Cannot Add Printer

[tinabargo]

I cannot add my printer, it is not being detected by the HP Smart App. I've already tried several adaptors from USB to USB-C, which works for other devices.

I also tried to add the printer from System Settings. I see this error.

I see this error when 

[zoey7886]

@tinabargo, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Printer Connection with HP Smart App! 

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

If you are having trouble adding your printer using the HP Smart App, here are some steps that might help resolve the issue:

Check Network Connection:

• Ensure that your printer and device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your printer is connected via Ethernet, it will disable wireless capabilities.

Verify USB Connection:

• If using a USB connection, ensure that the cable is certified and compatible with your printer. Non-certified cables could result in connectivity issues.

HP Smart App Verification:

• Make sure the HP Smart App is installed on your device and it's updated to the latest version.
• Ensure Bluetooth is turned on for easy setup on iOS and Android devices.

Manual Addition:

• Try adding the printer manually by entering its IP address. This can be found on your printer’s network settings or by checking the router's connected devices list.

Wireless Setup Wizard:

• Use the Wireless Setup Wizard on your printer’s front panel, if available, to connect it to the Wi-Fi network.

Clear Cache & Data:

• If the printer is not detected, clear cache and data of the HP Smart App on your device.

Reboot Devices:

• Restart your mobile device, printer, and network router.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[tinabargo]

I don't understand why you are recommending the wireless solution when my printer is not wireless. It says so in the box.

I've tried every non-wireless solution you mentioned, none of them worked.

[zoey7886]

@tinabargo, I hear you — it can be pretty frustrating when the printer just won’t show up, especially when you’ve tried different USB-C adaptors that work fine with other devices. Let’s narrow it down step by step:

Cable check – even though the adaptors work with other gear, printers can be a bit picky. If possible, try a direct USB-A to USB-B printer cable (the square-shaped end that plugs into the printer). That usually gives the most reliable connection.

Mac system recognition – open Apple Menu > System Information > USB and see if the printer is listed under the USB tree. If it isn’t showing up here, the Mac isn’t sensing the printer at all (pointing back to cable/port).

HP Easy Start – instead of relying only on HP Smart, download and run HP Easy Start for Mac which often does a deeper search and pulls the right drivers.

Reset printer system (Mac) – go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-click in the printer list, choose Reset printing system, then add again. This clears out any half-installed configs.

Different port / reboot – plug into another USB-C port on your Mac, restart both printer and Mac, then try again.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[tinabargo]

1. Your first suggestion (Apple Menu > System Information > USB) does not make sense. I cannot find "System Information" in my Apple Menu.

2. I tried running HP Easy Start. Here are the screenshots:

The printer is being detected in Easy Start. But it cannot download the necessary software.

3. This suggestion does not make sense. Nothing happens when I try to right-click.

4. I've tried all of these and I'm still having this issue.

[tinabargo]

I found the System Information. My printer is being detected.

[zoey7886]

@tinabargo, Thanks for letting us help you out! If you're all set, please mark this post as 'Accepted Solution' so I can do a virtual happy dance! 

If you need anything else, I'm all ears (or rather, all text). Just let me know! 

You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today! 

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

[tinabargo]

No, it is still not resolved! It is just being detected, but I still cannot add the printer. I am still getting the same error message as my original post.

[Garp_senchau]

@tinabargo, Welcome to the HP Support Community 

  

This needs one-on-one interaction. 

Hence, I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Regards,