Apple drivers for HP printers are insufficient to use all hardware features

[jallan32]

Actually, this is a Macbook running on Ventura 13.6.9, which is newer than all the choices in the dropdown list.  Did HP just quit providing Mac drivers after Monterey?

The HP 5255 has a scanning capability, with either flatbed or sheet feeder input.  Flatbed scans OK, but sheet feeder, which WORKS GREAT WITH WINDOWS 10, does not prompt to turn the stack of pages over to scan the reverse sides, and when it accepts them without prompt, it puts each page in a separate file, with the file names not in the correct sequence, even when scanning as PDF files.  This requires manually looking at each file-page to determine the correct sequence, then (via some unknown method) combining them in the desired sequence into one file.  For any size of multi-page document, this is almost as time consuming as putting each page on the flatbed twice, and even that would require combining one-page files, although the "scan##" file names would at least be in sequence.

In addition, even though the PRINTING interface has the OPTION to print on both sides of the page, this option is IGNORED by the Mac, and every page prints on a separate sheet.  This wastes paper!  I have not tested whether the "Black Ink Only" option is honored by the Mac drivers, but it may not be.  Also, although both cartridges have been almost full since BEFORE installing the drivers on the Macbook, it STILL shows "low ink" on the printer description, even though the details show all four colors full.

Since I could not get support from Apple Support, because the printer is not an Apple device, and I could not get support from HP (except from the "Community"), because of the age of the printer, I turned to Geek Squad.  Their printer specialist told me that the Apple drivers BY DESIGN omitted these essential features from their drivers.  He did not know whether this was by Apple's design or by HP's design, but I suspect that it was by HP's design.

I am trying to convert from Windows 10 to Mac before Windows 11 is forced on me (October 2025), and I suspect MANY OTHER WINDOWS USERS will be doing so also.  If they cannot get the same performance from their printers using Macs that they are getting now with Windows 10, they will probably SWITCH EN MASSE TO OTHER BRANDS OF PRINTERS.  If you do not wish that, please see that at least SOME inexpensive HP printers WILL be able to use their full functionality on Macs and Macbooks.  I would be willing to buy a new HP printer in the spring if it is fully supported and reasonably priced. Otherwise I will have to switch brands.

Thank you,

[Personal Information Removed]

[Raj2111]

Hi @jallan32 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to assist you.

I see that there is an issue with the scanning feature.

It's frustrating when essential features of your printer aren't working as expected on a new operating system, and it sounds like you're experiencing several issues with your HP 5255 on macOS Ventura. Let's break down the issues and potential solutions:

1. Scanning Issues

Sheet Feeder and Double-Sided Scanning:

• HP Smart App: For many HP printers, HP provides the HP Smart app which often has more functionality than the built-in macOS drivers. Download the HP Smart app from the Mac App Store and see if it resolves the scanning issues.
• Scanner Software: Check if there is any additional scanning software available from HP's website that might offer better functionality than the default macOS drivers.
• Scan Settings: Sometimes, scanning settings need to be adjusted within the scanning software to properly handle double-sided documents.

File Naming and Sequence:

• Combining Files: If the software doesn’t automatically combine pages, you can use third-party tools like PDF Expert, Adobe Acrobat, or even Preview on macOS to combine PDF files into one document. The process usually involves opening the PDF files in the application and dragging them into a single file.

2. Printing Issues

Double-Sided Printing:

• Driver Update: Ensure you have the latest HP drivers installed. Sometimes older drivers may not be fully compatible with the latest macOS updates.
• Printer Settings: Go to the print settings dialog in macOS and look for an option to enable double-sided printing. Sometimes the option is hidden under "Layout" or "Finishing" sections.
• Printer Preferences: Check if the printer’s built-in menu or control panel has any settings for duplex printing that need to be enabled.

Ink Levels and Black Ink Only:

• Driver and Firmware: Make sure your printer’s firmware is up to date, as this can sometimes resolve discrepancies with ink levels and other features.
• Ink Management: Try using the HP Smart app to check ink levels and adjust print settings. It may offer more accurate information and settings than the macOS driver.

3. General Troubleshooting Steps

• Reinstall Drivers: Sometimes reinstalling the printer drivers can resolve many issues. Remove the printer from your system, download the latest drivers from the HP website, and reinstall them.
• HP Support: Since the printer is older, support might be limited, but HP’s support site or forums can sometimes offer additional guidance or driver updates.

-Regards,

Raj