Scanner Error

[AndreUnger]

Had once cancelled a scan mid way and since then I keep getting this error everytime I try to scan anything

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @AndreUnger,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thanks for sharing the screenshot and the context. The error “Scanning was cancelled from the scanner” on your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw usually appears when: A scan was manually cancelled on the printer panel, the scan job wasn’t cleared properly from the queue, or the HP Smart app or driver retains a "stuck" scan session.
 

Let’s fix this step-by-step.

1. Power Cycle Printer and Computer

• Turn off the printer completely.
• Unplug it from the wall and wait 30 seconds.
• Restart your Mac (or PC).
• Plug in and turn on the printer again.

This clears any stuck jobs or firmware state.

2. Clear Stuck Scan Jobs

• On your computer:
  • Open the HP Smart app.
  • Go to Scan > Preferences or History (if available).
  • Delete any stuck/paused/cancelled scan jobs.

3. Reset HP Smart App (Mac)

If using Mac and HP Smart:

• Open System Settings > Applications.
• Delete or uninstall HP Smart.
• Then download the latest version again from the App Store: HP Smart for Desktop on the Mac App Store

4. Re-add the Printer

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Remove the printer (click “–”).
• Add it again (click “+”) and make sure it's listed as:
  • HP LaserJet MFP M126nw and not as “AirPrint” (if available).

5. Update Drivers

Use HP Easy Start to reinstall the latest drivers:

• Download from: 🔗 HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support
• Follow prompts to detect and set up the printer afresh.

I hope this helps.

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,

VikramTheGreat

[AndreUnger]

Hi VikramTheGreat,

Appreciate the time taken to respond to my query. I have followed the steps. Step 2 was not possible since both preferences and history didn't seem available. Moved to step 3 directly.

Unfortunately, the issue still persists even after this.

Would appreciate if you have any other fixes.

Best,

Andre

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @AndreUnger,

Thank you for letting me know to find more details. Could you please share the requested details in private so I can try to find more information?

Please help us with the Printer serial number or the product number in a private message for further assistance.
 

Here is the link to find the product serial number: - Click here

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number, because we value your privacy.
 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[AndreUnger]

Hi Vikram,

Have shared the details requested in a direct message. Appreciate your assistance.

Best,

Andre

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @AndreUnger,

Thank you for sharing the details. Please try the advanced steps shared below if this doesn't fix it's a hardware issue.

1. Reset the Scanner Module (Service Mode Reset – limited workaround)

There’s no direct OOBE for LaserJet models, but try this:

1. Unplug the power cable while the printer is ON.
2. Press and hold the Cancel + Copy buttons simultaneously.
3. While holding, plug the power cable back in.
4. Continue holding for 10–15 seconds until the printer powers up or flashes.
5. Release the buttons.

This performs a semi-reset of the scanner logic.

2. Try Scanning from Image Capture (Mac only)

Sometimes, HP Smart has persistent scan module issues:

1. Open Image Capture (built-in macOS app).
2. Select your printer from the left panel.
3. Try scanning directly from there.

3. Try HP Easy Scan (Legacy HP macOS App)

Install this HP-made scanner app (if still compatible with your macOS version):
🔗 HP Easy Scan on the Mac App Store

4. Test with WebScan (Printer's Embedded Web Server)

1. Find your printer’s IP address from the control panel or HP Smart.
2. Open browser and enter: http://<printer IP>
3. Go to Scan > WebScan tab.
4. Try scanning from there (no driver needed).

This bypasses software on your Mac altogether to isolate the issue.

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,

VikramTheGreat

[AndreUnger]

Hi Vikram,

Thanks once again for your efforts to help resolve the issue.

Unfortunately, I have tried all but none work. I still get the error message shared earlier.

I must share that I did contact a technician who came in and after checking tells me it is possibly a hardware issue. This because it was observed that the scanning unit (the one that moves) does not retract back completely and stops about 2 inches before the end (on its way back).

He tell me that the entire scanning unit needs to be changed. Am not sure if there is anything you can shed light on in the event of this new development. Any advice is always welcome and much appreciated.

Best,

Andre

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @AndreUnger,

Thank you for letting me know. I did check and see that the printer shows it's out of warranty since 2021. If the technician has mentioned that it's a hardware issue, in this case only option I would suggest is to check for an upgrade to a new unit.

If you would like to buy a new device, let me know we can try to check all the options for you.

Keep me posted

Regards
VikramTheGreat

[AndreUnger]

Hi Vikram,

Thanks once again for there assistance throughout. Will surely be in touch once I decide to purchase a new one.

Take care and stay well.

Best,

Andre 

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @AndreUnger,

Thank you for your response,

Please do keep us posted, and we are here for you.

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

Take care and have a great day ahead!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support