How to Connect the HP Smart Tank 516 Printer to Your Computer via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Pictures

Wireless printer connection HP Smart Tank 516 Connecting to a computer via Wi-Fi saves time and eliminates the clutter of wires. However, many users encounter difficulties: the router doesn't detect the device, drivers refuse to install, or printing errors occur. In this article— step-by-step instructions taking into account all the nuances of the model Smart Tank 516, including network setup, software installation, and troubleshooting.

The special feature of this model is the continuous ink supply system (CIS), but the wireless functions here are implemented according to the classic scheme HPWe will look at two main scenarios: connecting via WPS (the fastest way) and manual network setup. We'll also find out why a printer might suddenly lose Wi-Fi and how to fix it without calling a technician.

If you have already tried to set up a connection and received an error like "Unable to connect to the network" or "The printer is not responding." — Don't rush to reset the settings. In 90% of cases, the problem can be resolved by adjusting the router settings or reinstalling the drivers. Below you'll find diagnostic checklist and a table with error codes HP Smart Tank 516.

1. Preparing to connect: What to check before setting up Wi-Fi

Before connecting the printer to your computer, make sure the basic requirements are met. Missing even one step can lead to problems in subsequent steps.

Printer HP Smart Tank 516 plugged in and in standby mode (power indicator is green)

The computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which the printer will be connected.

The PC has the latest OS version installed (Windows 10/11 or macOS 12+)

VPNs and proxy servers that may block the local connection are disabled.

The router supports the standard 802.11b/g/n (For Smart Tank 516 2.4 GHz is enough)

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Please pay special attention to router operating modePrinters HP This series does not support networks 5 GHz - only 2.4 GHzIf your router is broadcasting on two bands under the same name (SSID), temporarily disable it. 5 GHz Or separate the networks in your router settings. This is a common reason why a device can't see the Wi-Fi.

Also check if it is activated on the router MAC address filter. Printer Smart Tank 516 has a unique MAC address, and if the router has a "whitelist" of devices enabled, you'll have to add it manually. Find the printer's MAC address on the sticker on the back or print it out. network configuration report via the device menu (Settings → Network → Configuration Report).

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

Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) allows you to connect your printer to your router without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This is the best option if your router supports WPS (most modern models do). TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic have this function).

Instructions for HP Smart Tank 516:

1. Make sure your printer is turned on and within Wi-Fi range.

2. On the printer control panel, press the button Wireless communication (antenna icon) and hold it for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes.

3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (usually it is signed or marked with an icon ).

4. Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer stops flashing and turns solid (this will take up to 1 minute).

If the connection is successful, the printer will automatically receive an IP address from the router. You can check this by printing network configuration report (as described above). The line should appear in it IP address (For example, 192.168.1.105).

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) disable WPS by default for security reasons. In this case, the function can be enabled in the router's web interface (section Wi-Fi → WPS).

3. Method 2: Manual Wi-Fi setup via the printer control panel

If WPS is unavailable or doesn't work, connect the printer to the network manually. To do this, you'll need:

• 📝 The exact name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID).
• 🔑 Network password (make sure it is entered correctly!).
• 🖨️ Access the printer control panel.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Press the button on the printer "Settings" (gear icon).

2. Go to "Wireless" → "Wi-Fi Setup Wizard".

3. Select your network from the list. If it's not there, click Enter the network name manually and enter SSID (case important!).

4. Enter your Wi-Fi password. Smart Tank 516 Only encrypted networks are available WPA2-PSK (don't use outdated WEP!).

5. Confirm your input. The printer will attempt to connect—this may take up to 2 minutes.

If an error occurs "Unable to connect", check:

• 🔄 The password you entered is correct (try entering it again).
• 📡 Wi-Fi signal: the printer must be no further than 5 meters from the router during setup.
• 🔒 Encryption type: must be selected in the router settings WPA2-PSK (AES).

What to do if the printer does not see your network?

If your Wi-Fi network is not shown in the list of available networks, there may be the following reasons:

1. The network broadcasts in the range 5 GHz (the printer only supports 2.4 GHz).

2. The SSID broadcast is hidden in the router settings (enable the option Broadcast network name).

3. The Wi-Fi channel is manually set to a higher value 11 (For Smart Tank 516 channels 1–11 are allowed).

4. The mode is on 802.11r (Fast Transition) - disable it in the router settings.

4. Installing drivers and software on your computer

Even after successfully connecting the printer to Wi-Fi, the computer will not be able to print without special software. HP Smart Tank 516 required:

• 🖥️ Printer driver (ensures interaction with the OS).
• 📥 Program HP Smart (to manage printing and scanning tasks).

You can download the official software from the website HP:

1. Go to the support page: support.hp.com.

2. Enter your printer model: Smart Tank 516.

3. Select your OS (eg. Windows 11 x64).

4. Download Full Feature Software and Drivers (full package).

During installation:

• 🔌 Connect the printer to the network to launch the installer (otherwise the program may not find the device).
• 📋 Follow the wizard's prompts - it will automatically detect Smart Tank 516 in the local network.
• 🔄 If the installation freezes while searching for a printer, restart your computer and repeat the process.

⚠️ Attention: Don't use the drivers from the disc that came with your printer—they become outdated even before the device is released. Always download the latest version from the official website.

Critical feature for Windows 11: If after installing the drivers the printer does not appear in the list of devices, check if it is blocked Windows DefenderAdd a program HP Smart in firewall exceptions (Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Firewall).

5. Setting up Wi-Fi printing: adding a printer to the system

After installing the drivers, the printer should automatically appear in the list of devices. If it doesn't, add it manually:

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.

2. Click Add a printer or scanner.

3. Find in the list HP Smart Tank 516 and select it.

4. If the printer is not displayed, click "The printer you want is not listed." and enter its IP address (you can find it in the network configuration report).

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.

2. Click «+» and select Smart Tank 516 from the list.

3. If the printer is not found, go to the tab IP and enter its address manually (for example, 192.168.1.105).

After adding, print a test page to ensure it's working correctly. If printing is artifact-ridden or doesn't start at all, check:

• 🖼️ Connection quality: the Wi-Fi signal must be stable (at least 2-3 indicator bars).
• 📄 Paper size: the printer and document sizes must match in the settings (e.g. A4).
• 🔧 Print mode: for drafts, select Quick Print, for photographs - "High quality".

Via WPS (button on the router)

Manually entering a password on a printer

Via USB, and then switched to Wi-Fi

Another way-->

6. Typical mistakes and their solutions

Even with the printer set up correctly HP Smart Tank 516 may operate unstably. Below is a table of the most common errors and how to fix them.

If the printer still does not work, reset it to factory settings:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Press the buttons Cancel And Wireless communication simultaneously.

3. Turn on the printer by holding the buttons for 10-15 seconds until all the indicators flash.

4. Release the buttons and the printer will reset.

⚠️ Attention: After the reset, all Wi-Fi settings and network parameters will be deleted. You will need to reconnect the printer to the network and install the drivers on your computer.

7. Optimizing your workflow: how to speed up printing and avoid connection interruptions

To the printer HP Smart Tank 516 To ensure it works stably, follow these recommendations:

• 📶 Place the printer at a distance of no more than 5–7 meters from the router. Obstacles (walls, furniture) weaken the signal.
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware regularly via HP Smart (Settings → Software Update).
• 🖨️ For large documents use wired connection (USB) - this will speed up printing and reduce the load on Wi-Fi.
• 📵 Turn off power saving mode on the printer, if it often “falls asleep” (Settings → Power Saving → Off).

If you have a lot of devices on your network (smartphones, smart speakers, cameras), consider traffic separation:

• Create guest network on the router specifically for the printer.
• Set up QoS (Quality of Service) in the router to prioritize printer traffic.

8. Alternative connection methods

If connecting via Wi-Fi is not possible for some reason, consider alternative options:

• 🔌 USB cable: Connect the printer directly to your computer. The drivers will be installed automatically.
• 📱 HP Smart App: Install the application HP Smart on your smartphone, connect the printer to your phone via Wi-Fi Direct, and then transfer print jobs from your computer to your phone.
• 🌐 Cloud Printing: Register your printer with the service HP ePrint and send documents by email.

To connect via Wi-Fi Direct (without router):

1. On your printer, activate Wi-Fi Direct mode (Settings → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct).

2. On your computer, connect to the printer's network (its name will begin with DIRECT-xx-HP Smart Tank 516).

3. Install the drivers and print as usual.

Please note: In Wi-Fi Direct mode, the printer does not have access to the Internet, so functions like HP Instant Ink will not work.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect the HP Smart Tank 516 to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes, the printer can be connected to the network directly through the control panel (section 3 of the article) or using a mobile app. HP Smart (available for Android And iOS). To do this:

1. Install the application HP Smart on your smartphone.
2. Follow the setup wizard's instructions—the app will automatically find the printer and prompt you to enter the Wi-Fi password.

Once connected, you can print from your smartphone or tablet without a computer.

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

The problem may be related to:

• Blocking the firewall (add the printer to exceptions).
• IP address conflict (assign a static IP to the printer in the router settings).
• Outdated drivers (reinstall the software from the official website) HP).

You can also try manually adding the printer by IP address (instructions in section 5).

How do I find the IP address of my HP Smart Tank 516 printer?

There are three ways:

1. Print it out network configuration report (Settings → Network → Configuration Report).
2. Look at the address in the router's web interface (section DHCP clients or Connected devices).
3. Use the program HP Print and Scan Doctor (download from the website) HP) - it will show the printer's IP.

Is it possible to connect a printer to multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, after connecting to Wi-Fi the printer HP Smart Tank 516 will be available to all devices on your local network (computers, smartphones, tablets). The main condition is that all devices must be connected to the same network, as well as the printer.

To print from a new device, simply install the drivers or application. HP Smart.

What should I do if my printer prints very slowly over Wi-Fi?

Reasons for slow printing:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal (move the printer closer to the router).
• High resolution printing (select in document settings) "Draft" or "Normal").
• Congested network (disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi while printing).
• The printer firmware is outdated (update it via HP Smart).

If the problem persists, try connecting the printer via USB for large documents.