Unable to print from File>Print in menu. Olny through HP Smart app.

[Lynn24B]

Hello! New here! I have an HP LaserJet M15a printer that is hooked up to my Macbook Air (running iOS 15)  via USB ( adapter to USB C port.) I am able to get things to print if I go directly through the HP Smart app, but I'm unable to just click File>Print from within the menu of what I'm working on. I've uninstalled and reinstalled the printer using system preferences on my Mac. I have ensured that it is set as my default printer, and I have checked the drivers and software ( as best as I know how; I have no pro). When I click File>Print, the print icon pops up ( correct printer selected), showing that it's in the queue and that it's printing, but nothing ever prints. When I save the doc and go to the HP Smart app, I can print from there, but I'd love to just print from File>Print without this extra step. Ideas? THANK YOU for your time and help! I'm stumped! 

[Max3Aj]

@Lynn24B, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Your HP LaserJet Pro M15a is functioning correctly through the HP Smart app, which means the connection and basic printing capabilities are working. However, the issue with File > Print suggests a driver or communication issue between macOS and the printer.

Try These Solutions:

Reset the Mac Printing System

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
2. Right-click (or Control + Click) anywhere in the Printers list.
3. Select Reset printing system and confirm.
4. After the reset, re-add the printer:
   • Click the + (Add Printer) button.
   • Select your HP LaserJet Pro M15a.
   • Choose HP LaserJet driver (not "AirPrint" or "Generic").
   • Click Add.

Use HP Printer Utility for USB Printing

1. Open HP Utility (found in Applications > Hewlett-Packard).
2. Check if the printer appears under USB devices.
3. If not, unplug and reconnect the printer.
4. Try printing again.

Ensure macOS Isn’t Using AirPrint Instead of HP Drivers

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
2. Select your printer and click Options & Supplies > General.
3. Look at the Driver:
   • If it says AirPrint, click Change and select HP LaserJet Pro M15a driver.
4. Try printing again.

Try a Different USB Adapter

• Some USB-C adapters cause issues with direct printing.
• If possible, test with a different USB-C to USB adapter or connect to another Mac.

Final Step: Test Printing from Terminal

If none of the above work, try printing via Terminal:

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Type the command:lpstat -p
   • This will list all printers. Find the name of your HP LaserJet.
3. Then type:lp -d "printer_name" /path/to/your/testfile.pdf
   • Replace "printer_name" with your actual printer name.
   • Replace "/path/to/your/testfile.pdf" with an actual file path.
   • If this prints, it confirms the issue is with macOS's print queue.

Let me know what works or if you need more help! 😊

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! 

Max3Aj

HP Support