Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your HP Photosmart 6520 Wireless All-in-One Printer. This device combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing functionalities, designed for home use.

Image: The HP Photosmart 6520 printer, showcasing its compact design and the output of a vibrant photo print.
Setup
1. Unpacking and Initial Power On
Carefully remove the printer from its packaging. Remove all protective tapes and packing materials. Connect the power cord to the printer and then to a power outlet. Press the power button to turn on the printer.
2. Ink Cartridge Installation
Open the ink cartridge access door. Install the HP 564 or HP 564XL ink cartridges into their corresponding slots. Ensure they click into place. Close the access door.
3. Loading Paper
The printer features an 80-sheet input tray and a 20-sheet photo tray. Load standard paper into the main input tray. For photo printing, use the dedicated 20-sheet photo tray. Adjust the paper guides to fit the paper size.
4. Connectivity Options
- Wireless (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n): Connect the printer to your home or office Wi-Fi network using the 3.45-inch (8.76-cm) touchscreen control panel. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your network and enter the password.
- USB 2.0: For a direct connection, use a USB cable (not included) to connect the printer to your computer.
5. Software Installation
Insert the installation CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive and follow the on-screen instructions. If you do not have a CD-ROM drive, download the latest drivers and software from the official HP support website.
Operating Instructions
1. Using the Touchscreen Control Panel
The printer features a gesture-enabled 3.45-inch (8.76-cm) touchscreen. Navigate through menus by swiping and tapping. Common functions like Copy, Scan, and Photo are accessible directly from the main screen.
2. Printing Documents and Photos
- From a Computer: Select "Print" from your application, choose the HP Photosmart 6520, and adjust settings as needed (e.g., paper type, quality, duplex printing).
- Duplex Printing: The printer supports automatic duplex printing. Enable this feature in your printer settings before sending the print job.
- Photo Printing: Load photo paper into the photo tray. Select the photo printing option from the touchscreen or your computer's print dialog.
3. Scanning Documents
Place the document face down on the scanner glass or use the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) if available. Select "Scan" from the touchscreen. Choose your scan destination (e.g., computer, email) and adjust settings like resolution and file type.

Image: The HP Photosmart 6520 printer with its scanner lid open, showing the flatbed scanner glass.
4. Copying Documents
Place the document on the scanner glass or in the ADF. Select "Copy" from the touchscreen. Choose the number of copies, color or black and white, and other settings before initiating the copy.
5. Faxing Documents
Load the document into the ADF. Select "Fax" from the touchscreen. Enter the recipient's fax number and press "Send."
6. Mobile Printing Features
- HP ePrint: This feature allows you to print from virtually anywhere by emailing documents or photos to your printer's unique email address. An internet connection is required for the printer.
- HP Wireless Direct: Print directly from your mobile device (smartphone or tablet) to the printer without needing a Wi-Fi network. Enable Wireless Direct from the printer's touchscreen settings.
- Apple AirPrint: For iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users, AirPrint provides simple one-touch printing to your HP Photosmart 6520. Ensure your device and printer are on the same network.
Video: Demonstrates the HP ePrint and Wireless Direct features, showing how to print from various mobile devices directly to the printer.
Maintenance
1. Replacing Ink Cartridges
When an ink cartridge runs low or is empty, a message will appear on the touchscreen. Open the cartridge access door, press the tab on the old cartridge to release it, and remove it. Insert a new HP 564 or HP 564XL cartridge until it clicks into place. Close the door.
2. Cleaning the Printer
- Exterior: Wipe the exterior surfaces with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth.
- Scanner Glass: Clean the scanner glass with a soft cloth lightly dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the glass.
- Print Head Cleaning: If print quality issues occur (e.g., streaks, faded colors), perform a print head cleaning cycle through the printer's maintenance menu on the touchscreen.
3. Paper Handling Best Practices
Always use recommended paper types and sizes. Do not overfill the paper trays. Ensure paper guides are properly adjusted to prevent jams and misfeeds.
Troubleshooting
- Wireless Connection Issues:
- Ensure the printer is within range of your Wi-Fi router.
- Verify the Wi-Fi password entered on the printer is correct.
- If using Wi-Fi extenders, ensure they are configured correctly, as some setups may cause IP address conflicts. Consider assigning a static IP address to the printer in your router settings.
- Restart your router, printer, and computer.
- Print Quality Problems (Streaks, Faded Colors, Incorrect Colors):
- Perform a print head cleaning and alignment from the printer's maintenance menu.
- Check ink levels and replace any low or empty cartridges.
- Ensure you are using genuine HP ink cartridges for optimal performance and color accuracy.
- Verify print settings on your computer match the paper type and desired quality.
- Duplex Printing Issues (Margins, Text Size):
- Some users have reported issues with duplex printing affecting margins and text size. This may be resolved by updating printer drivers or trying an alternate driver. Refer to HP support for specific driver recommendations for your operating system.
- Printer Not Responding:
- Check all cable connections (power, USB).
- Ensure the printer is powered on.
- Restart the printer and the device you are printing from.
- If connected wirelessly, verify the network connection.
Specifications
| Brand | HP |
| Model Name | PhotoSmart 6520 |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy, Fax |
| Printer Output | Color |
| Max Print Speed (Black) | 12 ppm |
| Max Print Speed (Color) | 8.5 ppm |
| Print Resolution (Max) | 1200 x 1200 dpi (Color/Black) |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic |
| Input Tray Capacity | 80 sheets (main), 20 sheets (photo) |
| Output Tray Capacity | 20 sheets |
| Scanner Type | Photo |
| Control Method | Touch (3.45" touchscreen CGD) |
| Compatible Cartridges | HP 564, HP 564XL |
| Item Weight | 13.7 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions (D x W x H) | 17.23"D x 21.73"W x 6.3"H |
| Power Consumption | 18 Watts |
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
The HP Photosmart 6520 printer comes with a limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty documentation included with your product for specific terms and conditions.
Additional Resources
For further assistance, updated drivers, and detailed troubleshooting guides, please visit the official HP support website. You can also download the complete User Manual in PDF format: