HP Smart app dosent setup HP Inktank 316 using USB on Macbook Air M2

[Creativecrystal]

Hi Community members and HP team,
The Smart app from HP dosent have any option to setup the HP Inktank 316 using USB and the HP essential and Easy Scan also dosent support on MacOS. I'm using Macbook Air M2 with MacOS 15.4.1. Would you please suggest how to resolve this?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Creativecrystal,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Try these steps:

Check for Compatibility:

• Confirm that the HP InkTank 316 is compatible with macOS. Some printers may have limited support on macOS via USB.

Use System Preferences:

• Go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners."
• Click on the "+" sign to add a printer using the default, IP, or Windows options.
• Select your HP InkTank 316 if it appears under available printers.

Install Printer Drivers Manually:

• Visit the HP Printer Drivers page.
• Download and install the latest drivers compatible with macOS for your printer model.

Connect via Network:

• If possible, connect the printer to a network. HP Smart App on macOS provides more options for network-connected printers.
• Once connected, repeat the steps in "System Preferences" to add the printer.

Use Third-Party Software:

• You might need third-party printer software that supports a wider range of connections for printers not fully compatible via USB on macOS.

Check macOS Security Settings:

• Ensure that the security settings on macOS allow installation of third-party apps and drivers. This can be adjusted in "System Preferences" > "Security & Privacy."

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Creativecrystal]

I tried all these steps:

Check for Compatibility:

• Confirm that the HP InkTank 316 is compatible with macOS. Some printers may have limited support on macOS via USB. Yes its showing as compatible.
• 

Use System Preferences:

• Select your HP InkTank 316 if it appears under available printers. It appears but does not print.

Install Printer Drivers Manually:

• Visit the HP Printer Drivers page. I tried installing the drivers from here, they are outdated and even if we install it doesn't go thru completion.
• Download and install the latest drivers compatible with macOS for your printer model.

Connect via Network:

• If possible, connect the printer to a network. HP Smart App on macOS provides more options for network-connected printers.
• Once connected, repeat the steps in "System Preferences" to add the printer. I dont have any additional network system for printer.

Use Third-Party Software:

• You might need third-party printer software that supports a wider range of connections for printers not fully compatible via USB on macOS. This dosent apply since HP already says its compatible. 

Check macOS Security Settings:

• Ensure that the security settings on macOS allow installation of third-party apps and drivers. This can be adjusted in "System Preferences" > "Security & Privacy." Checked, there are no issues in this setting.

I tried contacting HP Support as well, but the team does not have any trainings for macOS installation. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Creativecrystal,

Thank you for the response.

It’s frustrating when a printer that’s supposed to be compatible just doesn’t behave, especially with Mac. But don’t worry, I’ve got a couple more steps you can try that might help get around this limitation:

Use Generic Printer Drivers

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners

Click the “+” to add a printer

Select your HP InkTank 316 from the list (even if it doesn’t say "HP")

Click “Use” dropdown and choose “Select Software…”

Try choosing “HP Inkjet Printer Drivers” or even “Generic PCL Printer” or “Generic PostScript Printer”

Then Add

This doesn’t always unlock all features (like scanning), but basic printing should work with generic drivers.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Creativecrystal]

@ Kuroi_Kenshi 

I tried all these steps as well. It detects the printer but still cant print. 😞

I tried pause, restart, remove and adding again using this method, but still same issue.

I would like to highlight a critical gap in the HP Smart app that significantly impacts user experience. Currently, the app does not offer an option to connect printers via USB on Android devices or MacOS. This limitation is disappointing, especially considering that third-party apps like Nokoprint easily support USB printing on Android without any issues but HP's own app cant even detect the printer on mobile as well.

For users with devices like the HP InkTank series, which may not have built-in Wi-Fi, the absence of a USB connection option in HP’s own official app creates unnecessary barriers to basic functionality. It is concerning that while the HP Smart app is recommended when searching for compatible drivers, it does not provide a complete solution.

Given the importance of seamless connectivity for all users — regardless of Wi-Fi availability — I strongly encourage HP to prioritize adding USB connection support to the HP Smart app. It would greatly enhance customer satisfaction and align the app’s capabilities with the real-world needs of HP printer owners.

[zoey7886]

@Creativecrystal, I see you were interacting with @Kuroi_Kenshi however, he's away for now and I'd love to help you out!

We're here to help you tackle that HP Smart Setup Issue! Don't worry, we've got your back! 

To get you the best assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name.  

We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

Regards,