When using HP Smart I always get the following message "to scan select a different printer "

[faigey]

When using HP Smart I always get the following message PRINTER IS NOT AVAILABLE "to scan select a different printer or ensure your printer is turned on and connected to the same network as this device".                                                     Now this printer and scanner still works but I intermittently keep getting  this annoying message? It seems to occur when I give the scanned file a name to store on my IMAC. I need to be quick and download the file before HP Smart hgas a chance to come up with the message??

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @faigey,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

That’s a great observation, and it’s a known quirk with HP Smart on macOS when scanning. The intermittent “Printer is not available” message usually happens because the app temporarily loses its handshake with the printer while saving or renaming the file. Here’s why and how to fix it:

Why This Happens

• HP Smart uses a live connection to the printer during scanning. When you rename or save the file, the app sometimes tries to revalidate the printer status.
• If there’s even a brief network delay (Wi-Fi interference, sleep mode, or Bonjour service hiccup), HP Smart throws that error even though the printer is still online.

Fixes & Workarounds

1. Keep Printer Awake

• Disable Auto Sleep or set a longer sleep timer in printer settings.
• On HP printers:
  Setup → Preferences → Sleep Mode → Set to 30 min or more.

2. Use Static IP

• Assign a manual IP address to your printer via its Embedded Web Server (EWS): 
  • Find printer IP: Print Network Configuration Page or check HP Smart.
  • Enter IP in browser → Network → Advanced → Manual IP.
• Then, in HP Smart, add the printer by IP instead of auto-discovery.

3. Rename After Scan Completes

• Let the scan finish and save with the default name first.
• Renaming the file in Finder instead of HP Smart avoids the handshake bug.

4. Update HP App & macOS

• Make sure you have the latest HP app version:
  👉 HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site
• Update macOS Bonjour services (built into system updates).

5. Alternative Scan Method

• Use Apple Image Capture or Preview → Import from Scanner for quick scans without HP App dependency.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[faigey]

Hi VlkramTheGreat,

Your advice was terrific.

What you say makes complete sense to me.

Actually I am staggered as to how familiar you are with this issue.

Much appreciated for such a detailed explanation.

Regards

Faigey

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @faigey,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m really glad the explanation was clear and helpful for you. This is an issue we see from time to time, so I’m happy we could pinpoint it quickly and save you any further frustration.
 

If you ever have more questions or need help with anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always here to support you.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[faigey]

accepted solution