Expired Certificate Message

[RDPearce]

I have a persistent message that tells me I have expired certificate. I fix it then the printer operates OK for a while then the error reappears. My fix last time was to go into the EWS and generate a new certificate and make sure the time and date were synced. This time I can't get it to work.

I've tried the solution someone else posted about using Keychain Access.app but there are no certificates there to delete.

I suspect my issue is to do with time and date. rather than a certificate because the certificate is already set to 2036. Selecting 'Sync' in EWS throws my date back to 1.00.00AM. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @RDPearce,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your printer keeps showing an “Expired Certificate” message even after regenerating the certificate, and the issue keeps coming back, likely related to time and date sync. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Power reset the printer
With the printer turned on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and the wall outlet.
Wait at least 60 seconds, then plug it directly into a wall outlet and turn the printer back on.

Manually set date and time in the EWS
Open the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) using the printer’s IP address.
Turn off automatic time sync and manually set the correct date, time, and time zone.

Avoid using “Sync” temporarily
Do not select Sync or automatic time update after setting the time manually.
If Sync forces the time back to 1:00:00 AM, the printer is failing to get a valid time source.

Check network access for time services
Make sure the printer has unrestricted internet access.
Firewalls, DNS filtering, or blocked NTP servers can prevent correct time synchronization.

Restart the network equipment
Power off the router for 1–2 minutes, then turn it back on.
Once the network is stable, leave the printer powered on for 10–15 minutes.

Regenerate the certificate again after time is stable
Once the correct time remains set, regenerate the certificate in the EWS.
Certificates generated with incorrect system time will continue to fail validation.

Verify firmware version
Check the printer firmware version in the EWS or printer menu.
Older firmware can have known time-sync or certificate renewal issues.

Disable HTTPS temporarily (if available)
In the EWS, temporarily disable HTTPS and apply changes.
Restart the printer, then re-enable HTTPS after confirming the time remains correct.

Test EWS access after reboot
Restart the printer again and access the EWS.
If the certificate error returns immediately, the printer clock is resetting internally.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @RDPearce,

Thank you for the response.

I understand that after a power outage and printer reset, your printer now won’t reinstall on your Mac and shows “Cannot Obtain Printer Details,” even though the Wi-Fi light is solid blue. Let’s go through a few steps to stabilize the connection and complete setup.

Confirm the printer is truly in Wi-Fi setup mode
A solid blue light means the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it may still be linked to old setup data.
Restore Wi-Fi setup mode by pressing and holding Wireless + Cancel for about 5 seconds until the light starts blinking blue.

Restart all devices in the correct order
Power off the printer, Mac, and router.
Turn on the router first and wait until internet is fully available, then power on the printer, and finally the Mac.

Verify the Mac and printer are on the exact same network
On the Mac, check the Wi-Fi network name.
Make sure the printer is not connected to a guest network, extender, or different band (for example, a separate 2.4 GHz/5 GHz SSID).

Remove old printer entries from macOS
Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners and remove all existing HP printers.
This clears cached setup data that can block discovery.

Reinstall using HP Smart only
Open the HP Smart app and choose Set up a new printer.
Do not add the printer through macOS first; HP Smart must complete setup before macOS can use it.

Temporarily disable VPNs, firewalls, or network filters
Turn off any VPN, security software, Pi-hole, or DNS filtering during setup.
These often cause the “Cannot Obtain Printer Details” error even when Wi-Fi appears connected.

Set date and time manually after reset
Access the printer’s Embedded Web Server using its IP address.
Disable automatic time sync and manually set the correct date, time, and time zone before continuing setup.

Add the printer by IP if discovery still fails
In Printers & Scanners, choose Add Printer → IP.
Enter the printer’s IP address and select AirPrint or Generic if prompted.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,