Unable to print from MacBook Pro

[Curty4243]

I have recently changed my broadband provided and changed the details on my printer, now I can't print from the laptop but I can from my iPhone.  When I try printing from my MacBook Pro it says error.  I have tried to update the driver but I am unable to do this.  Does anyone have any ideas on how I can fix it please.  Thanks Linda

[Raj_05]

Hi @Curty4243,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like your printer and MacBook Pro are having difficulty communicating on the new network. Here are some steps to help resolve the issue.

Verify Network Connection

On the Printer:

• Check if the printer is connected to the new Wi-Fi network.
• Print a Network Configuration or Wireless Test Report from your printer to confirm the connection.

On the MacBook Pro:

• Ensure the MacBook Pro is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

Reset the Printing System

1. Open System Settings on your MacBook Pro.
2. Go to Printers & Scanners.
3. Right-click (or Control-click) in the list of printers and select Reset printing system.
4. Confirm the reset, which will remove all printers from your system.
5. Re-add your printer:
   • Click the + button to add your printer.
   • Select your printer from the list of available devices. Ensure it shows as a Bonjour or AirPrint device.

Update Printer Driver or Use AirPrint

1. Visit the HP website and download the latest driver for your printer model. (If you're unable to update the driver, skip this step for now and use AirPrint.)
2. When adding the printer to your Mac, choose AirPrint as the driver option if it's available.

Clear Print Jobs

1. Open Printers & Scanners.
2. Select your printer and click Open Print Queue.
3. Cancel any pending print jobs.

Test Printing

1. Try printing a document from your MacBook Pro.
2. If you still encounter an error, restart both your MacBook Pro and the printer.

[Raj_05]

Check Firewall Settings

Ensure your MacBook Pro's firewall settings are not blocking the printer:

1. Open System Settings > Network > Firewall.
2. Ensure the printer is allowed to communicate with the MacBook.

Reinstall HP Smart App (Optional)

• If you are using the HP Smart App, uninstall and reinstall it on your MacBook Pro, then use it to set up the printer again.

If Issues Persist:

• Double-check that the printer supports the new broadband's network configuration (e.g., dual-band Wi-Fi, WPA3).
• Perform a factory reset on the printer and set it up from scratch on the new network.

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!

Alden4

HP Support 

[Curty4243]

Hi Alden 

Thank you for your help.  I followed your advice but then got stuck when installing the driver/software it asked me for a SWhelper password.  I looked it up and followed the advise but it is still now allowing me to install the latest software.  Do you have any suggestions please.

Many Thanks

Linda

[Raj_05]

Hi @Curty4243,

Thank you for your response, 

If the installation process is asking for an SWhelper password and you've already tried common passwords (e.g., admin, blank, or your Mac's administrator password), here are some advanced troubleshooting steps to help you.

Confirm the Origin of the Password Prompt

• If the password prompt appears during the HP driver/software installation, it is likely related to macOS security features. It may ask for your Mac administrator password to allow installation.
• Ensure you’re using the correct administrator account on your MacBook Pro.

Reinstall the Software with Full Permissions

• Completely uninstall any previously installed HP software:
  • Go to Applications > Look for any HP-related folders and remove them.
  • Empty the Trash.
• Redownload the latest version of the software for your printer from HP's support website.
• During installation, right-click the installer file and choose Open to bypass certain macOS Gatekeeper restrictions.
• When prompted, enter your Mac administrator password.

Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP) Temporarily

macOS's SIP can sometimes interfere with driver installations. To disable it:

• Restart your Mac and boot into macOS Recovery:
  1. Press Command (⌘) + R while restarting until the Apple logo appears.
• Open Terminal from the menu bar (under Utilities) and type:

csrutil disable
 

• Restart your Mac and try the driver installation again.
• Once the installation is complete, re-enable SIP by repeating the steps above and typing:

csrutil enable

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Manually Reset Printer Preferences

• Delete all printer preferences by navigating to /Library/Preferences/ and /Library/Printers/. Remove any HP-related files or folders.
• Reset the printing system:
  • Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Right-click (Control-click) and select Reset Printing System.

Perform a Clean Installation via AirPrint

• If the HP driver/software isn’t installing properly, use AirPrint as a fallback:
  • Reset the printing system as mentioned above.
  • Re-add the printer:
    1. Open Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click the + button.
    3. Select your printer and choose AirPrint from the “Use” dropdown.

Check Firewall/Antivirus Restrictions

• Some firewall or antivirus settings may block SWhelper from functioning correctly. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software or firewall, then retry the installation.

Verify HP Software Helper Permissions

• Sometimes the installer app or HP helper files may lack proper permissions:
  • Navigate to /Applications/Utilities/HP/ or similar folder paths.
  • Right-click on the SWhelper or installer and choose Get Info.
  • Under Sharing & Permissions, ensure your user account has Read & Write access.

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!

Alden4

HP Support