Having trouble installing smart tank 520

[John10270224]

Hello,

I recently installed my HP Smart Tank 520 on Windows 11 using the HP Universal Installer and the printer works fine — I can print a test page successfully. However, when I try to add the printer in the HP Smart app, it cannot detect the device via USB.

Steps I tried so far:

Installed HP Universal Installer → printer is recognized in Windows and printing works.

Installed the HP Universal Scan driver.

Connected the printer directly to the PC (no hub, tried different USB ports and cables).

In HP Smart → Add Printer → USB Printer, it just keeps searching but does not find my Smart Tank 520.

I would prefer to manage and scan using the HP Smart app instead of just Windows Fax & Scan. Any advice or a step-by-step fix would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @John10270224,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP Smart Tank 520 is printing successfully on Windows 11, but the HP Smart app cannot detect it via USB. Let’s go through a few steps to resolve this.

Verify HP Smart App Permissions
 - Make sure the HP Smart app has access to USB devices.
 - On Windows 11, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > USB and ensure HP Smart is allowed.

Check USB Connection
 - Connect the printer directly to a USB port on the PC (avoid hubs or docking stations).
 - Try using a different USB cable if available.
 - Confirm the printer is turned on and ready (no errors on the display).

Restart HP Smart App and Printer
 - Close the HP Smart app completely.
 - Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
 - Reopen HP Smart and try adding the printer again.

Run HP Smart as Administrator
 - Right-click the HP Smart app shortcut and select Run as administrator.
 - Sometimes elevated permissions help the app detect USB devices.

Reinstall HP Smart App
 - Uninstall the HP Smart app from your PC.
 - Download the latest version from the HP Smart page.
 - Install and try detecting the printer again via USB.

Check Windows Device Recognition
 - Go to Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers and look for HP Printer USB devices.
 - If there’s a yellow exclamation mark, right-click → Update driver or uninstall and reconnect the printer.

Use Network Connection as an Alternative
 - If USB detection still fails, connect the printer via Wi-Fi.
 - HP Smart app detects network printers more reliably than USB on some Windows 11 setups.

Test Scan Functionality
 - After detection, try scanning a test document to confirm full functionality in the HP Smart app.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,