Add Printer on AP not recognizing printer already added to account

[tlilly]

Here's a new one.

I have added my HP Envy to my account. This is why it is listed here. It is also listed on my IOS/i-Phone App  as My Printer.

So, when I select the "Connect this printer to use all features," I am prompted at a second screen to "Add a printer --> Choose an available printer." I select that, then, very quickly (1-2 seconds),  a "Printers" search bar appears, then disappears and is replaced by the message "No available printers found. Check with your admin for assistance."

Why is my recognized printer not showing up for me to access features? What does "check with you admin" mean? This is a personal printer connecting to a home network on my MacBook.

I have already, painstakingly, followed all, and ever-worsening, instructions to connect my printer to my home wifi. Also worth noting (maybe), when I plug the printer into my USB-3 port, I can print.

Help me. This is ridiculous.

[Meghana_10]

Hello @tlilly, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the HP Envy printer. 

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and are glad we could help work toward a resolution. We hope our support has been valuable.

To help us get started on resolving your issue, could you please try a few troubleshooting steps provided below so that I can assist you further?

Step 1: Confirm Network Alignment 

• Ensure your MacBook and printer are connected to the same Wi‑Fi network.
• Avoid guest networks or mixed bands—connect to a 2.4 GHz network if available.
• If you are using a VPN or firewall, temporarily disable it, as it can block printer discovery.

Step 2: Reset the Printer’s Wireless Setup

This helps clear any previous incomplete configurations.

• Turn the printer ON.
• Press and hold the Wireless + Cancel (X) buttons together for ~5 seconds until the wireless light starts blinking.
• The printer will now be in setup mode.

Step 3: Re-add the Printer in HP Smart (Mac)

• Open the HP Smart app.
• Remove the existing printer entry (Hide/Remove Printer).
• Close and reopen the app.
• Click Add Printer → select the “Setup” or “New Printer” option (not the existing one tied to your account).
• Follow the prompts to reconnect it.

Step 4: Check macOS Printer System Settings

Since USB printing works, the issue is likely discovery or network-related:

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Remove any existing entries for the printer
• Click Add Printer (+)
• Check under the “Default” tab or “IP” tab
  • If needed, add using the printer’s IP address (found via a network report)

Step 5: Use HP Easy Start (Recommended for macOS)

This tool often resolves detection issues more reliably:

• Download: https://support.hp.com/go/hp-easy-start
• Run the setup and follow the guided installation
• It will automatically locate the printer and configure drivers

 Step 6: Verify Printer is Online

• Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer
• Confirm it has a valid IP address (e.g., 192.168.x.x)
• If no IP is assigned, the printer is not properly connected to Wi‑Fi

Take care and have an amazing day!