HP OfficeJet 5255: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the HP OfficeJet 5255 right for you?

The OfficeJet 5255 refreshed the 4650 with HP 65 cartridges and slightly faster output while keeping the same fax, ADF and auto-duplex feature set. It was sold heavily through warehouse clubs and is a common hand-me-down printer. The 2.4 GHz-only radio and slow wake-up cause most of the offline complaints, and the ADF's paper-present sensor can stick, making the printer insist there is a document loaded when there is not.

Best for: Budget home office printing with fax and a document feeder

Setting up the HP OfficeJet 5255

Pair with HP Smart or the touchscreen wizard on a 2.4 GHz network, then let Windows or macOS pick up the printer automatically. If the printer keeps saying a document is in the feeder, open the ADF lid and gently flick the small plastic sensor flag inside. Update firmware from the Setup menu on the screen if Wi-Fi keeps dropping.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the ink cartridges, 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 OfficeJet 5255 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• HP 65 Black
• HP 65 Tri-color
• HP 65XL high-yield
• HP 304 (UK/EU)

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