Envy 4500 automatically initiates scanning several times a day

[GDW33]

My Envy 4500 all-in-one printer and scanner repeatedly initiiates a scan on its own, several times a day. If I leave the device powered on then randomly every few hours a scan will be initiated and, when it completes, the screen on the printer displays the message "scan results sent to computer" (or something to that effect). I am not initiating these scans. I do not leave any documents on the scanner but it's still worrying that my device suddenly scans of its own accord on a daily basis.

How can I access any log files to understand why this is happening, how and why the scan was initiated, etc.. and how can I stop it from happening? Is this a security issue, i.e can the scanner be accessed remotely by malicious users hoping to obtain copies of documents left on the device?

Incidentally if I leave my printer switched off then I get emails from HP telling me to keep the printer switched on as part of my Instant Ink subscription... which is kinda annoying as the reason I've switched the printer off is because of this "ghost" scanning issue. 

I saw a similar post here (https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Why-does-my-printer-constantly-scan-by-itself/...) so it seems I'm not the only person affected by this, although that user has a different model to me.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @GDW33,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand your HP Envy 4500 printer is automatically initiating scanning several times a day, this could be due to several reasons. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check Scheduled Tasks

Some printers have the capability to schedule scans or maintenance tasks. Check the printer's settings for any scheduled tasks:

1. Access the printer's control panel.
2. Navigate to the settings or maintenance menu.
3. Look for any scheduled tasks related to scanning and disable them if found.

2. Printer Software Settings

Check the printer software installed on your computer:

1. Open the HP printer software on your computer.
2. Look for any options related to scheduled scans or automatic maintenance.
3. Disable any unwanted automatic tasks.

3. Firmware Update  Update the firmware on an HP printer

Ensure that your printer firmware is up to date, as firmware updates can fix bugs and issues:

1. Go to the HP Support website.
2. Download the latest firmware for the HP Envy 4500.
3. Follow the instructions to update the firmware.

4. Reset the Printer

Resetting the printer to its factory settings can resolve various issues:

1. Access the printer's control panel.
2. Navigate to the settings menu.
3. Find the option to restore factory settings and select it.

5. Check for Connected Devices

Ensure no other devices are initiating scans:

1. Check if any other computers or devices on the network are set to automatically scan using the printer.
2. Disable or modify the settings on those devices.

6. Check HP Smart App

If you are using the HP Smart app, check its settings:

1. Open the HP Smart app on your phone or computer.
2. Go to the scan settings.
3. Ensure that there are no scheduled scans set up.

7. Printer Usage Logs

Check the printer's usage logs to see if you can identify what is triggering the scans:

1. Access the printer's control panel.
2. Navigate to the usage logs or history.
3. Review the logs to see if there is a pattern or specific trigger.

• Review Printer Settings: Check the printer settings both on the device itself and any associated software on your computer. Look for any settings related to automatic scanning or scheduled scans and disable them if enabled.
• Scan for Malware: While it's less common for printers to be targeted by malware compared to computers, it's still worth scanning your computer for any malicious software that could be causing the issue.
• Network Security: Ensure that your printer's network connection is secure. Change the Wi-Fi password if necessary and check for any unauthorized devices connected to your network.

Refer to this document: HP ENVY 4500 e-All-in-One Printer series User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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