How to Connect an HP ENVY 6400 Printer

Connecting your new HP ENVY 6400 printer to your computer or network can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow these steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of how to connect an HP ENVY 6400 printer for wireless or USB connectivity.

Overview of the HP ENVY 6400

The HP ENVY 6400 is an all-in-one wireless photo printer with print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities. It can connect to your devices through WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. Key features include:

• Print speeds up to 10ppm black, 7ppm color
• Print resolution up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
• 35-sheet auto document feeder for the scanner
• Duplex printing for two-sided pages
• 2.7″ color touchscreen display

How to Connect the HP ENVY 6400 Printer

Follow these steps to get your new HP ENVY 6400 printer connected:

Step 1: Unbox and Set Up the Hardware

• Remove the printer from the box and remove any packing material and tape.
• Lift the scanner lid and make sure to remove any protective materials inside the printer.
• Install the printer cartridges that came with the printer.
• Load plain white paper into the input tray.
• Plug in the power cord and turn on the printer.

Step 2: Download the Printer Software

You’ll need to download the HP printer software to allow your devices to communicate with the printer.

• Go to 123.hp.com and enter your printer name or model number.
• Select your operating system (Windows or Mac) and follow the on-screen instructions to download the HP printer software.

Step 3: Connect via WiFi (Wireless)

For wireless connectivity, you’ll need to connect the ENVY 6400 to your WiFi network.

• From the printer’s control panel, select Wireless Setup and choose your WiFi network. Enter the password when prompted.
• Open the downloaded HP printer software on your computer and click Add Printer. Select your ENVY 6400 from the list of available printers.

The software will automatically install the right drivers for your printer model. Follow any on-screen instructions to finish the wireless setup.

Step 4: Connect via USB Cable

To connect your printer to your computer with a USB cable:

• Locate the USB port on the back of the ENVY 6400.
• Connect the B-type end of a USB 2.0 printer cable into the back of the printer.
• Connect the A-type end of the USB cable into any open USB port on your computer.
• Turn on the printer and open the downloaded HP software. It should automatically detect the connected printer.

Step 5: Connect via Ethernet

For a wired Ethernet connection:

• Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the ENVY 6400.
• Connect the other end into an available Ethernet port on your router or computer.
• Open the HP software and select Wired Network Connection during printer setup.

The printer may automatically install the drivers, or you may need to select them from the software.

And that’s it! With just those few steps, your HP ENVY 6400 should now be connected and ready to print.

Tips for Connecting the HP ENVY 6400

Here are some helpful tips for getting your printer connected:

• For a strong wireless signal, place the printer within 100 feet of your router. Keep it away from large metal objects or appliances that can interfere with WiFi.
• If you have an Ethernet connection available, use wired Ethernet for faster and more reliable connectivity.
• Make sure you have the latest HP printer software installed. Check for updates periodically.
• If you run into issues getting connected, reboot the printer and router and try the setup again.
• Refer to the HP ENVY 6400 user guide on the HP site for troubleshooting help.
• Contact HP customer support if you are still unable to get your printer connected.

Now that you know how to get your HP ENVY 6400 printer up and running, you can start enjoying its versatile printing, scanning, copying and faxing capabilities. With wireless printing over WiFi, Ethernet or USB connectivity, you can print from all your laptops, phones and tablets with ease.

Tips for Using the HP ENVY 6400 Printer

Once you have your HP ENVY 6400 connected, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Install the HP Smart app on your smartphone or tablet to print, scan, and manage your printer from anywhere. It works with iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
• Register your printer during software installation to access support and warranty information directly from HP. This also enables useful cloud services.
• Take advantage of Web Services to print emails, documents, photos and more from the cloud. Just enable Web Services during setup.
• Set up shortcuts on the 2.7” touchscreen to quickly access frequently used functions like copying, scanning, or faxing.
• Enable the auto-off feature to automatically turn off the printer after 2 hours of inactivity to save energy. Adjust this in the power settings.
• Change the default paper size to letter or legal in the printer settings so you don’t have to change it each time you print.

Optimizing Print Quality

To get the best possible print quality from your ENVY 6400, be sure to:

• Use original HP cartridges and paper that are designed for the printer. Avoid cheap third-party supplies.
• Select the appropriate print quality setting for your needs. “Best” produces the highest quality for photos and graphics.
• For photos, use premium HP Photo Paper and select the Photo Printing Mode in the software.
• Align the printheads periodically to maintain sharpness. Do this through the Printer Maintenance options.
• Clean the scanner glass and remove any dust or debris for better copy and scan quality.

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

If you experience problems getting your printer connected or maintaining connectivity, try these troubleshooting tips:

Can’t connect via WiFi?

• Make sure your router is broadcasting at 2.4GHz. The printer only connects to 2.4GHz networks.
• Check if your firewall or security software is blocking the connection. You may need to add exceptions for the HP software and your printer.
• Reset the network settings on both the router and printer and run the wireless setup again.

Problems with USB connectivity?

• Test the USB cable by connecting it to another device. Try swapping it out for a high-quality cable if needed.
• Plug the USB cable directly into a port on your computer rather than through a hub or docking station.
• Reinstall the HP printer software and drivers. Select USB connection when prompted.

Printer not found on network?

• Turn off the router, printer, and computer. Turn them back on and try reconnecting.
• Assign the printer a static IP address in your router settings so the IP doesn’t change.
• Check if the printer is connected to a different network or another router. Reconnect to the correct network.

Pages print slowly or print quality is poor?

• Clear the print queue and restart your print jobs. There may be a stalled job causing issues.
• Only run one print job at a time. Parallel printing can slow things down.
• Clean the printheads and check the ink levels. Replace cartridges that are getting low.

Following the setup steps closely along with these tips should help you get your HP ENVY 6400 up and running for flawless printing. Don’t hesitate to contact HP support for additional troubleshooting if issues persist.