I can't connect my printer hp Officejet2620 with my new MacBook

[IsaLü]

Hey,

I am having problems connecting my old printer (HP OfficeJet 2620) via a USB cable to my MacBook (Sequoia 15.7.1). The printer can be added, but I don’t think I have compatible software for it. I tried downloading software, but the versions I found are no longer compatible with my system. I also tried the HP Smart app, but it didn’t find my printer or recognize the serial number. For reference, the printer is not connected to Wi-Fi.

Thanks for your help.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @IsaLü 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining everything so clearly—it’s understandably frustrating when a reliable printer becomes difficult to connect after a system upgrade. You’ve already taken the right steps by trying USB and checking the HP App. 

Your HP OfficeJet 2620 can still be used with macOS Sequoia 15.7.1 via USB, but it requires using Apple’s built-in AirPrint driver instead of HP’s legacy software, which is no longer compatible with newer macOS versions.

Here’s how to move forward smoothly:

Step-by-step actions to connect HP OfficeJet 2620 to macOS Sequoia 15.7.1

1. Use Apple’s built-in AirPrint driver
macOS Sequoia no longer supports HP’s legacy drivers for the OfficeJet 2620. Instead, it uses AirPrint, which is built into macOS and works over USB for many HP models.

2. Connect the printer via USB and add it manually

• Plug the printer directly into your Mac using a USB cable
• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Click Add Printer
• Select HP OfficeJet 2620 from the list
• In the “Use” dropdown, choose AirPrint
• Click Add

3. Print a test page

• Open any document (e.g., PDF or text file)
• Select File > Print
• Choose the HP OfficeJet 2620 and print a single page to confirm functionality

4. Optional: Rename the printer for easy access

• In Printers & Scanners, click the printer name
• Rename it to something recognizable like “HP 2620 USB”

If the printer doesn’t appear in the list

Check USB connection and cable type

• Use a USB-A to USB-B cable (standard printer cable)
• If your Mac only has USB-C ports, use a USB-C to USB-A adapter
• Avoid using hubs or splitters during setup

Reset the printing system (if needed)

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Right-click in the printer list and choose Reset Printing System
• Reconnect the printer and try adding it again

For reference, here’s the official HP support page for your model:
HP OfficeJet 2620 Drivers and Software

You’re doing everything right by staying proactive, and this method should restore printing without needing legacy software. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[IsaLü]

Hi @Hawks_Eye,

Thank you for your encouraging reply and very valuable tips. Your instructions were easy to follow. I did see the AirPrint option in a couple of YouTube videos.

The problem, however, is that when I connect the printer via USB and go to Settings → Add Printer, the printer appears, but the “Use: AirPrint” option does not show up. When I searched online, most people said I need to connect the printer to the internet, but the printer doesn’t have an Ethernet port, nor was I able to connect it with the HP Smart app, which was the other suggested method (for internet).

I also tried the workaround of sharing the printer through my old Mac, where the printer was still working and using the same software as on my new one. However, when I add the printer and then connect it via USB, my new MacBook says the software is missing (the old printer still uses "HP officejet 2026 all-in-one").

Do you have any ideas on how I could get AirPrint to appear as an option, or how I can connect the printer to the internet? My other idea was to ask my sister for help maybe airprint does appear on her mac and then we can share the printer again.

Thanks

Isa

[Hawks_Eye]

You are welcome @IsaLü 

Thanks for the detailed update and for trying so many thoughtful steps already. You’ve done a great job navigating a tricky compatibility situation, and your persistence is commendable.

Let’s work through the AirPrint issue and explore a few more ways to get your HP OfficeJet 2620 working with macOS Sequoia 15.7.1.

 

Why AirPrint might not appear

AirPrint over USB is supported for many HP models, but it depends on macOS detecting the printer’s capabilities correctly. If “Use: AirPrint” doesn’t appear, it usually means the system didn’t recognize the printer as AirPrint-capable over USB.

Here’s what you can try next:

1. Reset the printing system and reconnect

This clears any misconfigured printer entries and forces macOS to re-detect the printer:

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list and choose Reset Printing System
• Confirm and wait for the list to clear
• Reconnect the printer via USB
• Click Add Printer again and check if “Use: AirPrint” appears

2. Try a different USB port or cable

Sometimes the printer’s identity isn’t fully recognized due to signal issues:

• Use a direct USB-A to USB-B cable (avoid hubs or adapters during setup)
• If your Mac has only USB-C ports, use a high-quality USB-C to USB-A adapter
• Try a different USB port on the Mac if available

3. Use Apple’s generic driver manually

If AirPrint still doesn’t appear, you can try manually selecting a generic driver:

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer
• Select the HP OfficeJet 2620 from the list
• In the Use dropdown, choose Select Software…
• Search for and select HP OfficeJet 2620 or Generic PCL Printer
• Click Add

This may allow basic printing functionality even if AirPrint isn’t detected.

4. Try printer sharing from your sister’s Mac

Your idea is excellent—if her Mac recognizes the printer with AirPrint or has compatible drivers, you can share it over the network:

• On her Mac: go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Select the printer, then enable Printer Sharing
• On your Mac: go to Printers & Scanners > Add Printer
• Look under Nearby Printers or Network Printers and add it

Let’s see if one of these steps helps AirPrint appear or enables basic printing. You’ve been incredibly thorough, and we’re close to getting this sorted. Let me know how it goes.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye