HP Smart Tank 5100 not connecting to Bluetooth can’t print reports an HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer that cannot connect through Bluetooth for printing.
On supported HP printers, Bluetooth Smart/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is intended to assist with discovering the printer during initial setup. It does not enable printing directly over Bluetooth.
The HP Smart Tank 5100 series supports setup through methods including the HP app, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, and wireless network setup.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Verify the Bluetooth function
Bluetooth Low Energy can be used during printer discovery and setup. It should not be treated as the printing connection.
Bluetooth Smart/BLE:
Helps discover the printer during setup.
Helps facilitate printer setup.
Does not enable Bluetooth printing.
If the printer is visible during Bluetooth discovery but printing does not occur through Bluetooth, continue with wireless printer setup.
2. Restore Wi-Fi setup mode
If the printer cannot be detected during wireless setup, restore Wi-Fi setup mode.
For HP inkjet and ink tank printers without a touchscreen:
Press Cancel to ready the printer.
Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons simultaneously until the Power button starts blinking.
Wait approximately 60 seconds for the Wireless light to blink blue.
Complete wireless setup within two hours while Wi-Fi setup mode remains available.
3. Set up the printer again
Once Wi-Fi setup mode is restored:
Make sure the printer is powered on.
Make sure the computer or mobile device has an active network connection.
Open the HP app.
Find and add the printer.
Follow the displayed instructions to complete the wireless connection.
HP's Smart Tank 5100 setup page provides guided setup and specifically includes troubleshooting resources for Wi-Fi connection problems and restoring Wi-Fi setup mode.
4. Use Wi-Fi Direct if a standard wireless connection is unavailable
Wi-Fi Direct can be used as another supported setup option for the HP Smart Tank 5100 series. HP lists HP printer setup (Wi-Fi Direct) among the setup resources available for this printer series.
This can be useful when a connection directly between the device and printer is required without relying on Bluetooth printing.
5. Use a USB connection if required
USB setup is also available for the HP Smart Tank 5100 series. HP includes HP printer setup (USB cable) as a supported setup method for this printer series.
A USB connection can therefore be used when wireless setup cannot be completed.
6. Troubleshoot the wireless connection
If the printer has been configured but still cannot print over Wi-Fi, use the wireless troubleshooting resources on the HP Smart Tank 5100 support page.
HP provides dedicated resources for:
Troubleshooting a Wi-Fi connection to an HP printer.
Restoring Wi-Fi setup mode.
Addressing a lost Wi-Fi connection after router or network setting changes.
Wireless printer setup.
Important Note
Do not attempt to use Bluetooth as the direct printing connection. For supported HP printers, Bluetooth Smart/BLE is used to help the HP software discover the printer during setup and does not enable Bluetooth printing.
After printer discovery, complete setup through the appropriate supported connection, such as Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or USB.
