Error message: Bonjour Malfunction

[Kat-mur-23]

Problem adding HP DeskJet2734e - Error Message: Bonjour Malfunction

Printer is new and added yesterday; it was working and then it stopped.  Computer: MAC 

Can anyone help with this issue? Thanks. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Kat-mur-23 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining the situation so clearly. It’s genuinely frustrating to have a brand-new printer working one moment and then suddenly fail to connect—especially when you're greeted with a vague “Bonjour Malfunction” error on macOS. 

This issue typically points to a breakdown in Apple’s Bonjour service, which handles automatic network discovery for printers.

Here’s a structured recovery path to help restore your HP DeskJet 2734e connection:

 

Step-by-Step Fix for “Bonjour Malfunction” on macOS

1. Restart Bonjour Services

Sometimes the service stalls or fails to register the printer.

• Restart your Mac completely.
• Power off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
• Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

 

2. Remove and Re-Add the Printer

This refreshes the Bonjour registration.

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Select your HP DeskJet 2734e and click Remove Printer
• Click Add Printer → wait for the printer to appear under “Nearby Printers”
• Choose the printer with “Bonjour” listed as the connection type
• Click Add

 

3. Reset the Printing System (if needed)

If the printer doesn’t reappear, reset the printing system.

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list → choose Reset Printing System
• Re-add the printer as described above

Reference:
Reset Printing System on macOS

 

4. Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause Bonjour registration failures.

• Visit:
  HP DeskJet 2734e Drivers & Firmware
• Download and install the latest firmware using a USB connection if Wi-Fi is unstable

 

5. Use HP Smart App for Setup

The app can bypass Bonjour and connect directly.

• Download: HP Smart for macOS
• Open the app and click Add Printer
• Follow the setup flow to connect via Wi-Fi or USB

You’ve already taken the right steps by identifying the error and restarting—let’s make sure your printer reconnects reliably and gets back to work. 

If you’d like help interpreting firmware status or navigating HP Smart, I’m here to assist.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye