I cannot set up my 4155e printer on my macbook

[bethlee24]

My macbook can find the printer but cannot add it. I get the error message: "Unable to communicate with the printer at this time." I can't print from my iPhone either.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @bethlee24,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I understand that you are having issues with the connectivity. 

The error message "Unable to communicate with the printer at this time" when trying to set up your HP 4155e printer on your MacBook, along with printing issues from your iPhone, suggests a connectivity or driver issue. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and set up your printer correctly:

. Check Printer's Network Connection:

• Ensure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your MacBook and iPhone.
• On the printer's control panel, print a Wireless Test Report:
  • Press the Wi-Fi button and the Information button together to print the report.
• Check the report for any issues with the network connection.

2. Restart Devices:

• Power cycle your printer: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in and turn it on.
• Restart your MacBook and your iPhone.
• Restart your Wi-Fi router to refresh the network.

3. Update Printer Firmware:

• Make sure your printer has the latest firmware. You can update the firmware via the HP Smart app or HP’s support website:
  • Download and install the HP Smart app on your MacBook or iPhone.
  • Open the app, add your printer (if it’s detected), and follow the prompts to update the firmware.

4. Re-add Printer on MacBook:

• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners on your MacBook.
• Remove the printer if it's already listed by selecting it and clicking the minus (-) button.
• Click the plus (+) button to add the printer again.
• Select your printer from the list of available printers. Ensure you select it as an AirPrint printer or install the correct drivers.

Please find the remaining steps in the next post.

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

[Nal_NR]

Hi @bethlee24,

Please find the remaining steps below.

5. Reset the Print System on MacBook:

• If re-adding doesn't work, reset the print system:
  • Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  • Right-click in the printer list (or hold the Control key and click) and select Reset printing system….
  • Confirm the reset and then try adding your printer again.

6. Check Printer Driver and Software:

• Download and install the latest drivers for the HP 4155e printer from the HP Support website:
  • Ensure you download drivers specific to macOS.
  • Install the drivers and try adding the printer again through System Preferences.

7. Check Firewall and Security Settings:

• Your MacBook’s firewall or security settings might be blocking the connection:
  • Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
  • Click Firewall Options… and ensure that printer sharing or the HP software is not blocked.

8. Try a Direct Connection:

• Connect your printer directly to your MacBook using a USB cable to see if it can be set up this way. If successful, you can then try switching to a wireless connection.

9. iPhone Printing Issues:

• Ensure your iPhone is on the same network as the printer.
• Restart the printer and your iPhone.
• Remove and re-add the printer in the HP Smart app or AirPrint settings on your iPhone.

10. Use HP Smart App for Setup:

• Use the HP Smart app to set up the printer on both your MacBook and iPhone:
  • Download the HP Smart app from the App Store.
  • Open the app, and follow the setup instructions to connect your printer.

11. Factory Reset the Printer:

• As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your printer:
  • For most HP printers, you can reset by pressing and holding the Wi-Fi button and the Cancel button together until the power light blinks.

For information on compatible OS, check the specifications of the printer. Click here

If after these steps you are still unable to set up the printer, it might be worth trying a different Wi-Fi network to rule out any specific network issues. Also, ensure that no VPNs or proxy settings on your MacBook or iPhone are interfering with the connection.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

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