Wi-Fi passwords stored in the system.
In some cases, when the wireless connection is unstable, it is recommended to use a temporary connection via USB cableConnect the printer to your computer using a wired connection and launch the installer or HP Smart app. During installation, the program will prompt you to switch the device to a wireless connection. It will automatically detect your PC's network configuration and transfer it to the printer.
This method is advantageous because it eliminates manual entry errors. The computer automatically sends the correct SSID and encryption key. After successful data transfer, the printer will disable the USB data port and attempt to connect to the router. Make sure the device is in a strong signal range at this point.
What should I do if HP Smart doesn't see my printer?
Make sure Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your phone. Also, make sure your phone is connected to a 2.4 GHz network, as many HP printers don't support the 5 GHz frequency for initial setup.
Wireless Status Indicator Table
Understanding the signals emitted by the indicator lights helps you quickly diagnose a connection problem. Don't ignore the color indicators, as they are the primary means of communication between HP Smart Tank 513 and by the user in the absence of a display.
| Indicator status | Color | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| It's on constantly | Blue | Successful connection to Wi-Fi | The printer is ready to print. |
| Flashing | Blue | Setup Mode / Network Search | Run the setup through the app |
| It's on constantly | Orange | Network error / No connection | Check your router or reset it |
| Turned off | - | Wireless connection is turned off | Press the Wireless button |
If the indicator lights orange, this often indicates that the password was entered incorrectly or the router is blocking the connection based on the MAC address. In such cases, a second reset and careful verification of the entered data usually resolves the issue. It's also worth checking whether MAC address filtering is enabled in your router settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the password for your home Wi-Fi by looking at the settings of your HP printer?
No, the printer acts as a client and stores the password in encrypted form. For security reasons, the saved router password cannot be displayed in plain text through the menu or reports.
What is the default Wi-Fi Direct password for the HP Smart Tank 513?
There's no standard password. Each device has its own unique PIN, which is located on a sticker on the back or front of the device. It's usually 8 digits long.
The printer won't connect to the 5GHz network, what should I do?
Most HP models, including the Smart Tank series, only support a range of 2.4 GHzMake sure your router is broadcasting a network in this range and try connecting to it. Sometimes you need to separate the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names in your router settings.
How to change Wi-Fi Direct password?
To do this, log in to the printer's web interface (EWS) using a browser and enter its IP address. Go to Network → Wi-Fi Direct and set a new password manually. The changes will take effect after the unit reboots.