macOS 15.3, can't install/communicate with DeskJet 3630 series

[mrfedup]

Macbook pro, MacOS 15.3, DeskJet 3630 series (3637 model). I've tried it all, believe me. NOTHING WORKS. NOTHING. Tried the apps (HP Smart, HP Easy Start, HP Utility, DMG Installer); tried removing/unplugging/restarting/diagnose&fix, etc.,; tried every available troubleshooting I could locate anywherre on HP or community threads. Printer will NOT install, communicate or print. Even if the mac finds it in the 'add printer' dialog when it is connected to the 'Direct-27-HP DeskJet 3630 Series' WiFi channel, it will NOT complete the set up or communicate/connect. Even if I add/install printer manually with IP address or add/install with generic postcript/pcl drivers, it will NOT connect/communicate or print, and all I can ever see is an error message that it is not connected or 'unavailable.' Even if I run Diagnose&Fix and it says 'no issues found', I cannot even print a test page. Printer is connected via USB cable (that worked yesterday) and is also connected to same wifi network as the Macbook. NO ERRORS OR ORANGE ICONS ON THE PRINTER ITSELF. This was all after going through a complete nightmare trying to cancel my horrific instant ink experience and purchasing/installing new cartridges from WalMart (now a total waste of money). Come on!!! Somebody at HP fix this!! Now! 

[Raj_05]

Hi @mrfedup,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you’ve been through the wringer with this issue! Since you've already tried most of the common solutions, let's go through a few deeper troubleshooting steps to try to resolve this.

Reset the Printing System (on macOS):

Sometimes, the macOS printing system can get messed up, so a reset might help:

• Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
• Go to Printers & Scanners.
• Right-click (or Control-click) on the list of printers and select Reset Printing System.
• Confirm the reset, and then try adding the printer again.

Reinstall the HP Printer Driver:

It’s important to ensure that the drivers are fully removed before reinstalling.

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners and remove any existing instances of your printer.
• Download the latest drivers for your printer directly from HP’s website (even if you’ve tried the HP Easy Start, sometimes going directly to the site helps): HP DeskJet 3630 Drivers.
• Reinstall the printer using the newly downloaded drivers.

Check for macOS 15.3-Specific Compatibility:

You mentioned macOS 15.3, which is part of the macOS 15 series. Ensure that you’re using the right drivers and that there isn’t a compatibility issue with your version of macOS. Sometimes updates can break printer communication until a newer driver is released. Check HP’s website for any specific updates for macOS 15.3.

Use the Printer’s IP Address (for network setup):

Since you've tried adding it via Wi-Fi, but it isn’t working, let’s try manually adding it using its IP address:

• Find the IP address of the printer: On the printer’s control panel, go to the Wi-Fi Settings or Network Settings and print a Network Configuration Page (it should show the printer's IP).
• On your Mac, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the + to add a printer, and select Add Printer or Scanner.
• Choose IP at the top and enter the printer's IP address, then try adding it using the HP DeskJet 3630 or Generic PostScript/PCL driver if available.

[Raj_05]

USB Cable Check:

Since the USB cable worked yesterday, it might be a physical issue (cable or port). Try:

• Plugging it into a different USB port on your Mac.
• Using a different USB cable, if available.
• Trying the USB connection on another computer to ensure the cable and port are functioning correctly.

Printer Firmware Update:

Sometimes, printer firmware can cause connection issues. Check if your printer has any pending updates by going to the HP Smart App or HP Utility (if they are still functioning for your printer). You can also check HP’s support page to see if there’s a firmware update for the DeskJet 3630.

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!

Raj_05

HP Support 

[mrfedup]

Hi Raj

it's a nope on both of those. did those already before my original post. thanks.

[mrfedup]

Hey Raj you want to give me the exact, direct, no bs link to the exact drivers I need for this printer? 

[Raj_05]

Hi @mrfedup,

Thank you for your response, 

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Raj_05

HP Support

[mrfedup]

SOLVED: I am deeply embarrassed, but this resolution may still be of help to some. The issue (in part) turned out to be a USB hub. The printer USB cable was plugged into a USB hub that was plugged into another hub attached to the macbook thunderbolt port. As soon as I removed the hub at the macbook and plugged the other hub directly into the mac, everything worked fine. I saw no info or notifications/alerts/errors from the macbook to indicate the problem, and other USB devices worked fine in the same hub, which made it seem the hub(s) were ok. However, I will reiterate that before the USB hub issue was solved, the printer and the macbook were also both simultaneously connected to the "DIRECT-27-HP Deskjet 3630 series" wifi channel but were still unable to communicate. I also tried connecting them both to another wifi network, with no luck. I cannot explain why the printer and macbook would not connect/communicate via the"DIRECT-27-HP Deskjet 3630 series" wifi channel (which someone may still want to figure out), but I realized later (after the USB issue was solved) that the other wifi network was configured on the router to isolate/block devices from connecting to each other on that particular network. I sincerely apologize to Raj and others for not thinking to check the USB hub before posting/ranting. Thank you.