Printer starts to print for like a second then stops on Macintosh

[zlloyd1]

I have an HP Envy 4250 All in One Printer that will not print even though it is properly connected to my Macbook Pro laptop computer, which is using Catalina 10.15.7 operating system....

It shows as connected, but Idle in the System Preferences > Printers & Scanners tab, but when I try to print something, it shows a small red dot at the bottom of the desktop for like half a second which then immediately disappears, and the printer itself says Printing on the front panel, but does not do anything at all. It is almost like it starts to try to print, but then just ives up.

For the record, this is not a wireless connection, and it is physically connected by USB cable, which adds a new layer of confusion to the whole thing. I cannot contact a live HP agent for help because the printer is long since out of warranty.

Is the printer just too old, and I need to get a new printer, or is this some kind of ignorant software connection issue??

Thanks in advance!!

[Kumar0307]

@zlloyd1, Welcome to the HP Support Community! I’m here to help.

I understand you are not able to print from your Mac using a USB cable. macOS 10.15 supports this printer.

Update the printer firmware

Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your Mac.

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

Also, check for any software updates on Mac

Click the Apple icon > About This Mac > Software Update and install any available update.

Make sure the cable is directly connected between the Mac and the printer.

The use of a USB hub is not recommended. Also, make sure the cable is connected to a USB 2.0 port on your Mac.

Do you have an Anti-virus/firewall installed on the Mac? If yes, disable the same for time being.

To check, select the Go menu on the top of the screen and go to the Applications folder.

• Check if the printer is getting recognized by your Mac:

1. From the Apple menu, choose About This Mac.
2. Click System Report.
3. Under the Hardware heading on the left side of the System Information window, click USB.

USB 3 devices appear under USB 3.0 Bus, and USB 2 devices appear under USB 2.0 Bus.

• Which application are you trying to print from?
• Have you tried printing different types of documents like PDF, Word, or Webpages and check if the issue persists?

Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click on the YES button to reply that the response was helpful and/or to say “Thank You”.

Have a great day! 

[zlloyd1]

Hey thanks for the link, but I think this printer has died of old age honestly, and I am going to need to go out & get a new printer for my setup....

I tried using this, ven though it has been working fine now without need for drivers etcetera for a little over 2 years since I bought the thing, but it will not complete, 

In fact, after trying to run the HP Easy Start application, it got stuck on the screen shown above, and would not finish, which leads me to think that it is not communicating correctly with the computer anymore, eve through the USB.

Thanks for trying though!!

PS. The paper tray door has broken off, and for a while I was able to use the printer like that, but now all of a sudden it is a problem & will not print anything without the door cover, so I guess it is just trashed, and too old now, so have to get a new printer.

[Kumar0307]

@zlloyd1

The software issue can be resolved if the printer hardware is working fine. Yes, if the printer door is damaged, this is a hardware issue and the printer has to be replaced.

If the printer is out of warranty, I suggest you upgrade the printer. You may visit Hp Store to check the available printers.

Keep me posted for any other assistance.