How to scan at more than 300 dpi with MFP 178nw--Only available source "Scanner Glass"

[Arkolikko1]

Follow-up to "How to scan at more than 300 ppp with Color Laser MFP 178nw." The answer was:

"Set the Scanner Source as Flatbed Glass and then higher resolutions will become available". In my case, the only option in the drop-down menu is "Scanner Glass", and it does not offer resolution higher than 300 dpi. 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Arkolikko1 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're trying to scan at a higher resolution than 300 dpi with your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M178nw, but you’re limited by the available options in the scanning software. The issue is that the MFP 178nw scanner, depending on the software or settings, might only offer up to 300 dpi when "Scanner Glass" (the flatbed) is selected. Here are a few suggestions to troubleshoot and potentially get higher resolution scans:

1. Check the Scanning Software Settings

• HP Scan Software: If you’re using the HP Scan software, make sure you’re selecting the correct scan type. Some options may restrict resolution based on scan type (e.g., "Text" vs. "Photo").
  • Open the HP Scan software.
  • Select Scan Settings or Advanced Settings.
  • Check if there are any preset options for resolution. Some HP scanners may restrict the resolution to 300 dpi on certain settings, especially if you're scanning a document in "Text" mode.
  • If "Scanner Glass" is selected, try changing the "Type" or "Resolution" to a higher value, such as 600 dpi or 1200 dpi, if available.

2. Use HP Smart App (for Higher Resolutions)

• If you’re using HP Smart (the app for HP printers), it often gives you access to higher resolutions and additional scanning features.
  • Open the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device.
  • Choose Scan from the home screen.
  • Look for an option to change the resolution. You should be able to select resolutions higher than 300 dpi, such as 600 dpi or even 1200 dpi.
  • Choose Flatbed Glass if needed, and then adjust the resolution.

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

[Arkolikko1]

Dear Rachel571,

Thank you for your reply.

I am using HP smart program (version 17.30.1.2909 on, macOS 15.1). The point is that when I select "Scanner Glass", the highest availbale resolution is stil 300 dpi, whatever I choose in other menus (even when I select "Photo").  Option"Flatbed glass" does not exist. I really do not know what to do--there is not much to try. The device specification indicates that 600+ dpi must be available -- in fact this is one of the main reasons I bought it. How can I get it?

AK

[Raj_05]

Hi @Arkolikko1,

Thank you for your response, 

It seems like you're encountering a limitation with the HP Smart app when scanning at a higher resolution on your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M178nw. Since the app defaults to 300 dpi and doesn't offer the expected higher resolution, even though the device specification indicates it should be available, you may need to try a few advanced troubleshooting steps.

Update HP Smart and Printer Drivers

• Make sure your HP Smart app and printer firmware are both up to date.
  • Open HP Smart, go to the settings, and check if there’s an update available for the app.
  • Check the printer's firmware version by going into the printer settings via the HP Smart app and look for updates. If an update is available, install it to ensure any bugs or issues are fixed.

Check macOS Settings

Sometimes macOS itself may restrict or override resolution settings in scanning software.

• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and open the Options & Supplies window. From here, check for any settings that could limit scanning options.
• Try scanning through the Preview app or Image Capture on macOS to see if you can achieve the desired resolution outside of the HP Smart app.

Reset HP Smart App

Since the HP Smart app might be misconfigured, try resetting it to its default settings:

• Open HP Smart and go to Settings.
• Look for an option to Reset or Restore to Default Settings.
• Reconfigure the scan settings afterward and check if higher resolution options appear.

Scan via HP Scan Software (instead of HP Smart)

HP’s dedicated scan software might give you better control over resolution settings.

• Download and install the latest version of HP Easy Scan from the App Store if you haven’t already.
• Open HP Easy Scan and select your printer.
• In the scanning options, you should be able to choose the resolution manually, including options for 600 dpi or higher.
• Try selecting "Photo" as the scan type to unlock the higher resolution options.

Scan with a Different Scan Type in HP Smart

• Even if you’re selecting “Scanner Glass,” make sure to change the type of document (e.g., from "Text" to "Photo" or "Document" depending on your needs). Some scan types, particularly "Text" or "Document," may restrict the resolution to 300 dpi.
• Also, make sure that Flatbed Glass isn't listed as an option; it should technically appear if your printer supports higher resolutions.

[Raj_05]

Use the Printer’s Web Interface

Many HP printers have a built-in web interface that can offer advanced settings.

• Access the printer's web interface by typing its IP address into a web browser.
• Look for the Scan settings and see if higher resolutions are available directly from the printer’s internal settings.

Check for Resolution Settings in the Printer’s Hardware Settings

Some HP printers have an internal setting that controls the default scanning resolution:

• On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Scan Settings or Scan Preferences.
• Check if there’s an option to set the default scan resolution and change it to the desired dpi (600 or 1200 dpi).

Test Using a Different Computer

If possible, try installing HP Smart or the HP Easy Scan software on a different computer (preferably one with a different macOS version) and check if the higher resolution options are available. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your current system setup.

These steps should help you troubleshoot and get the higher-resolution scan options you're looking for. 

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support