Why is my HP Smart Tank Plus 651 not connecting to wifi?

Common causes include driver issues, connectivity problems, outdated firmware, and hardware malfunctions. Follow our step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix your HP Smart Tank Plus 651.

How do I fix HP Smart Tank Plus 651 not connecting to wifi?

Start by checking your printer connections, updating drivers, and running the built-in troubleshooting utility. Our guide below provides detailed steps for resolving HP Smart Tank Plus 651 not connecting to wifi.

When should I call a technician for my HP Smart Tank Plus 651?

If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the not connecting to wifi issue, or if you hear unusual noises, smell burning, or see error codes, it's time to contact a certified HP printer technician.

HP Smart Tank Plus 651 not connecting to wifi

If your HP Smart Tank Plus 651 not connecting to wifi, you're experiencing one of the most common wireless printer issues faced by home and small office users. This ink tank system printer relies on a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection for HP Smart app functionality, cloud printing, and mobile device pairing. Network changes, router firmware updates, or incorrect wireless settings on the printer can all interrupt connectivity. Our printer repair specialists have compiled this comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you restore wireless functionality without unnecessary service calls.

Initial Diagnostics and Network Requirements

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, verify that your network environment meets the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 specifications. This model only supports 2.4 GHz wireless networks and does not connect to 5 GHz-only bands or enterprise authentication systems like WPA2-Enterprise. Confirm your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz SSID and that your firewall settings allow device-to-device communication on the local network.

Step-by-Step Wi-Fi Reconnection Process

Restart Your Network Hardware: Power off your router, modem, and HP Smart Tank Plus 651. Wait 60 seconds, then power on the modem first, followed by the router, and finally the printer. This clears IP conflicts and refreshes DHCP assignments that may prevent your HP Smart Tank Plus 651 not connecting to wifi from resolving.

Restore Wireless Defaults on the Printer: On the printer control panel, press and hold the Wireless button and Cancel button simultaneously for 3 seconds until the Power light blinks. This restores network settings to factory defaults, removing corrupted profiles that cause persistent connection failures.

Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS): Press and hold the Wireless button on your printer for 3 seconds until the blue light flashes. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The printer will auto-configure security settings. If WPS fails, proceed to manual setup using the HP Smart app.

Configure Through HP Smart App: Download HP Smart from the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, or Google Play. Create or sign in to your HP account, click "Set Up a New Printer," and follow the guided setup. The app detects the printer's temporary Wi-Fi Direct signal and transfers your network credentials securely.

Assign a Static IP Address: Access your router's admin panel (typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), locate the DHCP reservations section, and assign a fixed IP to the printer's MAC address. This prevents IP lease expiration from dropping the connection after periods of inactivity.

Update Printer Firmware: With the printer connected via USB if necessary, open HP Smart, navigate to "Advanced Settings" > "Tools" > "Firmware Update." Firmware version 2022 or later resolves known Wi-Fi stability bugs in early Smart Tank Plus 651 production units.

⚠️ Important: Do not perform a factory reset on your HP Smart Tank Plus 651 unless other methods fail. A full reset erases all settings and requires complete reconfiguration of scan-to-email, cloud services, and ink level monitoring. Always document your current settings before resetting.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues

If your HP Smart Tank Plus 651 not connecting to wifi persists after standard steps, investigate router-specific conflicts. Disable band steering or "smart connect" features that force 5 GHz connections. Temporarily disable IPv6, MAC address filtering, and guest network isolation. For mesh systems like Eero or Orbi, ensure the printer connects to the primary node rather than satellite extenders, which often cause intermittent dropouts. Our printer support team frequently resolves these cases by adjusting channel width to 20 MHz on the 2.4 GHz band and selecting channels 1, 6, or 11 to minimize interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my HP Smart Tank Plus 651 keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Intermittent disconnections typically stem from IP address conflicts, router sleep modes, or signal interference from microwaves and baby monitors. Enable DHCP reservation in your router settings and position the printer within 30 feet of the router with minimal obstructions.

Can I connect the Smart Tank Plus 651 without the HP Smart app?

Yes, you can use the Wireless Setup Wizard from the printer's control panel by navigating to Setup > Network Setup > Wireless Settings > Wireless Setup Wizard. However, the HP Smart app provides more reliable configuration and automatic driver installation for Windows 10/11 and macOS systems.

Does the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 support 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks?

No. This model exclusively supports 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n networks. If your router combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under a single SSID, separate them into distinct network names or disable band steering temporarily during setup.

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