-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Unable to print in color.

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
02-09-2025 04:17 PM
I have an HP Desk Jet 2852e. I am unable to print in color unless I print directly from my HP account. Anytime I try and send something to print from my Mac, it doesn't even have color as an option. Any ideas? I've tried reaching out to HP support, but never get a response.
02-12-2025 07:09 AM
Hi @Joe-Buck
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It sounds like you're having a frustrating issue with color printing on your HP DeskJet 2852e printer, especially when printing from your Mac. Here are a few things you can try to resolve the problem:
1. Check Print Settings on Your Mac
- Sometimes, the print settings on your Mac might default to black-and-white printing, even if color is available. Make sure you’re selecting color as the print option when you print from your Mac.
- Steps to check color settings:
- Open the document you want to print.
- Click File > Print.
- In the print dialog, click on the Presets dropdown (top center) and make sure Color is selected under the Color or Color Options section.
- If Black & White is selected, change it to Color.
- Click Print.
2. Check Printer Preferences
- The printer’s default settings might be set to only print in black and white.
- Go to System Preferences on your Mac, then select Printers & Scanners. Choose your HP DeskJet 2852e and click Options & Supplies.
- Check the Options and make sure color printing is enabled.
3. Ensure Color Cartridge is Installed and Working
- Verify that the color ink cartridge is properly installed and has ink in it.
- Sometimes, if the color cartridge is low or empty, the printer may default to black-and-white printing. You can check the ink levels in the printer settings or on the HP Smart app.
- Try printing a test page from the printer’s control panel to check if it’s printing in color.
4. Update Printer Drivers
- An outdated or missing driver could be causing the color printing issue. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your printer.
- To update your printer drivers:
- Go to the HP Support website.
- Search for your printer model (HP DeskJet 2852e).
- Download and install the latest drivers and software for macOS.
I hope this helps.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Sneha_01- HP support