Printer works but scanner doesn't

[halby80]

I am trying to use HP Smart to scan documents on my Color Laser Jet Pro MFP M479fdw.  It doesn't recognize the printer.  However, the printer function DOES WORK.  How can I ge the scanner to work?

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@halby80, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
If your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw is printing fine but scanning isn't working or HP Smart doesn't recognize it, it’s likely a communication or software issue. Here’s a step-by-step approach to troubleshoot and get the scanner working:

✅ Step-by-Step Fix:

1. Reboot Everything
   • Restart the printer, your PC, and your router.
   • Wait until the printer connects to Wi-Fi before opening HP Smart.
2. Verify Connection Type
   • If you’re using Wi-Fi, try switching to Ethernet (wired) or USB temporarily to rule out wireless communication issues.
   • Open HP Smart, click "Add Printer," and ensure it’s not searching only for USB printers if you’re on Wi-Fi.
3. Re-add Printer in HP Smart
   • In HP Smart, remove the printer if it's listed.
   • Click Add Printer → Let it search and re-add your M479fdw.
   • If it doesn’t find it:
     • Click “Set up a new printer.”
     • Or click “My printer is not listed” for manual entry (you’ll need the IP address, which can be found on the printer's control panel under Network Settings).
4. Install HP Scan Software (Full Solution)
   • HP Smart alone may not install full scan functionality.
   • Download and install the HP Easy Start full software package from the official HP site for the M479fdw.
   • Choose “Full Software and Drivers.”
5. Use “Windows Fax and Scan” or “Scan” App
   • Press Windows + S, search for "Windows Fax and Scan" or "Scan."
   • See if it can detect your scanner.
   • If yes, then HP Smart may be the issue.
   • If not, it’s likely a driver or firewall problem.
6. Check Windows Defender or Firewall
   • Temporarily disable firewall/security software to see if it’s blocking scan communication.
   • Allow HP Smart and HP Scan through the firewall (via Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection > Allow an app through firewall).
7. Use IP Scan (Workaround)
   • Go to the printer’s Web Interface via a browser:
     • Type the IP address of the printer in your browser (get it from the printer's display).
     • Go to Scan > Webscan → You can scan documents directly from there!
8. Update Firmware
   • Go to the printer’s Setup > Service > LaserJet Update > Check for Updates Now to update the firmware. This can resolve scanning bugs.

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 

[halby80]

Thank you very much for the reply.  I deleted HPSmart, reinstalled it and it worked fine.  

[Max3Aj]

@halby80, Thanks for letting us help you out! If you're all set, please mark this post as 'Accepted Solution' so I can do a virtual happy dance! 

If you need anything else, I'm all ears (or rather, all text). Just let me know! 

You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today! 

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

Max3Aj