Cannot get laptop to recognize printer as color

[Hnw1208]

I cannot get my Mac laptop to print in color even though the printer is color. Seems like the laptop will not recognize the printer as a color printer. I was able to print from my IPad and that printed in color so I know it’s got to be some setting in my MacBook Air. Any suggestions? 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Hnw1208 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I can understand how frustrating it feels when your MacBook Air only prints in black and white while your iPad prints in full color. You’ve already done a great job narrowing it down to a Mac setting, which makes troubleshooting more focused. 

Let’s walk through the areas that most often cause this behavior so you can restore color printing.

 

1. Check Print Dialog Settings

• When you print from your Mac, open the Print dialog.
• Click Show Details if it’s collapsed.
• Look for Color Options or Media & Quality.
• Ensure “Color” is selected instead of “Black & White” or “Grayscale.”
• Some apps default to grayscale, so it’s important to check this each time.

 

2. Confirm Driver Type

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
• Select your printer and check the driver type.
• If it shows “Generic Printer” or “Generic PCL,” macOS may not be using the full color driver.
• Remove the printer and re‑add it, making sure to select it as an AirPrint or HP driver.

 

3. Run a Test Print from the Printer

• On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Tools > Print Quality Report.
• This bypasses the Mac and confirms whether the printer itself can produce color.
• If the report prints in color, the issue is strictly on the Mac side.

 

4. Reset Printing System on macOS

• In System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right‑click (or Control‑click) in the printer list.
• Choose Reset Printing System.
• Re‑add the printer using the HP App or AirPrint.
• This clears any corrupted queues or settings that may block color printing.

 

5. Update Firmware and macOS

• In the HP App, select your printer and go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Firmware Update.
• Install any available updates.
• Also check System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac to ensure compatibility.

Once you confirm the printer itself can print in color, re‑adding it with the correct driver on macOS should restore full color printing. Could you let me know if your Mac currently lists the printer as “Generic” or “AirPrint” in Printers & Scanners? That detail will help pinpoint the next step.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye