HP Easy Start fails cannot add printer

[WatsonMTN]

Running Sequoia 15.2.  dowloaded the MacOS version of HP Easy Start. It downloads and installs okay, finds the printer, but fails with an error trying to add the printer to the "Printers and Scanners" control panel. The printer is already there so I tried removing it, no change. I have run the install a few times with the same result. My goal is to update the firmware, so if there is an easier way, please let me know. I can't seem to figure out how to do it from the control panel on the printer.

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @WatsonMTN 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're experiencing issues with HP Easy Start on your Mac, where it fails to add the printer to the "Printers and Scanners" control panel. This can be a frustrating issue, but I'll guide you through some steps that might help resolve it, as well as a potential workaround to update the printer firmware.

1. Check Printer Connection

• Ensure the printer is properly connected to the same network as your Mac. Whether using Wi-Fi or a USB connection, make sure the connection is stable.
• If you're using Wi-Fi, try rebooting your router and printer.

2. Remove Printer and Restart Mac

• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Remove the printer by selecting it and clicking the minus (-) button.
• After removing the printer, restart your Mac to clear any potential issues.

3. Reinstall HP Easy Start

• First, completely uninstall HP Easy Start by moving the application to the trash and clearing out any residual files.
  • Go to Finder > Applications and find HP Easy Start.
  • Move it to the trash and then open Library > Application Support > HP (if it exists) and remove any leftover files related to HP.
• Re-download the latest version of HP Easy Start from the HP website (make sure it's the latest compatible version for your printer).
• Install HP Easy Start again and check if the issue persists.

4. Manually Add Printer

If HP Easy Start fails to add the printer, you can try adding it manually:

• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Click the plus (+) sign to add a printer.
• If your printer is detected, select it and click Add.
• If it’s not automatically detected, try selecting IP from the top menu and entering the printer’s IP address manually (you can find the IP address in the printer’s control panel, usually under Network settings).

5. Install Printer Driver via Software Update

Sometimes macOS will provide the correct driver for your HP printer.

• Go to System Preferences > Software Update and check if there are any available updates for the printer.
• If an update for your printer is available, install it and try adding the printer again through the Printers & Scanners panel.

6. Firmware Update Alternative (Using the Printer’s Web Interface)

If you need to update the firmware and cannot do so via HP Easy Start, you might be able to do it using the printer's embedded web server (EWS), especially for network-connected printers.

• Find your printer’s IP address (check the printer’s display or print a network configuration page).
• Open a web browser on your Mac and type the printer’s IP address in the address bar.
• This should open the printer’s Web Interface (EWS).
• Navigate to the Firmware Update section in the EWS, and follow the prompts to update the printer’s firmware.

7. HP Smart App

If HP Easy Start is still problematic, try installing the HP Smart app from the Mac App Store:

• Download the HP Smart app and install it.
• Open the app and add your printer.
• HP Smart can often handle both setup and firmware updates.

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