Chromebook Recognizes HP LaserJet m1212 MFP But Does not Print

[Barbara1921]

I set-up my Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook (includes latest updates) to print to my HP LaserJet m1212 MFP.  I connected the HP LaserJet m1212 MFP to my Chromebook via USB cable, the Chromebook recognizes it and it is saved on my Chromebook but print jobs do not print..  When a print job is sent to print by my Chromebook, the printer sounds like it is preparing to print but it just stops before anything is printed.  When viewing the print jobs, the message next to the documents I attempt to print states "Failed - Printer Unreachable".  There are no recent software or driver changes.  My internet connection is wireless.  Are there any options to make my Chromebook compatible to print with this printer?  

Thank you in advance for any assistance.  

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Barbara1921 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're encountering issues with printing from your Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook to the HP LaserJet M1212 MFP via USB. The printer is recognized but fails to actually print, showing the message "Failed - Printer Unreachable." Since the printer works in terms of connection but does not respond to print jobs, this could be due to several potential issues. Let's walk through troubleshooting steps to resolve this.

1. Check USB Cable and Port

Make sure that the USB cable you're using is in good condition and properly connected. Sometimes, a faulty or loose USB cable can cause the printer to be recognized but not communicate properly with the Chromebook.

• Try a Different USB Cable or Port: If possible, try using another USB cable or plug the cable into a different USB port on your Chromebook to see if that resolves the issue.

2. Ensure Printer is Powered On

Even though the printer makes noise when preparing to print, double-check that it is fully powered on and ready to print.

• Printer Status: Ensure that the HP LaserJet M1212 MFP is ready and does not have any error lights or messages (such as "Out of Paper" or "Low Toner").

Ensure Chrome OS Supports the Printer

While most HP printers are compatible with Chromebooks, the HP LaserJet M1212 MFP may require specific setup steps to work with Chrome OS, especially for USB connections.

Use Google Cloud Print (if possible): If your printer is Cloud Print-enabled, you can add it via Google Cloud Print to print wirelessly from your Chromebook. However, Google Cloud Print was deprecated in 2020, so if your printer was registered before that, it might still work. Otherwise, you will need to use direct USB connection or alternative methods.

Check Printer Compatibility: The HP LaserJet M1212 MFP is a basic USB-only model, and it may not be fully compatible with Chrome OS without the correct setup.

4. Check Chromebook Print Settings

Ensure that the printer is properly set up in your Chromebook's Print Settings.

Go to Chromebook Settings:

• Open Settings by clicking the time in the lower-right corner and selecting the gear icon.
• Scroll down to Advanced and then to Printing.

Check Printer Connection:

• Ensure that the HP LaserJet M1212 MFP is listed in the Printers section.
• If the printer appears but still doesn’t work, click on the printer name and check for options to "Reconnect" or "Set as default".

Add Printer Manually: If the printer isn’t automatically detected, you can add it manually:

• In Printing settings, click "Add Printer".
• Select the USB printer from the available options or try entering the printer’s details (model, USB, etc.).

5. Check for Chromebook Software Updates

Sometimes, updates to Chrome OS can improve compatibility with printers. Ensure that your Chromebook is up to date with the latest software.

• Update Chrome OS:
  1. Go to Settings > About Chrome OS.
  2. Check for updates and apply them if available.
  3. Restart the Chromebook after the update completes and try printing again.

6. Reset the Printer's Printing System

If the printer has a malfunctioning queue or communication error, resetting its printing system could resolve the problem.

• Reset the Printer's Printing System (on Chromebook):
  1. Remove the printer from your Chromebook's printing settings.
  2. Restart your Chromebook.
  3. Add the printer back in Printing settings and attempt to print again.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[Barbara1921]

Rachel thank you for taking the time to provide such a thorough response.  I have tried and re-tried all of the steps suggested.  All of the conditions have been met and this time, after re-starting the Chromebook and attempting to print two documents, the status indicates that the documents have been "Printed" in the "Status" column of the screenshot below, but no activity (not even an attempt heard) by the HP LaserJet m1212 MFP.  Given this result, is the conclusion that the HP LaserJet m1212 MFP is not compatible with my Chromebook?  I was trying not to have to buy a new LaserJet printer so wanted to exhaust all troubleshooting options.  Thank you again.  Barbara

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Barbara1921 

Thank you so much for your response.

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.Take care and have a great day ahead!

Rachel571 

HP Support

[Barbara1921]

Hi Rachel, sorry did we conclude that the HP printer is not compatible with my Chromebook based on my last response after trying all of the troubleshooting steps?

[Barbara1921]

Rachel please see the last reply with the screenshot attached and let me know if there's anything else I can do to resolve this issue or if the HP printer is simply not going to work with my Chromebook.  Thanks so much.  Barbara

[ferRX]

Hi @Barbara1921 

1. Please add the next printer driver in your Chromebook:

• HP Printer driver for Chromebooks
• >> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hp.android.printservice

2. Then follow steps from the next video to add your printer:

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-ZGnM5nwOQ&ab_channel=CopyPrintScan

* Click YES   to say thank you, 

* Click Accepted Solution when question is answered.

Best regards,

ferRX.

[Barbara1921]

FerRX, 

Thank you for taking the time to try to help.  I have downloaded the Printer Driver you suggested.  I went ahead and restarted my Chromebook, then removed and re-added my HP LaserJet M1212nf MFP.  I was prompted via pop-up to select whether I wanted the plug in to be used when printing, I selected yes.  Then I selected a file from my Google Drive to print, the printer was available for me to select as the destination to which to print.  Nothing printed.  I navigated to the Print Jobs,  and next to the document I attempted to print is the top message from today in the screenshot below:  "Failed - Printer unreachable" message.  

Any other suggestions that you can recommend I try?  Thanks for your help FerRX.  

Barbara

[Barbara1921]

@FerRx,

Here is the screen with my saved printers displaying that the printer is recognized by my Chromebook:

[Barbara1921]

Additionally wanted to mention that I have tried to print both .pdf and a google sheet document.  Also unsuccessful on the Google Sheet document.