HP Easy Scan error while communicating with printer

[crackajack]

I am using mac OS Sequoia 15.3. Not sure when scanner started not working since I don't use it all that often. Now I am getting the message below. I have reinstalled the software/firmware, restarted both printer and computer and still getting this message. The printer itself works fine. Just the scanner. Ugh. Thoughts? Thanks!

[zoey7886]

@crackajack, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your HP Easy Scan error while communicating with printer! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

It sounds frustrating! Since the printer works fine but the scanner isn’t responding, the issue is likely software-related or a communication problem. Here are some steps you can try to fix it:

Check Scanner Permissions on Mac

1. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders.
2. Look for HP Easy Scan and ensure it has permission to access your files and scanner.
3. Also, check under Accessibility and make sure HP Easy Scan has access.

Reset the Printing System

1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
2. Right-click (or Control + Click) on the printer list and select Reset Printing System.
3. Re-add your printer/scanner after the reset.

Check for HP Drivers and Software Updates

1. Open HP Smart or HP Easy Start and check for any available updates.
2. If HP Smart is not installed, download it from the App Store and try scanning through it.

Try Using Apple’s Image Capture

• Open Image Capture (in Applications).
• See if the scanner is detected there.
• If it works in Image Capture but not in HP Easy Scan, the problem is with HP’s software.

Disable AirPrint (if using a wireless connection)

• Remove the printer.
• Reinstall the printer, but select HP driver instead of AirPrint during setup.

Reset the Scanner Connection

• Unplug the scanner and computer from power for about 60 seconds.
• Turn them back on and try again.

Try these steps, and let me know if any of them work! 😊  

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[crackajack]

Hi ZOEY7886,

Thanks for the reply. Tried all solutions with no luck. ☹️

[zoey7886 · Accepted solution]

@crackajack, Thanks for getting back, and I’m really sorry none of those steps worked—totally understand how annoying this must be.

Since you've already tried the basics, here's one more thing to try:

Remove HP Easy Scan and install HP Smart instead
HP is moving away from Easy Scan, and HP Smart is now the preferred scanning tool. You can download it from the Mac App Store.

Once installed, add your printer in HP Smart and try scanning from there.

If that still doesn’t work, let me know your exact printer model and how it's connected (USB or Wi-Fi), and we’ll dig deeper together. 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[crackajack]

Trashing Easy Scan and moving to HP Smart did the trick! Thank you!

[zoey7886]

@crackajack, A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 

Regards,