HP OfficeJet Pro 6230 Setup
The HP OfficeJet Pro 6230 is a single‑function business inkjet built for fast duplex printing and a low cost per page. Unlike many OfficeJet models, the 6230 does not include a scanner or copier, so setup focuses on paper handling, ink installation, and a stable network connection. Once installed, it’s a great shared printer for home offices and small teams. This guide explains the full setup process, from unboxing to driver installation, plus fixes for the common wireless and offline problems that crop up later.
Unbox and Power On
- Remove all packaging, tape, and cardboard from the printer and paper path.
- Extend the input and output trays.
- Plug the power cable into the wall and press Power.
- Wait while the printer initializes and the control panel lights settle.
Install Ink Cartridges
Open the ink door. Insert the black and tri‑color cartridges until they click, then close the door. The printer will prime ink. If you see a cartridge error, remove and reseat the cartridge after checking that all protective tape has been removed.
Load Paper and Adjust Guides
Load plain letter/A4 paper, fan the stack first, and slide the guides snugly to the edges. The 6230 is sensitive to curled paper; using fresh paper reduces jams and skew.
Connect the OfficeJet Pro 6230 to Wi‑Fi
The 6230 uses 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi. On the panel, press the Wireless button until the light blinks, then use one of these methods:
- HP Smart guided setup: install HP Smart on a phone or computer, tap Add Printer, and follow prompts to send Wi‑Fi credentials.
- WPS push‑button: press the Wireless button to start WPS mode, then press WPS on your router within two minutes.
When the wireless light is solid, print a network report to note the IP address.
Ethernet Setup Option
If your router is nearby, Ethernet is the most reliable connection. Plug in the cable and let the printer acquire an IP. Reserve that IP in the router to avoid port drift.
Install Drivers on Windows
Download the OfficeJet Pro 6230 driver or HP Smart from HP support. Run the installer and choose wireless or Ethernet. After installation, print a test page. If the printer is not found, add it by IP in Settings > Printers & scanners.
Install on macOS
Add the printer in System Settings > Printers & Scanners. AirPrint works for most printing, but HP Smart adds maintenance and ink status. If the printer doesn’t show automatically, add by IP using protocol IPP.
Use Wi‑Fi Direct When You Don’t Have a Router
The OfficeJet Pro 6230 can broadcast a Wi‑Fi Direct network. Enable it from HP Smart or the printer’s wireless menu, then connect your phone or laptop to the printer’s Direct SSID and password. You can print through HP Smart or AirPrint without needing your home router. Wi‑Fi Direct is also a great troubleshooting tool—if Direct printing works, your driver is fine and your router settings are the issue.
Mobile Printing and Remote Options
After Wi‑Fi setup, the 6230 supports AirPrint on iOS and Mopria/HP Smart on Android. If you print from multiple devices, install HP Smart on each one and add the same printer. Some firmware versions offer HP ePrint; if you use it, understand that jobs are routed through HP’s cloud and require the printer to stay online.
Embedded Web Server and a Stable IP
Enter the printer’s IP address into a browser to open the Embedded Web Server. You can view wireless signal strength, run diagnostics, and set a static IP. A static or reserved IP prevents “offline after router reboot” errors because your computer always talks to the same address.
Printing Envelopes, Labels, and Cardstock
The 6230 handles thicker media well if you adjust settings. Load special media in the main tray, print one sheet at a time when using heavy stock, and choose the correct paper type in the driver. If you see smudging, reduce print quality slightly or switch to a lighter media to prevent head strikes.
Set Duplex and Default Preferences
The 6230 is designed for duplex printing. In your driver preferences, set two‑sided printing as default to save paper. Also set your usual paper size and quality so the printer doesn’t pause asking for confirmation.
Fix Printer Offline or Not Printing
If Windows shows the printer offline:
- Print a network report and find the IP.
- Switch to a Standard TCP/IP port in Printer properties.
- Clear the queue and uncheck Use Printer Offline.
If printing is slow, disable “quiet mode” and confirm you’re using the HP driver, not a generic one.
Maintenance and Ink Notes
Run printhead cleaning from HP Smart if text starts to fade. Print a small page weekly to prevent drying. The 6230 uses HP 934/935 cartridges (region dependent), and XL versions are a good fit if you print regularly.
Status Lights and Typical Errors
A blinking attention light usually means paper is empty, paper guides are too tight, or a small scrap is stuck in the feed path. Cartridge lights mean a chip isn’t reading—remove and reseat the cartridge firmly. If the wireless light keeps blinking, pairing didn’t finish, so restore network defaults and run wireless setup again on your 2.4 GHz SSID.
With a stable Wi‑Fi/Ethernet connection and the correct driver, the HP OfficeJet Pro 6230 is a dependable duplex printer for everyday office documents.