Couldn't connect to scanner message

[SZ55]

My HP Deskjet Plus 4120 used to scan well but now it shows me a message "Couldn't connect to scanner". It prints fine so the connection between the computer and the HP machine seems to be OK. Could you help me to resolve the problem?

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

HI @SZ55,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your HP Deskjet Plus 4120 printer is displaying a "Couldn't connect to scanner" message when you try to scan, but printing works fine, it suggests that there might be an issue specific to the scanning functionality. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this problem:

1. Check Physical Connections

• Ensure that the USB cable (if using USB connection) or the network connection (if using network scanning) is securely connected to both the printer and your computer or network.
• Power off both your printer and your computer.Wait for about 30 seconds, then power them back on.
• Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary communication issues.

2. Check Scanner Settings

• Use the printer's control panel to check if the scanner is enabled and configured correctly.
• Ensure that the printer is set to the correct scan mode (e.g., document or photo scanning).
• If scanning over a network, ensure that the printer is connected to the same network as your computer and that network settings are correctly configured.

3. Update Printer Drivers and Software

1. Update Printer Drivers:
   • Visit the HP Support website and download the latest drivers and software for your HP Deskjet Plus 4120 printerInstall the updated drivers on your computer according to the instructions provided.

4. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

1. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor:
   • HP provides a free diagnostic tool called HP Print and Scan Doctor. Download and run this tool to diagnose and resolve scanning issues.The tool can automatically detect and fix problems related to scanning.

5. Check for Software Conflicts

1. Disable Security Software:
   • Temporary disable any firewall or antivirus software on your computer that might be blocking the scanner.Sometimes, security software can interfere with scanning operations.

6. Reset Printer and Computer Settings

• On the printer's control panel, navigate to the settings and look for options to reset network settings or restore default settings.

Reset Computer Printing System (Mac Only):

• On a Mac, you can reset the printing system which can sometimes resolve scanning issues.
• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Right-click (or Control-click) on the list of printers on the left side and choose "Reset printing system".

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support