HP Smart Tank 520 (USB connected) NOT installing on Pop!_OS with HPLIP

[Vir_Rawlley]

I could not install my HP Smart Tank 520 (USB connected) to Scan on Pop!-OS built on the Ubuntu Distro.  I could only print using the Default Linux command.  I called HP India Support, and the person there said HP does not support Linux, which is obviously incorrect because HPLIP is there, but this did not work either. Looked Online, asked AI, in the end (after 6 hours) AI determined that HPLIP for HP Smart Tank 520 / 525 (not sure exactly which two), cannot work with Pop!-OS.  So in a manner, HP India Support were correct, or were they ?

[Jerry_57]

Hi @Vir_Rawlley,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Pop!_OS, being based on Ubuntu, should support most HP printers via the HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) software. However, there can sometimes be issues with the installation process or specific features, such as scanning, that may require specific steps. Here's a general guide on how to resolve these issues with HPLIP:

 

Ensure HPLIP is installed: First, verify that HPLIP is installed on your Pop!_OS system. You can check the version using:
 

1. hp-info -i

Install Latest HPLIP: Ensure you have the latest version of HPLIP installed, as it might contain needed support for your printer model.
 

• You can download the latest version from hplipopensource.com.

Install Necessary Dependencies: Sometimes, additional dependencies may be required for scanning functionalities to work properly.
 

1. sudo apt update sudo apt install hplip hplip-gui iscan

Run HP Setup: Use the HP setup tool to configure your printer.
 

1. hp-setup

Check for Device Discovery: Ensure that your printer is detected via USB. You can check this with:
 

1. lsusb

Install sane and xsane for Scanning:
 

1. sudo apt install sane xsane

Run the hp-scan Utility: To test if scanning works, use:
 

1. hp-scan

Troubleshooting Logs: You can generate a troubleshooting log using the HPLIP diagnostic utility, which can help identify what might be going wrong:
 

1. hp-check -t
   
   
   I 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!

Jerry_57

HP Support

[Vir_Rawlley]

Thanks Jerry,
I watched this video https://youtu.be/zU0CjZzlUG4,

He showed that two specifically, needed to be installed - the latest version being HPLIP 3.25.8.run for the Ubuntu distro, as the HP Printer OS + HPLIP 3.25.8 Plugin that sets up the UI for selecting Printer and Scanner Settings.  
Neither AI nor yourself mention HPLIP 3.25.8 Plugin, and watching its setup I realised this UI Plugin is Usage-Critical.  Can you please advise.  
I invested 2 days on this screw-up, and had to revert back to Windows 11 to get critical scanning out of the way.  I am still on Windows 11, Jerry, and considering you missing out on the Plugin, yet providing all steps that AI provided, BUT did NOT work, truly Jerry, reminds me of the Win 95 Blue-Screen of Death - Zero Assurance.

If however, you could please explain "away", rationally either why the Plugin is not required, or if it is, then how you installation instructions engage an UI Interphase for Settings, it will be great !

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Jerry

And please, remember, there are HP Customers like me, who keep getting screwed because HP messes up.  Be in my shoes for 2 days, messing with sudo Terminal commands, providing feedback to AI, and slogging on, and then finally ending up so **bleep**ed, that I just surrendered to Windows 11. Jerry, it is messed up, and HP has no excuse. An apology after rape, is meaningless, right!?