HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn right for you?

The LaserJet Pro P1606dn is the wired, duplexing big brother of the P1102w and a favourite for small offices that wanted a cheap networked laser without any wireless fuss. It is fast for its size and the 78A cartridge is economical. Being host-based rather than PCL means it depends on HP's driver, and the integrated duplexer occasionally jams at the rear if paper is curled or heavier than 90 gsm.

Best for: Small wired offices wanting cheap automatic duplex mono printing

Setting up the HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn

Give it a fixed IP on the router and add it in Windows using HP's P1600 series driver as a TCP/IP printer; the automatic Windows driver often lacks duplex. On macOS, AirPrint is not available, so install HP's legacy driver package. Clear rear duplex jams by opening the back door and pulling the sheet straight out.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the toner cartridge and drum unit, and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use HP's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• HP 78A (CE278A) toner

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications