The HP ENVY 6500e is a versatile all-in-one printer designed for the modern British home. However, with the rise of "Smart" dual-band routers from providers like BT and Virgin, getting your printer to stay "Online" can be a challenge.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the HP Smart app setup, how to trigger Setup Mode, and tips for troubleshooting common UK network issues.
Before starting the software installation, ensure the hardware is ready:
Remove Packaging: Check inside the cartridge access area for any orange plastic or cardboard.
Power On: Plug the printer directly into a wall socket.
Ink & Paper: Install the setup cartridges provided and load A4 paper into the main tray.
Alignment: If the printer prints an alignment page, place it on the scanner glass and press the "Copy" button to calibrate the printhead.
For your laptop or phone to "see" the printer, it must be in Wi-Fi Setup Mode.
For printers with a touchscreen: Go to Settings > Network Setup > Restore Network Settings.
For printers without a screen: On the back of the printer, press and hold the Wi-Fi button for 5 seconds until the status light (the light bar on the front) pulses Purple.
The HP Smart app is the official tool for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android in the UK.
Download: Visit 123.hp.com/setup envy 6500e or search "HP Smart" in your app store.
Enable Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth and Location Services are ON on your smartphone or laptop. This is how the app "finds" the printer before switching to Wi-Fi.
Add Printer: Open HP Smart and click the Plus (+) icon.
Enter Credentials: Select your home Wi-Fi network and enter your password. The app will "handshake" the details to your ENVY 6500e.
If your HP ENVY 6500e won't connect to a BT Smart Hub or Virgin Media Hub:
The 2.4GHz Issue: Most HP printers prefer the 2.4GHz band. If your router uses a single name for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz (Merged SSID), the printer may fail to connect. Try temporarily disabling the 5GHz band in your router settings during the setup.
Disable "Smart Setup": On BT routers, "Smart Setup" can sometimes block printer communication. Turning this off in the router's admin panel (192.168.1.254) often fixes "Printer Not Found" errors.
The printer uses your home Wi-Fi password (found on the back of your router). If you are using Wi-Fi Direct (printing without a router), press the Information (i) button on the printer to print a page containing the 8-digit Wi-Fi Direct password.
An amber light usually indicates a connection error or a paper jam. Reset the network settings (see Step 2) to return the light to Purple (Setup Mode) and try the connection again through the HP Smart app.
Yes. The "e" in 6500e stands for HP+, a smart printing system. During setup, you can opt-in for several months of free Instant Ink. Note that HP+ requires an HP account and original HP ink for the life of the printer.
While possible via a USB cable and the "Easy Start" drivers from the HP Support site, it is not recommended. The HP Smart app is required to manage the cloud-based features and the HP+ warranty benefits.
Top Tip: To keep your connection stable, avoid placing the printer near large metal objects or microwaves, which can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.