HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (2023)

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When you try to scan in Windows or macOS, the computer or scanner cannot be found and the scan fails.

One of the following error messages might display:

  • An error occurred communicating with the scanner or scanning device

  • No Computer Detected or Computer not found

  • Scanner not found

  • Scan to computer is currently unavailable.

Troubleshoot scanner connection issues (Windows)

Identify and resolve scanner connection issues on a Windows computer.

HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (1)

Perform the following tasks in the order given. Use the printer after each task to see if the issue is resolved.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows)

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor on your Windows computer to help diagnose and fix printing and scanning issues.

  1. Make sure paper is loaded in the main tray, and then turn on the printer.

  2. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor, and then follow the prompts to install and open the tool.

  3. On the welcome screen, click Start to select your printer and run the diagnostic.

  4. If your printer is not found, click My product is not listed, and then follow the instructions to troubleshoot the connection.

Scan using the printer device driver

Try scanning from the printer driver if scanning from HP Smart or other apps does not work.

  1. Make sure the printer is on and ready, and then load your original into the scanner.

  2. In Windows, search Control Panel, and then open Control Panel.

  3. Click Devices and Printers.

  4. Find your printer in the list of devices and make sure it is online (a green circle with a check overlays its icon).

  5. Right-click the printer driver and select Start scan.

    HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (2)

  6. Make any desired changes, and then click Preview.

    HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (3)

  7. Adjust the area you want to scan by dragging the boundary lines to surround the image you want to save, and then click Scan.

    HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (4)

  8. After the item is scanned, click Next, enter the name of the scanned image, and then click Import.

    By default, scanned files are saved to your Pictures folder in a folder named by date and the name of your scan.

    HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (5)

Scan using the HP Scan and Capture app

Try scanning from the HP Scan and Capture app.

Go to HP Scan and Capture to install the app from the Microsoft Store. For more information, go to HP printers - Scan with HP Scan and Capture (Windows).

Uninstall HP print driver and use HP Smart (Windows)

Uninstall the HP print driver and install and use HP Smart on a Windows computer.

  1. Disconnect any USB cables from the printer.

  2. In Windows, search for and open Add or remove programs.

  3. Look for your HP printer name in the list of programs.

    • If you find your printer, click the printer name, and then click Uninstall.

    • If you do not find your printer, search for and open Printers & scanners, click your printer, and then click Remove device.

  4. If a User Account Control message displays, click Yes.

  5. Follow the instructions to complete the software removal, and then restart the computer.

  6. Go to 123.hp.com to download and install HP Smart.

Check Windows Image Acquisition settings

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) allows communication between the computer and scanner. If WIA is not on or running correctly, scan jobs can fail.

  1. In Windows, search for and open View local services.

  2. Next to Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), check the Status and Startup Type.

    • If the status is 'Started' or 'Running' and the Startup Type is 'Automatic', WIA is working correctly. No further action is required.

    • If the status is 'Disabled' or blank, continue with these steps.

    HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (6)

  3. Right-click Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), and then select Properties.

  4. On the General tab, select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down.

  5. Under Service status, click Start.

  6. If the Start button is grayed out, return to the Services list and make sure the following services are running and set as Automatic.

    • DCOM Server Process Launcher

    • Remote Procedure Call

    • RPC Endpoint Mapper

    • Shell Hardware Detection

  7. Try to start WIA again.

Troubleshoot your printer connection

Identify and resolve printer connection issues.

Troubleshoot the USB printer connection

Uninstall the printer with Device Manager and then reinstall the latest driver from HP to resolve scan connection issues.

  1. Search Windows for and open Device Manager.

  2. Double-click Imaging Devices.

  3. Right-click the HP printer name, and then select Uninstall device to confirm the uninstall.

    Uninstall any other instances of the printer in the list.

  4. Double-click Printers, and then uninstall any instances of the printer, if present.

  5. In Windows, search for and open Add or Remove Programs.

  6. In the list of installed programs, click your HP printer name, and then click Uninstall. If your printer name does not display, select HP Smart, and then click Uninstall.

  7. Disconnect the device when prompted during the uninstall process.

  8. Restart the computer.

  9. Go to 123.hp.com to download the latest driver.

  10. Open the downloaded file to start the guided software and driver installation.

    Note:

    Do not connect the USB cable until prompted by the installer.

Troubleshoot the wireless printer connection

Check network issues and setup requirements if the printer is not found during software installs or when wireless print jobs fail.

  • Poor network connection: Move the printer and computer or mobile device closer to the wireless router, and then check if the signal quality improved. Try opening a website to see if the internet connection is working properly. If Wi-Fi is slow or intermittent, restart the router by disconnecting the power cord, waiting 15 seconds, and then reconnecting the cord.

  • Printer is off or in sleep mode: Touch the control panel or press the Power button to wake the printer and put it in a ready state. Sometimes the printer status might display Offline when it is actually ready.

  • Check the printer connection status: Make sure the wireless signal is on, and the printer is connected to the same network as your computer or mobile device. If your printer has a light next to a Wireless icon or button HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (7), make sure the light is on. If it is off or blinks, the printer is disconnected from the network.

  • Reconnect the printer to the network: Place the printer within range of the Wi-Fi router signal, and then connect it to the network.

    • Printers with a touchscreen control panel: Open the Setup, Network, or Wireless settings menu, select Wireless Setup Wizard, and then follow the instructions to select the network name and enter the password.

    • Printers without a touchscreen control panel: Press and hold the Wireless button HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (8) for five seconds or until the wireless light starts to flash. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the router until the connection process begins. The printer Wireless light stops flashing when the connection completes.

    • HP Deskjet 6000 and 6400, ENVY 6000 and 6400, and Tango printers: Press and hold the Wi-Fi button HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (9) and the Power button on the back of the printer for five seconds until the blue bar flashes. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS button on the router until the connection process begins. The blue bar stops flashing when the connection completes.

  • Restart devices: Restart the printer and the computer or mobile device to clear possible error conditions.

  • Print a Wireless Test Report: Search the HP Customer Support website for your printer model, and then search for self test page to find the document on how to print and evaluate the report.

  • Enable Wi-Fi setup mode: When you turn on your printer for the first time, it is temporarily placed in Wi-Fi setup mode so that it can be discovered during setup. Use the printer control panel to restore Wi-Fi setup mode, and then set up the printer again. Go to Restore Wi-Fi setup mode on your HP printer for more information.

  • Enable Bluetooth for an HP Smart app setup: Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device so that HP Smart can detect the printer during the setup.

  • Wireless isolation could be causing your printer to appear offline. Check with your router manufacturer for more information.

Troubleshoot the wired network connection

Make sure you are using an undamaged Ethernet cable, check for a green light near the Ethernet port on the printer, and then print a report to verify the connection.

  1. Turn off the printer, and then disconnect the Ethernet cable from the router and the printer.

  2. Check the cable for damage, and then verify that it is an Ethernet cable and not a phone cable.

    Note:

    Ethernet and phone cables look similar, but Ethernet cables are usually bigger and have eight visible wires on the connector.

  3. Reconnect the cable to a different Ethernet or LAN port on the router, and then connect the other end to the printer's Ethernet portHP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (10).

  4. Turn on the printer.

  5. Check the lights on the printer's Ethernet port to make sure the connection is successful. The green light should be steady, and the orange activity light should blink.

  6. Print a Wireless Network Test Results or Network Configuration report.

    • Most printers with a control panel menu: Open the Wireless or Network Settings menu and select Wireless Network Test.

    • Most printers without a control panel menu: Press and hold the Wireless button HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (11) or the Copy button for ten seconds or until the Ready light blinks.

    For detailed steps for your printer, go to HP Customer Support, enter your printer model, and then search for self test page to find the document on printing reports.

  7. Make sure the Network Status is Ready, or follow any instructions to resolve network issues identified on the report.

    HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (12)

Troubleshoot scanner connection issues (Mac)

Identify and resolve scanner connection issues on a Mac.

HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (13)

Perform the following tasks in the order given. Use the printer after each task to see if the issue is resolved.

Reset the printing system (macOS)

Resetting the printing system on a Mac can resolve problems such as print jobs stuck in the queue, connection issues, and incomplete driver setups.

Note:

A printing system reset removes all HP and non-HP printers and scanners, and clears all print jobs and saved print settings. All printers and scanners must be set up again after completing the reset.

HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (14)

  1. Click the Spotlight icon HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (15), and then search for and open Printers & Scanners.

  2. Right-click or click while pressing Control in the Printers list, and then select Reset printing system to complete the reset.

    HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (16)

  3. Restart the printer.

  4. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax or the Add button HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (17), select your printer in the list, and then click Add.

Uninstall the HP software and use the HP Smart app (macOS)

Uninstall the HP print driver and then install the HP Smart app to set up and use the printer.

  1. Download and install HP Easy Start from 123.hp.com/setup.

  2. From the HP Easy Start drop-down menu, select Uninstall HP Software.

    HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (18)

  3. Follow the prompts to uninstall all HP software.

  4. Download and open the HP Smart app from HP Smart - Mac App Store (in English), and then follow the prompts to set up your printer.

Troubleshoot your printer connection

Identify and resolve printer connection issues.

Troubleshoot the wireless printer connection

Check network issues and setup requirements if the printer is not found during software installs or when wireless print jobs fail.

  • Poor network connection: Move the printer and computer or mobile device closer to the wireless router, and then check if the signal quality improved. Try opening a website to see if the internet connection is working properly. If Wi-Fi is slow or intermittent, restart the router by disconnecting the power cord, waiting 15 seconds, and then reconnecting the cord.

  • Printer is off or in sleep mode: Touch the control panel or press the Power button to wake the printer and put it in a ready state. Sometimes the printer status might display Offline when it is actually ready.

  • Check the printer connection status: Make sure the wireless signal is on, and the printer is connected to the same network as your computer or mobile device. If your printer has a light next to a Wireless icon or button HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (19), make sure the light is on. If it is off or blinks, the printer is disconnected from the network.

  • Reconnect the printer to the network: Place the printer within range of the Wi-Fi router signal, and then connect it to the network.

    • Printers with a touchscreen control panel: Open the Setup, Network, or Wireless settings menu, select Wireless Setup Wizard, and then follow the instructions to select the network name and enter the password.

    • Printers without a touchscreen control panel: Press and hold the Wireless button HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (20) for five seconds or until the wireless light starts to flash. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the router until the connection process begins. The printer Wireless light stops flashing when the connection completes.

    • HP Deskjet 6000 and 6400, ENVY 6000 and 6400, and Tango printers: Press and hold the Wi-Fi button HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (21) and the Power button on the back of the printer for five seconds until the blue bar flashes. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS button on the router until the connection process begins. The blue bar stops flashing when the connection completes.

  • Restart devices: Restart the printer and the computer or mobile device to clear possible error conditions.

  • Print a Wireless Test Report: Search the HP Customer Support website for your printer model, and then search for self test page to find the document on how to print and evaluate the report.

  • Enable Wi-Fi setup mode: When you turn on your printer for the first time, it is temporarily placed in Wi-Fi setup mode so that it can be discovered during setup. Use the printer control panel to restore Wi-Fi setup mode, and then set up the printer again. Go to Restore Wi-Fi setup mode on your HP printer for more information.

  • Enable Bluetooth for an HP Smart app setup: Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device so that HP Smart can detect the printer during the setup.

  • Wireless isolation could be causing your printer to appear offline. Check with your router manufacturer for more information.

Troubleshoot the wired network connection

Make sure you are using an undamaged Ethernet cable, check for a green light near the Ethernet port on the printer, and then print a report to verify the connection.

  1. Turn off the printer, and then disconnect the Ethernet cable from the router and the printer.

  2. Check the cable for damage, and then verify that it is an Ethernet cable and not a phone cable.

    Note:

    Ethernet and phone cables look similar, but Ethernet cables are usually bigger and have eight visible wires on the connector.

  3. Reconnect the cable to a different Ethernet or LAN port on the router, and then connect the other end to the printer's Ethernet portHP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (22).

  4. Turn on the printer.

  5. Check the lights on the printer's Ethernet port to make sure the connection is successful. The green light should be steady, and the orange activity light should blink.

  6. Print a Wireless Network Test Results or Network Configuration report.

    • Most printers with a control panel menu: Open the Wireless or Network Settings menu and select Wireless Network Test.

    • Most printers without a control panel menu: Press and hold the Wireless button HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (23) or the Copy button for ten seconds or until the Ready light blinks.

    For detailed steps for your printer, go to HP Customer Support, enter your printer model, and then search for self test page to find the document on printing reports.

  7. Make sure the Network Status is Ready, or follow any instructions to resolve network issues identified on the report.

    HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS) (24)

Troubleshoot the printer USB connection

Check the USB cable for damage and recommended length, and then restart your printer and computer.

  1. Turn off the printer and the computer.

  2. Disconnect the USB cable from the computer and printer, and then inspect the cable.

    • If the cable is damaged or longer than 3 m (9 ft 10 in), replace it.

    • If the cable is undamaged and shorter than 3 m (9 ft 10 in), connect the cable to a different USB port on the computer. The port should be USB 2.0 or greater. If you are using a USB hub or docking station, connect the cable directly to the computer.

  3. Connect the cable to the printer.

  4. Turn on the computer, and then wait for the startup process to complete.

  5. Turn on the printer, and then add the printer (Mac) or wait for the computer to install the new device (Windows).

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FAQs

HP printers - Scanner not found or connected (Windows, macOS)? ›

Power down the printer and disconnect if it's connected to your Mac via a cable. To re-add the printer, power it back up. The printer may appear in “System Preferences -> Printers & Scanners” automatically. If not, click the “+” button and follow the instructions to re-add it.

How do I fix my HP scanner not detected? ›

  1. Windows: Download HP Print and Scan Doctor. Mac: Use Diagnose & Fix through HP Smart. ...
  2. Run HPPSdr.exe from the download location on your computer.
  3. Once HP Print and Scan Doctor is open, click Start, and then choose your printer. If your printer is not listed, turn it on and click Retry. ...
  4. Click Fix Scanning.

Why is my HP printer not connecting to my Mac? ›

Power down the printer and disconnect if it's connected to your Mac via a cable. To re-add the printer, power it back up. The printer may appear in “System Preferences -> Printers & Scanners” automatically. If not, click the “+” button and follow the instructions to re-add it.

How do I get my printer to recognize my computer for scanning? ›

In Windows, go to Start > Scan > Settings > Devices> Printers & Scanners. Then, choose a printer and select Manage > Scanner > Open scanner > Scan. On a Mac, go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Choose a printer and select Scan > Open Scanner > Scan.

Why is my scanner plugged in but not detected? ›

When a computer does not recognize an otherwise functioning scanner that is connected to it via its USB, serial or parallel port, the problem is usually caused by outdated, corrupted or incompatible device drivers. This is usually easily remedied by obtaining and installing new drivers.

Why is my computer suddenly not recognizing my scanner? ›

If Windows doesn't recognize your scanner, you may need to reconnect the cables. Also, you have to make sure that the cables are connected to the correct ports and that none of the cables are worn out. If you're using a wireless scanner, ensure you're connected to the same WiFi network as your computer.

Why is my scanner not detected MacOS? ›

Make sure the scanner is plugged into an electrical outlet and turned on, and that its cables are securely connected. If you previously saw a scanning option and you don't see one anymore, try deleting the scanner (or multifunction printer) and adding it again.

Where is scanner driver Mac? ›

Scanner drivers are located in /Library/Image Capture/Devices/ as Tetsujin so helpfully points out. These scanner drivers are App bundles, but quite a bit different than regular applications. An executable binary is inside Contents/MacOS, along with the obligatory plists, Resources, etc.

Why isn't my Mac finding my printer? ›

Make sure you have the latest software

On your Mac, to find out which version of printer software you're using, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar. Click the printer in the Printers list on the right, then check the Driver version.

Does HP printer work with Mac? ›

AirPrint: On macOS and OS X, most HP printers work with Apple AirPrint to provide full-quality printing without the need to download or install drivers. HP Customer Support: Drivers and software for your printer might be available from HP Software and Driver Downloads.

Why is my HP printer saying its offline Mac? ›

The most common issues that make a printer appear offline are old printer drivers, too many documents sent to the printer, network issues, loose cables, a paper jam or missing paper.

Why is my HP printer not connecting to my computer? ›

Make sure your Wi-Fi network and printer setup meet connection requirements. Restart the printer and the computer or mobile device to clear possible error conditions. Make sure the printer is not connected to a computer with a USB cable.

Why can't I find my HP printer? ›

Restart the printer and the computer or mobile device to clear possible error conditions. Restore Wi-Fi setup mode. Most printers with a touchscreen display or menu: Open the Wireless or Setup menu, select Network setup or Settings, and then select Restore Network Settings.

Why my HP printer can print but Cannot scan? ›

Open the HP Print and Scan Troubleshooter

Make sure the printer is on and connected to your laptop. Select HP Print and Scan Doctor on the HP Customer Support page to download the troubleshooter. Click HPPSdr.exe to open the software's window. Click Start and select the printer that doesn't scan.

Why is HP Smart not connecting to scanner? ›

Check the network connection status in the HP Smart app

Open the HP Smart app, wait a few minutes for the printer to connect to the app, and then check the connection status next to the printer icon. If Ready displays with a green check mark icon , the printer is connected to the device over the same network.

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