HP OfficeJet 5740 Setup
The HP OfficeJet 5740 is a capable home‑office all‑in‑one with Wi‑Fi, scanning, copying, duplex printing, and eFax support. A smooth setup comes from doing the basics in the right order: remove packaging, install cartridges, connect to Wi‑Fi, install HP drivers, then test both printing and scanning. This guide covers first‑time setup and what to do if the printer won’t connect or shows offline afterward.
Unboxing and Physical Setup
Remove all orange tape and packing foam. Open the cartridge door and install the black and tri‑color cartridges until they click. Make sure vent tape is removed from new cartridges. Load plain paper in the input tray and extend the output tray. Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet and power it on. Let it finish initialization before moving on.
Choose Your Connection Type
The OfficeJet 5740 supports Wi‑Fi and USB. Wi‑Fi is best if you want to print from multiple devices; USB is simplest for a single computer or for troubleshooting. Most OfficeJet models use 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi for widest compatibility, so keep your SSID and password handy. If your router combines 2.4/5 GHz under one name, splitting them temporarily can help pairing.
Reset Network Defaults (If Reconnecting)
If you changed routers or tried setup before, restore wireless defaults. On the touchscreen, tap the Wireless icon > Settings > Restore Network Defaults. The wireless light will blink, indicating setup mode.
Connect the OfficeJet 5740 to Wi‑Fi
Use the Wireless Setup Wizard:
- Tap Wireless on the printer display.
- Select Settings > Wireless Setup Wizard.
- Choose your Wi‑Fi name and enter the password.
- Wait for the confirmation checkmark and solid wireless icon.
If your router supports WPS, you can use Wi‑Fi Protected Setup from the same menu and press the router’s WPS button within two minutes.
Install Drivers on Windows
Download HP Smart or the OfficeJet 5740 full feature software from HP. Run it, choose wireless setup, and select the printer when found. If it cannot find the printer, connect USB temporarily so HP Smart can push credentials, then remove the cable. After installation, open Settings > Printers & scanners and print a test page.
Install Drivers on macOS
Install HP Smart/HP Easy Start, then add the printer in System Settings > Printers & Scanners. Choose the HP driver in the Use dropdown for maintenance and scan tools. If the printer doesn’t show automatically, add by IP with protocol IPP using the address from the printer’s network report.
Set Up Mobile Printing
Install HP Smart on iOS or Android. Add the OfficeJet 5740 while your phone is on the same Wi‑Fi network. iPhone and iPad users can also print through AirPrint from any app. Android users can enable Mopria or HP Print Service for direct printing. If mobile devices can’t see the printer, disable VPN and avoid guest networks with isolation.
Enable Scanning and “Scan to Computer”
The OfficeJet 5740 scans from the flatbed. In HP Smart, toggle Scan to Computer on so the printer panel can send scans to your PC/Mac. Test scanning in HP Smart or HP Scan. If the printer prints but won’t scan, you likely installed a basic driver; reinstall the full HP package to restore scan services.
Fixing “Printer Offline”
If Windows shows offline, first print a network configuration page to confirm the printer is connected and note the IP. Then:
- Clear stuck jobs in the print queue.
- Uncheck Use Printer Offline.
- In Printer properties > Ports, select the port matching the current IP (avoid old WSD ports).
- Reserve the IP in your router so it never changes.
On macOS, remove and re‑add the printer or add by IP if it stays offline.
Print Quality Checks
Print a Print Quality Report from the Tools menu. If text is faint or streaked, run Clean Printhead once, then print a couple of pages to re‑prime ink. Use fresh paper and match the driver’s media type to your paper to avoid smears.
Firmware and Long‑Term Stability
Open the Embedded Web Server by typing the printer IP into a browser. From there, check firmware updates and set a static IP/DHCP reservation. Keep the printer on a stable 2.4 GHz signal and leave it in sleep rather than turning it fully off; it will reconnect faster and run light maintenance cycles.
Quick Checklist
- Install cartridges, load paper, and complete alignment.
- Connect to Wi‑Fi via Wireless Setup Wizard or WPS.
- Install HP Smart/full drivers on Windows/macOS.
- Enable Scan to Computer and test scanning.
- Reserve printer IP to prevent offline errors.
With these steps, your HP OfficeJet 5740 should be fully set up for reliable printing and scanning across all your devices.