Printer icon replaced by ? on my iMac 15.2

[J_S_R]

In fact I have upgraded to Mac OS 15.2 but still the printer icon is not displayed on the icon bar even though the printer functions.  A question Mark is displayed instead.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @J_S_R 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It seems that after upgrading to macOS 15.2, you're experiencing an issue where the printer icon in your iMac 15.2's menu bar is replaced by a question mark, even though the printer is still functional. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as printer driver issues, macOS settings, or the way the printer is connected.

Here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix the issue:

1. Check Printer Connection

Make sure that the printer is properly connected to your iMac, either via USB or Wi-Fi (depending on how you use it).

• For USB-connected printers: Ensure the USB cable is firmly plugged into both your printer and iMac.
• For Wi-Fi-connected printers: Ensure your printer is connected to the same network as your iMac.

2. Re-add Printer in System Preferences

Sometimes, after an upgrade, the printer may not be properly configured in System Preferences.

1. Open System Preferences on your iMac.
2. Click Printers & Scanners.
3. If the printer is listed, try removing it by selecting it and clicking the minus (-) button at the bottom.
4. Click the plus (+) button to re-add the printer.
5. Select your printer from the list and ensure it shows as connected.

After re-adding the printer, check if the printer icon appears correctly in the menu bar.

3. Check Printer Drivers

Ensure that your printer's drivers are up to date. Sometimes, macOS updates can cause issues with older drivers, and a new driver may be needed for proper functionality.

1. Visit the HP website (or the manufacturer’s website) to download and install the latest drivers for your printer model.
2. Alternatively, you can use Apple Software Update:
   • Open System Preferences > Software Update.
   • If a printer driver update is available, it will show here.

After installing the latest drivers, check the printer icon in the menu bar again.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[J_S_R]

Many thanks Rachel for your thorough response.  Unfortunately none o the possible solutions worked.  At least the excellent printer scanner continues to work perfectly and I shall just have to ignore the lack of a proper icon.  Maybe there will be an upgraded driver some time but I realise this is unlikely as my iMac is a refurb 2019 machine although OS 15.2 is up to date!

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @J_S_R 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

I'm sorry to hear that the solutions didn't work for your printer issue, but it's good to know that your printer's scanner is still working perfectly! It sounds like you're dealing with a situation where the printer's full functionality might be limited due to software compatibility, especially since your iMac is a 2019 refurbished model and macOS is up to date.

A Few Things to Consider Moving Forward:

While it seems that the driver issue may not have an immediate fix, there are a few things you could try in the future if you want to revisit this or in case new solutions become available:

Check for Future Driver Updates:

• HP may release updated drivers or software updates, especially as new macOS versions are released. Keep an eye on HP's official support site or the HP Smart app for any updates that could resolve compatibility issues.
• Sometimes, when Apple releases a major macOS update, it can also introduce new compatibility issues with printers. However, they typically release patches soon after, so you might want to keep an eye on Apple's support site as well.

Revisit Printer Setup or Reinstallation:

• In case of any potential issues with the printer setup, you can try removing the printer and reinstalling it via System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Sometimes, removing the printer and adding it back in can reset any software glitches, even though this may not solve the icon issue directly, it could help with other small quirks.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[J_S_R]

Thanks Rachel