"Unable to communicate with the selected device."

[alhurley]

Printer seems to function normally but I am unable to check the status and supply levels - the last update was over a month ago.  However, I get the message above when I open the Printer Utility.  

[Barachiel]

@alhurley

Thank you for posting on HP Forums,

The Barachiel is at your service.

I understand you are in need of support in getting the printer utility work.

I'll be glad to help you out, however, for an accurate solution I will need more details:

Have you attempted any steps on your own before posting on the HP Forums?

When was the last time it worked without these issues? 

In the meantime, please try the steps mentioned below:

• Click the Apple menu, then click System Preferences.

• Depending on your operating system version, click Print & Fax, Print & Scan, or Printers & Scanners.

  

• Check if the name of your printer displays in the Printers list. Do one of the following steps, depending on if the printer is listed or not.

  • If your printer is listed, remove and re-add the printer to confirm communication and to make sure the correct driver is used. Click the name of your printer, then click the minus sign to delete the printer. Once the printer is removed, click the plus sign , click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer, then continue to the next step.

  • If your printer is not listed, click the plus sign, click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer, then continue to the next step.

  • If your printer is not listed in the Add Printer or Scanner window, make sure the printer is connected to the Mac with a USB cable, or that it is on the same wired or wireless network as your Mac. See the Frequently asked questions in this document to resolve connection issues, try to add the printer again, then continue to the next step.

• Click the Use or Print Using menu, then select the name of your printer.

    note:

  Selecting a Generic driver option from the Use menu can result in limited printer functionality.

  

• Click Add to add the printer to the list.

  • If you are prompted to install software, click Download and Install to complete the installation.

Once done, re-start the computer, and the printer, and then check if you are able to get the ink levels in the printer utility.

Let me know how that pans out.

I hope you have a good day ahead,

And Feel free to ask any other queries as  well,

Considering, this forum has some of the best people in the world available and ready to help. 😉

[alhurley]

I found that if I shut the printer off for a few seconds the error will clear when the printer restarts.  However, after some period of time the problem returns.  Don't have enough data to comment on the time required for the problem to recur.  Other than that everything seems to work printing-wise.  If I want to scan I need to restart to clear the error. 

[Barachiel]

@alhurley

Thank you for responding,

It's great to have you back 😉

Follow the instructions below and update the firmware of the printer from the printer itself.

Many HP printers released in 2010 and later support Web Services, cloud based printing services that include ePrint, printer apps, firmware updates, and content that you can print directly from the control panel. These printers can use a direct Internet connection to find and install updates.

  note:

Supported printers must connect to a wireless or wired network with an active Internet connection to install updates. If the printer connects to the computer with a USB cable, this update method is not available. Continue to the method to download firmware from the HP website.

1. Navigate to the printer update feature. Menu names and icons vary by printer.

   • Printers with an ePrint button or icon: Touch or press the HP ePrint icon or button ( or ), touch or press Settings or Setup if necessary, then touch or press Product Update or Check Product Updates.

   • Printers with text-based menus: Select the Setup, Service, or Settings menu, select Preferences, Printer Maintenance, or Tools if necessary, then select Web Services, Printer Update, or LaserJet Update.

2. If you are prompted to sign up or accept terms of service, follow any on-screen instructions to enable Web Services and setup automatic updates. This procedure sets up the printer's Internet connection so it can receive updates.

3. If the printer does not automatically start the update process, select Check for Updates or a similar menu to start the update.

Keep me posted. 🙂

If I have helped you resolve the issue, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, 

Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" from the drop-down menu on the upper right corner,

Thank you for posting in the HP Support Forum.  Have a great day!

Regards,