Suddenly unable to scan using HP Envy 4500 printer scanner

[sheepstein]

Getting this error when trying to scan --

HP ENVY 4500 series [D22373] is currently unavailable. Please check if it is turned on and connected, or try again later.

I've tried rebooting the Macbook Air,, unplugging the HP Envy 4500 and replugging it an turning on again.   Still get the same error message.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @sheepstein,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thank you for reaching out.

I understand that your HP ENVY 4500 is no longer able to scan from your MacBook Air, and you're receiving the message that the printer is unavailable even after restarting both the printer and your Mac.

Since the printer was working previously, this is most likely related to the printer connection or the macOS scanning service rather than the scanner hardware itself.

Let's try the following steps:

Check the printer connection

Make sure the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your MacBook Air (or securely connected via USB if you're using a USB connection).

Print a Wireless Network Test Report (if connected wirelessly) to confirm the printer is connected to the network.

Test with Image Capture

macOS includes a built-in scanning application.

Open Applications > Image Capture.

Check if your HP ENVY 4500 appears in the left pane.

If it does, try scanning from Image Capture.

If scanning works from Image Capture but not from HP Smart or HP Easy Scan, the issue is likely with the HP software.

Remove and re-add the printer

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Select the HP ENVY 4500 and click Remove Printer.

Restart your Mac.

Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax and add the printer again.

Ensure macOS selects AirPrint or the appropriate HP driver during setup.

Reset the macOS printing system

If the issue persists:

Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list.

Select Reset Printing System.

Add the printer again and test scanning.

Update HP software and macOS

Install any available macOS updates.

If you're using the HP app, make sure it's updated to the latest version from the Mac App Store.

Could you also let us know the following?

Which macOS version is installed on your MacBook Air?

Are you using the HP App, HP Easy Scan, or Image Capture to scan?

Can you print successfully, or are both printing and scanning affected?

Is the printer connected via Wi-Fi or USB?

This information will help determine whether the issue is with the HP software, the macOS scanning service, or the printer connection.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi