HP Deskjet 3520 Wireless Setup: A Complete Guide

Setting up a wireless printer like the HP Deskjet 3520 can significantly enhance your printing experience, providing the convenience of printing from multiple devices without the need for physical connections. In this article, we will walk you through the process of setting up the HP Deskjet 3520 for wireless printing, downloading the necessary software, and troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the setup.

Introduction to the HP Deskjet 3520

The HP Deskjet 3520 is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer that offers printing, scanning, and copying functionalities. Designed for home and small office use, this printer is known for its ease of use, compact design, and cost-effective printing capabilities. The wireless printing feature is one of its most appealing aspects, allowing users to print from laptops, smartphones, and tablets without the hassle of connecting cables.

Why Set Up Wireless Printing?

Convenience

Wireless printing eliminates the need for physical connections, enabling you to print from any device connected to the same network. This is particularly useful in a multi-device household or office environment.

Flexibility

With wireless printing, you can place your printer anywhere within the range of your Wi-Fi network. This flexibility allows you to optimize your workspace and reduce clutter.

Remote Printing

Many wireless printers, including the HP Deskjet 3520, support remote printing. This means you can send print jobs to your printer even when you’re not physically present, using services like HP ePrint or Google Cloud Print.

Step-by-Step Guide to Wireless Setup

Step 1: Unbox and Prepare the Printer

Before setting up the wireless connection, ensure that your printer is properly unboxed and ready for setup.

1. Unbox the printer: Remove all packaging materials, including tapes and protective films.
2. Plug in and power on: Connect the power cord to the printer and plug it into a power outlet. Press the power button to turn on the printer.
3. Install ink cartridges: Open the ink cartridge access door and insert the cartridges that came with the printer.
4. Load paper: Place a stack of paper in the input tray.

Step 2: Connect the Printer to Wi-Fi

To connect the HP Deskjet 3520 to your Wi-Fi network, you can use the printer’s control panel.

1. Access Wireless Setup Wizard:
   • On the printer’s control panel, press the Wireless button to open the Wireless Menu.
   • Select Settings and then Wireless Setup Wizard.
2. Select Your Network:
   • The printer will search for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your network from the list.
   • If your network is not listed, make sure your router is broadcasting the network SSID.
3. Enter Your Wi-Fi Password:
   • Using the printer’s control panel, enter your Wi-Fi password. Make sure to enter it correctly, as it is case-sensitive.
   • Press OK to confirm.
4. Connect to the Network:
   • The printer will attempt to connect to the network. Once connected, the wireless light on the printer will turn solid blue, indicating a successful connection.

Step 3: Download and Install the Printer Software

To fully utilize the wireless capabilities of your HP Deskjet 3520, you need to download and install the appropriate software and drivers on your computer or mobile device.

For Windows Users:

1. Visit the HP Support Website:
   • Open a web browser and go to the HP Support website.
   • In the search bar, type “HP Deskjet 3520” and select your printer model from the search results.
2. Download the Full-Feature Software:
   • On the printer’s support page, navigate to the “Software and Drivers” section.
   • Select your operating system, and click on the Download button next to the full-feature driver.
3. Install the Software:
   • Once the download is complete, open the installer file.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. During installation, choose the Wireless connection option.
4. Complete the Setup:
   • The installer will detect your printer on the network. Select your printer from the list and complete the setup process.

For macOS Users:

1. Visit the HP Support Website:
   • Go to the HP Support website using your web browser.
   • Search for “HP Deskjet 3520” and select the appropriate model.
2. Download the Driver:
   • In the “Software and Drivers” section, choose your macOS version and click on the Download button.
3. Install the Software:
   • Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.
   • During the installation, select Wireless as your connection method.
4. Add the Printer:
   • After installation, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
   • Click the + button to add a new printer, select your HP Deskjet 3520 from the list, and click Add.

For Mobile Devices:

1. Download the HP Smart App:
   • Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for the HP Smart app.
   • Download and install the app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Set Up the Printer:
   • Open the HP Smart app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your HP Deskjet 3520.
   • Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
3. Start Printing:
   • Once the setup is complete, you can start printing directly from your mobile device using the HP Smart app.

Troubleshooting Wireless Setup Issues

Printer Not Found on the Network

If your computer or mobile device cannot find the HP Deskjet 3520 on the network, try the following:

1. Check Network Connection: Ensure that the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. The wireless light on the printer should be solid blue.
2. Restart Devices: Restart your printer, router, and computer or mobile device.
3. Move the Printer: Ensure the printer is within range of the Wi-Fi router and there are no physical obstructions.

Incorrect Wi-Fi Password

If you entered the wrong Wi-Fi password during setup:

1. Re-enter Password: Go back to the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer’s control panel and re-enter the correct password.
2. Reset Network Settings: If the issue persists, reset the printer’s network settings and start the setup process again.

Software Installation Errors

If you encounter errors during the software installation:

1. Check Compatibility: Ensure that the software you are trying to install is compatible with your operating system version.
2. Disable Antivirus: Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software that may be blocking the installation.
3. Run as Administrator: Right-click the installer file and select “Run as administrator” to give the installation process the necessary permissions.

Wireless Connection Drops

If the wireless connection drops frequently:

1. Update Router Firmware: Ensure that your Wi-Fi router is running the latest firmware version.
2. Change Wi-Fi Channel: Switch to a less congested Wi-Fi channel in your router settings.
3. Reposition Printer: Move the printer closer to the router or reduce interference from other wireless devices.

Benefits of Wireless Printing with HP Deskjet 3520

Multi-Device Printing

With wireless printing, you can print from multiple devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, without the need for cables. This is ideal for households or small offices with multiple users.

Remote Printing Capabilities

The HP Deskjet 3520 supports remote printing through services like HP ePrint. This allows you to send print jobs to your printer from anywhere with an internet connection, making it convenient for printing important documents while on the go.

Reduced Clutter

Wireless printing eliminates the need for USB cables, reducing clutter and making it easier to maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Energy Efficiency

By placing your printer in a central location and using wireless connectivity, you can reduce the number of devices required to manage your printing tasks, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Setting up your HP Deskjet 3520 for wireless printing can greatly enhance your productivity and convenience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network, download the necessary software, and start enjoying the benefits of wireless printing. Should you encounter any issues during the setup process, the troubleshooting tips provided will help you resolve them quickly. Embrace the flexibility and convenience of wireless printing with your HP Deskjet 3520, and streamline your printing tasks with ease.