Scanner unavailable

[junaid_dreamer]

I recently had trouble connecting my HP Smart Tank 525 to my MacBook. The community helped me successfully provide a driver to take printouts. But now, the built-in scanner refuses to show up on my MacBook. Any assistance would be beneficial. Thanks.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @junaid_dreamer,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand you have trouble with the Scanner. To resolve the issue with the built-in scanner on your HP Smart Tank 525 not appearing on your MacBook, you can follow these steps:

1. First, confirm whether macOS can see the scanner at all

Try scanning from Image Capture (built into macOS):

1. Open Image Capture
2. Check the sidebar for your HP Smart Tank 525
3. If it does not appear → the Mac is not detecting the scanner at the OS level.

2. Remove & Re‑Add the Printer in macOS (HP Recommended)

If the Mac has an incomplete or outdated scanner driver, re‑adding forces macOS to rebuild the scan connection.

Steps:

1. Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners
2. Select your HP Smart Tank 525 → Click Remove Printer
3. Restart your Mac
4. Re‑add the printer:
   • Click Add Printer
   • Choose the HP Smart Tank 525 (Bonjour / AirPrint) entry
   • Make sure it says Print & Scan under “Use”

3. If USB-connected → Check the cable and rebuild USB scanning

Do this:

1. Disconnect the USB cable from the printer & Mac
2. Use another port or another cable if available
3. Reconnect
4. Re‑add the printer again via Printers & Scanners

4. Test whether scanning works OUTSIDE HP App

This is exactly what HP advises:
If Image Capture can scan, but the HP app cannot, then the HP app needs to be reset or reinstalled.

If Image Capture works but the HP app fails:

1. Delete the HP App from Applications
2. Reinstall from: HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site
3. Sign in again and allow all requested permissions

5. Make sure macOS pop‑up permissions are not blocking the HP App

Check Safari permissions:

1. Open Safari → Settings → Websites → Pop‑Ups
2. Allow support.hp.com
3. Reopen the HP App and add the printer again.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!

[junaid_dreamer]

Tried. Didn't work.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @junaid_dreamer,

Thank you for getting back to me, and sorry to hear that you still have trouble.

Please let me know the error and if possible share the image so I can try to find all the help