Intermittent connectivity

[CleteGraham]

HP 4520 printer - worked fine at one time but now I cannot routinely print from 2 different computers. Sometimes cycling power on the printer solves the problem, sometimes it does not. Sometimes rebooting the computer solved the problem; sometimes it does not. Every now and then it prints without problem.

[Max3Aj]

@CleteGraham, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

Your HP ENVY 4520 seems to have intermittent connectivity or software issues. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the problem:

Check Printer Status and Connection

• Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Print a Wireless Network Test Report from the printer’s control panel to verify the connection.
• USB Connection: If using USB, try a different port or cable.
• IP Address Conflict: If using Wi-Fi, consider assigning a static IP address via the printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS).

Restart Devices & Network

• Power off the printer, router, and computers. Wait 5 minutes before restarting.
• Turn on the router first, wait until it's fully functional, then turn on the printer and computers.

Update Printer Software & Drivers

• Download and install the latest HP Smart App and Full Feature Software from the HP Support website.
• Run HP Print and Scan Doctor to detect and fix any issues.

Remove and Reinstall Printer

1. Go to Windows Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Remove the HP ENVY 4520, restart your PC, and add it again using Add Printer or the HP Smart App.

Disable SNMP on Printer Port (For Wi-Fi issues)

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click the HP printer and select Printer Properties.
3. Go to the Ports tab, click Configure Port, and uncheck SNMP Status Enabled.

Set Printer as Default & Clear Print Queue

1. Go to Settings → Printers & Scanners → Select HP ENVY 4520 → Manage → Set as Default.
2. In the same menu, check the print queue and cancel any stuck jobs.

Check Windows Print Spooler Service

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[CleteGraham]

Thanks so much, Max3Aj, I'll try all of this on Monday and let you know if it solves my problem.

Clete

[Max3Aj]

My pleasure, @CleteGraham 

Please do keep me posted. 

Have a nice day! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[CleteGraham]

Max - Removing and reinstalling the printer seems to have worked. I can print now. But this is an intermittent problem, and I won't be convinced its fixed util I've been able to print routinely for a few days.

Thanks!

Clete

[CleteGraham]

Max - I tried all the steps you suggested. They did not solve the problem. I'm at a loss. This printer worked fine for several years, but now it only works intermittently, with no rhyme or reason. Sometimes if I do the HP Print and Scan doctor it connects and prints. Sometimes when I restart or wake up one of 2 computers it will print. Sometimes it won't print from my Lenova ThinkPad but will from my MS SurfacePro,

I tried your Disable SNMP suggestion. When I got to step 3 "Go to the Ports tab, click Configure Ports, and uncheck SNMP Status Enabled" I get this error message: An error occurred during print configuration. This operation is not supported."

Any suggestions?

Clete

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@CleteGraham, Thank you for the detailed follow up. 

It sounds like you're dealing with a complex issue regarding your printer's inconsistent behavior across devices and setups. Here’s a deeper dive into advanced fixes and checks to help resolve the problem:

Assign a Manual IP Address (to eliminate DHCP issues)

When your printer receives a new IP address from the router (via DHCP), your computers may lose track of it. Here’s how to assign a fixed IP:

• On the Printer:
  1. Go to Settings → Wireless Settings → Network Summary → Advanced Settings (or access via the printer’s web page interface).
  2. Get the current IP address from the Wireless Summary screen.
  3. Enter that IP address into your browser (from a PC on the same network).
• Inside the Embedded Web Server (EWS):
  1. Go to Network → Wireless (802.11) → IPv4 Configuration.
  2. Select Manual IP (not Automatic/DHCP).
  3. Copy the existing IP, Subnet Mask, and Gateway into the fields.
  4. Click Apply.

Now your printer will maintain the same IP address.

Add Printer Using Static IP

Once you’ve set a manual IP, re-add the printer to your computers manually:

• For Windows:
  1. Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add Printer.
  2. Choose “The printer I want isn’t listed”.
  3. Select “Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname”.
  4. Use the IP you just set (e.g., 192.168.1.123).
  5. Uncheck the “Query the printer…” box.
  6. Choose the correct HP driver if prompted.

This method bypasses Windows' unreliable auto-discovery.

HP Smart App Settings

If you're using the HP Smart App:

1. Go into the app and remove the printer.
2. Manually add it using its IP address.
3. Ensure Remote Printing / Cloud Print is turned OFF unless you’re using it intentionally.

Printer Sleep/Wake Settings

The ENVY 4520 sometimes sleeps too aggressively and may not wake when a job is sent. To adjust this:

1. From the printer’s control panel, go to Settings → Power → Auto Off/Sleep Mode.
2. Set sleep mode to a longer time or disable it entirely for testing.
3. Also, disable Wi-Fi Direct unless you use it.

Firmware Update (if not already)

To ensure you have the latest fixes:

1. Go to HP Software & Drivers.
2. Enter HP ENVY 4520.
3. Download the firmware update tool (not just drivers).
4. Run it and update the printer via USB if needed.

Router Considerations

Check your router settings:

• If your router has AP isolation or client isolation, it can block communication.
• Ensure that the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are on separate SSIDs, as the printer only supports 2.4GHz.
• Place both computers and the printer on the same frequency band and SSID.

Bonus Test – Ping Test

To check network connectivity:

1. From your ThinkPad or Surface, press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Type:

ping 192.168.1.123

1. (Replace with your printer’s IP).
2. Check for consistent replies. Any “Request timed out” indicates a network/router issue, not the printer.

As a fallback, consider setting it up via USB on your most-used computer while leaving network access enabled for others. This can provide a stable connection while you troubleshoot the network issues.
 

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support