HP Deskjet 3520 Printer Setup
Setting up your HP Deskjet 3520 printer can be a smooth and easy process with the right guidance. Whether you’re setting it up for the first time or reinstalling it, this guide will help you get started quickly. Follow these simple steps to ensure a hassle-free setup and start printing, scanning, and copying with ease.
Step 1: Unbox Your HP Deskjet 3520
Before you start with the setup, make sure to unbox the printer carefully. In the box, you will find:
- The HP Deskjet 3520 printer
- Power cord
- Ink cartridges (usually in the box)
- A user manual
- A CD with drivers (if available)
Once everything is unpacked, remove any protective tape or plastic from the printer, especially from the printhead and other components.
Step 2: Install the Ink Cartridges
- Open the printer’s front panel (where the paper is fed).
- Lift the ink cartridge access door to reveal the cartridge slots.
- Insert the color ink cartridge into the left slot and the black ink cartridge into the right slot. Make sure each cartridge clicks into place.
- Close the access door.
Make sure the cartridges are installed properly to avoid printing errors.
Step 3: Connect the Printer to Power
- Plug the power cord into the printer and then into an electrical outlet.
- Press the power button to turn on the printer. The printer will initialize, and the power light will come on, indicating that the printer is ready for setup.
Step 4: Load Paper into the Printer
- Open the input paper tray (located at the bottom of the printer).
- Load the paper, aligning it with the side guides.
- Adjust the paper guides so they are snug against the edges of the paper to prevent any feeding issues.
Ensure the paper is not overloaded to avoid jams.
Step 5: Connect the Printer to Your Computer
You can connect your HP Deskjet 3520 to your computer either via a USB cable or wirelessly.
Option 1: USB Connection
- Plug the USB cable from the printer into an available USB port on your computer.
- Wait for the system to detect the printer and automatically install the necessary drivers. You may need to insert the installation CD if your operating system doesn’t recognize the printer right away.
- If the drivers don’t automatically install, you can visit the official HP website to download the latest drivers.
Option 2: Wireless Connection
To connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:
- On the printer, press the Wireless button to initiate the wireless setup.
- Next, press and hold the Wi-Fi Setup button until the wireless light starts blinking.
- On your computer or mobile device, open the HP Printer Setup Utility or use the HP Smart app to find and select your printer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
Make sure your computer or device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network to allow successful communication with the printer.
Step 6: Install the Printer Drivers and Software
To fully access the printer’s features, you need to install the drivers and software:
- If your printer came with a CD, insert it into your computer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer software.
- Alternatively, visit the official HP website (www.hp.com) and search for the Deskjet 3520 driver software. Download the correct version for your operating system.
- Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the setup prompts.
The software will include the printer drivers, scanning software, and HP-specific utilities that allow you to manage the printer’s settings and troubleshoot any issues.
Step 7: Test the Printer
Once the installation is complete, it’s time to test the printer. Here’s how to ensure everything is working:
- Open a document or image on your computer.
- Select Print from the file menu and choose your HP Deskjet 3520 as the printer.
- Print a test page to check the print quality and alignment.
If the test page prints correctly, you are all set! If not, check the ink levels and make sure the printer is connected properly.
Step 8: Setup Scanning and Copying (Optional)
If you want to use the scanning and copying features:
- To scan a document, place it on the printer’s scanner glass, close the lid, and use the scanning software you installed to scan to your computer.
- For copying, simply load the document into the scanner and press the Copy button on the printer to produce a duplicate.
Step 9: Set Up Additional Devices (Optional)
If you want to print from mobile devices or tablets, you can set up the HP Deskjet 3520 with the HP Smart app. This allows you to print from anywhere within your network and manage your printer from your smartphone or tablet.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
- Printer Not Found: Ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your device, and restart both the printer and the computer.
- Paper Jams: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly, and remove any jammed paper carefully from the printer’s paper path.
- Poor Print Quality: Check the ink cartridges to ensure they are installed correctly, and perform a print head alignment through the printer’s settings.
Conclusion
With these steps, you should have your HP Deskjet 3520 set up and ready to use in no time. Whether you need to print documents, scan photos, or copy papers, this printer offers reliable performance. If you encounter any issues during the setup process, refer to the user manual or visit HP’s support website for additional help.