OfficeJet Pro 8730 "Unable to communicate with the device" Scan to computer does not work

[Dunethorp]

HP OfficeJet Pro 8730, Scan to computer does not work

HP Easy Start: "Unable to communicate with the device"

HP Utility: "Unable to communicate with the selected device"

Screen message on printer when trying to scan to computer: "No computer found"

Setup: MacBook Pro, M2, MacOS: Sonoma 14.1.2, WiFi network, HP software on MacBook: HP Easy Start, HP Utility, HP Smart

Unresolved message: Something like: Installed airprint driver does not provide all features, install HP driver for all features (never succeeded).

Already tried:

*Control^ click printer, reset, power cycle the printer, select add printer, or scanner or fax.

*Connecting the printer with ethernet cables and/or USB cables

* Powercycling the printer, restarting the MacBook

*Removing all HP software and re-installing it.

*Switching the firewall in the MBP off

Strange: all printing features work flawless, however I desperately do need to get the Scan to computer feature working again

Anyone any idea why Scan to computer stopped working? And how to get it working again?

[Raj_05]

Hi @Dunethorp,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

It seems like you've already tried several troubleshooting steps, and it's unfortunate that the issue persists. Here are a few additional steps you can try.

Check Network Connection:

• Ensure that the printer and the MacBook Pro are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Verify the Wi-Fi signal strength on the printer and make sure it is stable.

Update Firmware:

• Check if there's a firmware update available for your HP OfficeJet Pro 8730. Updating the printer firmware can sometimes resolve communication issues.

Static IP Address:

• Assign a static IP address to your printer instead of using DHCP. This can help maintain a consistent connection between the printer and the computer.

HP Print and Scan Doctor:

• Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor utility from the HP website. It can automatically diagnose and fix printing and scanning problems.

HP Smart App:

• Try using the HP Smart app on your MacBook Pro. It provides additional diagnostic tools and might offer an alternative way to set up scanning.

HP Support:

• Check the HP support website for any specific software updates or patches related to the scanning issue. There might be a newer version of the software that addresses this problem.

Reinstall HP Software:

• Completely uninstall all HP software, including drivers, and then reinstall it. Ensure you follow HP's recommended steps for uninstallation.

Reset Printing System:

• Open "System Preferences" on your MacBook Pro.
• Go to "Printers & Scanners."
• Right-click on the list of printers and select "Reset printing system." This will remove all printers.
• Re-add the HP OfficeJet Pro 8730.

Check for macOS Updates:

• Make sure your MacBook Pro is running the latest version of macOS. Sometimes, system updates include fixes for printing and scanning issues.

Verify Firewall Settings:

• Double-check your firewall settings to ensure they are not blocking communication between the printer and your MacBook.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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!

Alden4
HP Support

[Stewman2U]

I have the same issues as the OP. I have followed all suggestions above. HP Utility is unable to communicate with the selected printer, HP 8730. I can print via wifi with no problem. Scanning is disabled. No firmware updates are currently available. I can scan from the embedded web server. Scan test using HP Easy Start failed. Print test using HP Easy Start successful.

Mac Mini Sonoma 14.1.2

[Dunethorp]

Did it all. Costed me a day (again). I t  d o e s  n o t  w o r k!

[Dunethorp]

@Stewman2U. It's frustrating. My guess is that this feature is just broken but HP is not allowed to acknowledge that and so, 'they' try to make it look as 'our fault' by providing numerous options to execute. This 'feature' has been broken so many times now (and now for such a long time) that I'm looking into another scanning solution. Guess what, HP, even if they would provide the best solution for a competitive price, is not on the list. It probably will be an IRISscan (Canon) solution. Sorry HP, you just lost me.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Dunethorp,

Thank you for your response,

Due to limited support, I would request you contact our HP Support and our Support Engineers should be able to sort this out. HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link.

https://www.hp.com/contacthp/

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance.

Have a great day!

Alden4
HP Support