My new HP Smart Tank 5101 cannot be set up

[LMSherwood]

My new HP Smart Tank cannot be set up with my computers.  No instructions are adequate.  No online guides have worked.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @LMSherwood 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining the situation so clearly. It’s genuinely frustrating to bring home a new printer and find that setup stalls—especially when instructions and online guides don’t get you past the starting line. 

Let’s walk through a structured recovery path to help you set up your HP Smart Tank 5101 on macOS 15.0 Sequoia.

 

Step-by-Step Setup for HP Smart Tank 5101 on macOS

1. Prepare the Printer

• Power on the printer and ensure it’s in setup mode (Wi-Fi light should be blinking).
• If it’s not blinking, press and hold the Wireless and Cancel (X) buttons together for 5 seconds to reset wireless settings.

 

2. Install HP Smart App (macOS-Compatible Version)

• Download from the Microsoft Store:
  HP Smart for macOS
• Open the app and click Add Printer
• Follow the setup flow to connect via Wi-Fi

If the printer doesn’t appear, proceed to the next step.

 

3. Connect via USB Temporarily

• Use a USB cable to connect the printer directly to your Mac
• Open HP Smart and add the printer manually
• Once added, go to Settings > Wireless Setup and enter your Wi-Fi credentials
• After successful connection, you can remove the USB cable

 

4. Download Full Feature Software and Drivers

• Visit the official support page:
  HP Smart Tank 5101 Drivers & Software
• Download and install the latest firmware and driver package for macOS
• Restart your Mac and printer after installation

 

5. Check System Permissions

macOS 15.0 Sequoia may block printer access due to privacy settings.

• Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access
• Ensure HP Smart and HP Device Monitor are enabled
• Also check System Settings > Printers & Scanners to confirm the printer is listed and set as default

 

If the Issue Persists

Try connecting via Wi-Fi Direct as a temporary workaround:

• Press the Information button on the printer to print the network info sheet
• Connect your Mac to the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct name
• Add the printer manually via System Settings > Printers & Scanners

You’ve already done the hard part by identifying the setup block—let’s make sure your printer connects reliably and gets back to work. If you’d like help interpreting the network info sheet or navigating HP Smart, I’m here to assist.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye