HP Smart Not Available

[Jolt0917]

I'm running Mac OS Catalina v. 10.15.7.  The version of HP Smart I had on the computer no longer worked.  I trashed it and attempted to reload a new version only to discover this in the App Store: "HP Smart can’t be installed on “Macintosh HD” because macOS version 11 or later is required". What are my options at this point?  Is there an older version available that is compatible? Are there alternatives for printing, scanning, viewing ink capacity, head cleaning and diagnostics? Please advise.

[A_Gayathri · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jolt0917,

Welcome to the HP Support Community

I understand you are facing an issue with your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer

HP Smart is not compatible. Not to worry, I will help you to get a resolution to resolve the issue.

If the latest version of HP Smart is not compatible with your macOS Catalina (v. 10.15.7), you might want to try a few alternative solutions:

1. Use Older Version of HP Smart:

   • Check if you have a backup of your system. If so, you might find an older version of HP Smart in your backup. Restore it to your Applications folder.
   • You can also check HP's official website or other reliable software repositories for older versions of HP Smart that might be compatible with macOS Catalina.

2. HP Easy Start:

   • Download and install HP Easy Start, which is another software provided by HP for setting up and managing HP printers. It includes basic features like printing and scanning.
   • Visit the official HP Easy Start page to download the software compatible with macOS Catalina.

3. Built-in Mac Apps:

   • For basic printing and scanning needs, you can use macOS's built-in apps. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners to add your printer.
   • Preview and Image Capture are two built-in applications that can be used for scanning.

4. Third-Party Software:

   • Consider using third-party scanning and printing software that may offer compatibility with your printer model and macOS version.
   • Scan is an example of third-party scanning software that supports a wide range of scanners and printers.

5. HP Website:

   • Visit the official HP website and look for driver and software downloads specifically tailored for your printer model and macOS version. Sometimes, the website provides older versions of software for compatibility.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!