Sharp AR-5516: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Sharp AR-5516 right for you?

A workhorse desktop A3 copier from the late 2000s that refuses to die, the AR-5516 is still copying in small businesses that never needed anything faster. Network printing required the optional AR-NB2 print server card, so many units are USB-only. Modern operating systems are the practical limit: Sharp no longer publishes signed drivers, so a generic PCL driver or a small print server PC is often the only way to keep printing from it.

Best for: Small businesses running an old but reliable desktop A3 copier

Setting up the Sharp AR-5516

For USB-only machines, install the last available AR-5516 driver in Windows compatibility mode, or add it as a Generic PCL printer if the signed installer refuses. Where the AR-NB2 network card is fitted, print the settings list to get the IP and add it as a TCP/IP printer. Copying will keep working regardless of driver problems, so treat the copier and printer functions separately when troubleshooting.

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 Sharp'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 Sharp AR-5516 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Sharp AR-016 black toner
• AR-016 drum unit

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