HP Smart suddenly not able to communicate with my Officejet

[SNHFSAP]

I have scanned many times before on my Officejet Pro 9018 using the HP Smart app's interface without any problems, but today the it won't receive any scans. It initiates a scan, and the scanner goes through all the right motions, then afterwards HP Smart gives me the error message, "Scanning was cancelled from the scanner." I did the following:
Checked the Officejet's screen, everything looks happy there.
Restarted the app, tried again.
Restarted the scanner, tried again.
Shut the Officejet down, unplugged for a few minutes, started it back up, again tried scanning again.
Ran Diagnose & Fix, "Diagnosis complete and no issues were found."
Checked for firmware updates, all current.
Checked my drivers, all current.
Uninstalled HP Smart, restarted computer, reinstalled and added Officejet, tried scanning again.
Did another full shutdown and unplug of the Officejet and the computer, tried scanning again.
Tried Windows Scan & Fax tool, and it works perfectly fine, so this seems to be a problem happening inside the HP Smart app, not the scanner.

I have also tried setting up a network folder to scan to straight from the printer rather than using the app's scanning interface, but when I test the configuration it gives the error message, "Network error. Check printer's network connection and try again.
The Officejet's screen says that it's perfectly happy with its connection.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @SNHFSAP 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how discouraging it feels when scanning suddenly stops working in the HP App even though the printer itself goes through the motions and Windows Fax & Scan works fine. 

Thank you for all the thorough troubleshooting you’ve already done—your effort makes it clear the printer hardware is healthy and the issue lies in the communication between the app and the device. 

Let’s go step by step to restore smooth scanning.

 

Step 1: Verify Network Connection

• On the printer’s control panel, print a Network Configuration Page.
• Confirm the printer has a valid IP address and is connected to the same Wi‑Fi network as your computer.
• If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, connect the printer and PC to the same band.

 

Step 2: Re‑add the Printer in HP App

• Open the HP App on your Windows PC.
• Remove the existing printer entry.
• Click Add Printer, select your Officejet Pro 9018, and reconnect it.
• This refreshes the communication link between the app and the device.

 

Step 3: Check Windows Firewall and Security Software

• Go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through firewall.
• Ensure HP App and HP Network Scanner are allowed for both private and public networks.
• Temporarily disable third‑party antivirus/firewall software and test scanning again.

 

Step 4: Test Direct Scan from Printer

• On the printer’s control panel, select Scan > Computer.
• Choose your PC from the list and initiate a scan.
• If this works, the printer is communicating correctly and the issue is isolated to the app interface.

 

Step 5: Use HP’s Diagnose & Fix Tool (Windows)

Install or Open HP Smart

• Download from the Microsoft Store.
• Launch the app and sign in with your HP account if prompted.

 Access Diagnose & Fix

• Select your printer from the home screen.
• Click Printer Settings.
• Scroll to Diagnose & Fix.
• Click Start and let it run a full scan.

It will automatically detect and resolve common issues like scanning failures, connection drops, and driver conflicts.

 

Step 6: Network Folder Scan

• Ensure the folder you are scanning to is shared with Everyone and has Read/Write permissions.
• Use the folder’s full UNC path (e.g., \\ComputerName\SharedFolder).
• Confirm your PC’s firewall allows File and Printer Sharing.

 

Step 7: Final Test

• Restart both printer and PC after making these changes.
• Try scanning again from the HP App.
• If the app still fails, test scanning from the printer’s control panel to the PC or network folder to confirm communication.

By following these steps, you can refresh the printer’s connection, ensure the HP App has proper permissions, and validate network folder access. Starting with re‑adding the printer and checking firewall settings usually clears this type of error quickly.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye