HP OfficeJet 5200 Wireless Setup

The HP OfficeJet 5200 series (including models like the OfficeJet 5255, 5260, and 5230) is a compact all‑in‑one for home offices. It supports wireless printing, scanning, and mobile apps, but setup can be tricky if the printer is still holding old Wi‑Fi details or your router is using a band or security mode the printer doesn’t like. This guide shows how to connect a 5200‑series printer to Wi‑Fi, install the correct software on Windows, macOS, and phones, and stabilize the connection so it stays online.

Prep: Reset Old Network Settings

If your printer has been on another network, clear it first. On the touchscreen, tap Wireless > Settings >Restore Network Defaults. The printer will reboot and the wireless light will blink, meaning it’s ready to pair.

Method 1: HP Smart Guided Setup (Recommended)

HP Smart is the easiest way to set up the OfficeJet 5200 series.

1. Install HP Smart from HP’s website, the Microsoft Store, or the Mac App Store.
2. Open the app and sign in or continue as guest.
3. Click Add Printer. HP Smart should find your 5200 series automatically.
4. Select your Wi‑Fi network and enter the password.
5. Wait for the printer to connect and print a setup confirmation.

If HP Smart can’t find the printer, connect it with USB temporarily; the app can then push wireless credentials and switch it to Wi‑Fi.

Method 2: WPS Push‑Button Setup

If your router supports WPS, you can connect without typing a password:

1. Press and hold the Wireless button on the printer for about 3 seconds until the wireless light flashes.
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
3. When the wireless light stops blinking and stays solid, the printer is connected.

WPS works only on 2.4 GHz networks, so if your router is 5 GHz only, use HP Smart instead.

Method 3: Wireless Setup Wizard on the Printer

If you prefer to type the password directly on the printer, use the built‑in wizard. On the touchscreen, tap the Wireless icon, choose Settings, then Wireless Setup Wizard. Select your SSID and enter the Wi‑Fi password carefully (watch for uppercase/lowercase). The printer will confirm the connection and return you to the home screen. Print a Network Report afterward so you know the IP address—this is handy if you ever need to add the printer by IP.

Install on Windows

After the printer joins Wi‑Fi, HP Smart or the full feature driver will add it automatically. You can confirm in Settings > Printers & scanners. Print a test page. If your PC doesn’t see the printer, make sure the PC is on the same network (not Ethernet on a different VLAN or a guest SSID).

Install on macOS

Open HP Smart or HP Easy Start, add the printer, and confirm the driver choice. If the printer appears as AirPrint only, that’s fine for most uses, but installing HP Smart gives you maintenance controls and scan shortcuts. If discovery fails, add the printer by IP in Printers & Scanners using protocol IPP.

Mobile Printing and Scanning

HP Smart on iOS or Android lets you print, scan to phone, and monitor ink. Ensure your phone is on the same Wi‑Fi network as the printer. Enable Bluetooth on the phone during first‑time setup; HP Smart uses it to locate the printer. Once paired, you can use AirPrint (iOS) or Mopria (Android) without reopening the app.

Wi‑Fi Direct as a Backup Connection

If your router is down or you’re traveling, the 5200 series can create its own Wi‑Fi Direct network. Enable Wi‑Fi Direct from the wireless menu, then connect your phone or laptop to the printer’s Direct SSID and password shown on the panel or printed on an info sheet. You can print from HP Smart or AirPrint over that direct link without needing the home router. Performance is best within the same room.

Set Up Scan to Computer

For scanning from the printer panel, open HP Smart on your computer and turn on Scan to Computer in settings. This registers your PC so the printer can send scans directly to it. If scan buttons are missing, reinstall the full feature software instead of relying on a generic driver.

Fixing “Printer Offline” on a 5200 Series

If Windows shows the printer offline even though the wireless light is solid:

• Print a Network Report and note the IP address.
• In Windows, open Printer properties > Ports and switch to a Standard TCP/IP port matching that IP.
• Clear the print queue and uncheck Use Printer Offline.
• Reserve the IP in your router so it doesn’t change.

Wi‑Fi Troubleshooting Checklist

If setup fails or the printer keeps dropping:

• Use a 2.4 GHz SSID; older HP radios may not connect to 5 GHz.
• Change router security to WPA2 or mixed WPA2/WPA3.
• Move the printer closer to the router during pairing.
• Restart the router and printer after changing settings.
• Disable guest network isolation and VPNs during setup.

After Setup: Keep Print Quality Strong

Run alignment from the printer menu if text looks fuzzy. Print a quick page weekly to prevent nozzle drying. Most 5200 series models use HP 63/63XL or regional equivalents; genuine cartridges provide the most predictable results if you print photos.

Once connected through HP Smart or WPS, the HP OfficeJet 5200 series should stay on your network and be ready to print from any device.