Printer set up

[KrisL1963]

When I try to set up the printer and enter my wi-fi password, it states that the password is incorrect.  It is not incorrect, I am signed in using that password for everything.  Why am I getting that error and how can I get it fixed so I can set up my printer?

[Max3Aj]

@KrisL1963, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

That's super frustrating when you know the password is right!

Here’s Why That Error Can Happen on Your HP Smart Tank 5101 Even If Your Wi-Fi Password Is Correct, and How You Can Fix It:

Possible Causes:

1. 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz Wi-Fi:
   The HP Smart Tank 5101 only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, not 5GHz.
   If your phone or computer auto-connects to 5GHz, your printer won't be able to join even if the password is right.
2. Special Characters in Wi-Fi Password:
   Some printers have trouble with passwords that use certain special characters (like &, %, *, etc.).
3. Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) Issues:
   If your Wi-Fi name has non-standard characters (like emojis, apostrophes, etc.), the printer might struggle to recognize it properly.
4. Router Settings:
   Some routers have settings like "Wi-Fi Isolation," "Guest Mode," or "MAC Filtering" that prevent new devices from joining.
5. Incorrect Wi-Fi Band Steer:
   Some routers combine 2.4GHz and 5GHz under the same name (SSID), and printers get confused trying to connect.

Solutions You Can Try:

Confirm You're Connecting to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi:
If you have separate network names for 2.4GHz and 5GHz, pick the 2.4GHz one.
If they have the same name, you may need to temporarily turn off the 5GHz band in your router settings while setting up.

Double-Check Password:
Try typing the Wi-Fi password into a Notepad app first to confirm there are no invisible spaces or typos.

Simplify Password (if needed):
If your Wi-Fi password uses very complex special characters, try temporarily changing it to something simpler (you can always change it back later).

Reset the Printer’s Wi-Fi:

• Press and hold the Wi-Fi button (🛜) and the Cancel button (⎌) at the same time for 5 seconds until the Power light blinks.
• This will reset the printer’s network settings.

Use HP Smart App for Setup:
If you're not already, try using the HP Smart app — it can help walk you through the correct connection process and catch common mistakes.
Move Printer Closer to the Router:
Make sure the printer is within a few feet of your Wi-Fi router during setup.

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support