Can’t print from Mac after canceling ink subscription

[Francom22]

Unable to print from Mac after canceling ink subscription and installing reg ink cartridges? Tried removing the printer from settings, unplugged printer and restarted Mac, still receiving error message “an error occurred while trying to add the selected printer, unable connect to the printer at this time”. I can print from an IPad to the printer using the hp app. need step by step instructions to get Mac and printer Hp Envy 6455e working. This is the worst printer ever! Thanks

[VikramTheGreat]

H @Francom22,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

We understand that you are trying to reconnect your Mac to your HP Envy 6455e All-in-One Printer after cancelling the Instant Ink subscription and installing regular cartridges. You also mentioned that printing works from your iPad using the HP App, but the Mac shows the error “Unable to connect to the printer at this time.” Since the printer is already connected to the network, the issue is usually related to the Mac printer configuration or connection method. Please follow the steps below carefully.

1: Remove ALL old HP printer files from your Mac

This is the step that fixes 99% of cases.

1. Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners

• Remove every HP printer listed
• If it asks about keeping files → choose Delete

2. DELETE old HP printer drivers

Follow this exactly:

1. Go to Finder → Go → Go to Folder

Paste this: /Library/Printers

Delete the HP folder.

1. Then go to: /Library/Printers/PPDs/Contents/Resources/

Delete any HP .gz files.

1. Go to: /Library/Preferences

Delete:

• com.hp.*
• hp.*

1. Empty Trash

Restart your Mac.

This removes all corrupted Instant Ink / HP EWS printer profiles.

2: Reset the Mac Printing System

This resets everything back to “brand new.”

1. System Settings → Printers & Scanners
2. Right‑click (or two‑finger click) inside the blank printer area
3. Select Reset Printing System
4. Enter password
5. Wait 10 seconds

Your Mac is now clean and ready.

3: Put the HP ENVY 6455e Back Into Setup Mode

Because the Mac can’t find it until the printer is “discoverable.”

On the printer:

1. Hold Wi‑Fi + Cancel (X) buttons
2. Hold for 5 seconds
3. The blue Wi‑Fi light will blink rapidly
   (This means “ready for new connection.”)

If the blue light is blinking slowly → we will fix that later.

4: Add the Printer Back to Your Mac (the RIGHT way)

1. On your Mac: Go to: System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add Printer

WAIT… do not pick the first option.

2. Look for:

• HP ENVY 6455e (Bonjour / AirPrint), BEST
• Or HP ENVY 6455e (USB) if using a cable

DO NOT select these:

• HP 6100e Fax
• Secure AirPrint
• HP Everywhere
• Instant Ink tag
• Old HP Smart driver

Choose:

✔ HP ENVY 6455e, AirPrint
This driver does not rely on Instant Ink or old HP profiles.

Your Mac should now add the printer normally.

5: Install HP App (AFTER adding the printer)

Go to the App Store → Install HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site
Let it detect your printer.

If it asks for “ownership” or “reclaiming,” choose:
➡️ Skip for now

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat