If your HP printer is not connecting to your MacBook over Wi-Fi, it can interrupt your workflow and delay important tasks. Network connection problems usually occur due to incorrect Wi-Fi settings, outdated drivers, macOS updates, router issues, or printer configuration errors.
Common Reasons Why HP Printer Is Not Connecting to MacBook
Before applying fixes, it’s important to understand the possible causes:
- Printer and MacBook connected to different Wi-Fi networks
- Weak wireless signal
- Outdated HP printer drivers
- Incorrect printer setup
- macOS firewall blocking connection
- Router reset or network change
- Printer firmware not updated
Step 1: Check Wi-Fi Connection on Printer and MacBook
Ensure both devices are connected to the same wireless network.
On Your MacBook:
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top menu bar.
- Confirm the connected network name.
On Your HP Printer:
- Open the printer control panel.
- Go to Wireless Settings or Network Settings.
- Verify the Wi-Fi network name matches your MacBook.
If the network is incorrect, reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi using Wireless Setup Wizard.
Step 2: Restart Devices (Quick Fix)
A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
- Turn off your HP printer.
- Restart your MacBook.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router.
- Turn the printer back on after 2–3 minutes.
Try printing again.
Step 3: Remove and Re-Add HP Printer on MacBook
Sometimes the printer needs to be reconfigured.
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Click Printers & Scanners.
- Select your HP printer and click Remove Printer (-).
- Click Add Printer (+).
- Select your HP printer from the list.
- Click Add.
If it doesn’t appear, use the IP address method:
- Choose the IP tab.
- Enter the printer’s IP address (found in network settings).
- Click Add.
Step 4: Download and Install HP Printer Drivers on Mac
Outdated or missing drivers can prevent network detection.
How to Download HP Printer Drivers
- Visit HP support website.
- Enter your printer model number.
- Select macOS version.
- Download the latest driver or HP Easy Start software.
Install the Driver
- Open the downloaded file.
- Follow on-screen instructions.
- Complete installation.
- Restart your MacBook.
This ensures proper communication between your Mac and printer.
Step 5: Use HP Smart App for Setup and Activation
The HP Smart app simplifies printer setup and troubleshooting.
Install HP Smart on MacBook
- Download HP Smart from the Mac App Store.
- Open the app.
- Click Set Up a New Printer.
- Follow instructions to connect the printer to Wi-Fi.
- Sign in or create an HP account for activation.
HP Smart also helps:
- Monitor ink levels
- Update firmware
- Run diagnostic tools
- Perform wireless troubleshooting
Step 6: Check macOS Firewall Settings
Firewall settings may block printer communication.
- Go to System Settings.
- Click Network → Firewall.
- Turn off firewall temporarily and test printing.
- If it works, allow printer communication in firewall options.
Step 7: Reset Printing System on MacBook
If the issue persists, reset the printing system.
- Go to Printers & Scanners.
- Right-click in the printer list.
- Select Reset Printing System.
- Confirm reset.
- Re-add your HP printer.
This removes all printers and refreshes printing services.
Step 8: Update HP Printer Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause network instability.
How to Update Firmware
- Open HP Smart.
- Select your printer.
- Go to Advanced Settings.
- Check for firmware updates.
- Install available updates.
Firmware updates improve performance and fix connectivity bugs.
Step 9: Fix HP Printer Not Working After Router Reset
If the issue started after changing or resetting your router:
- Reconnect printer to new Wi-Fi.
- Press and hold Wireless + Cancel buttons (on most models) for 5 seconds to reset network.
- Run Wireless Setup again.
- Re-add printer on Mac.
Step 10: HP Account Login and Signup for Printer Services
For cloud printing, scanning, and remote services:
- Open HP Smart.
- Click Sign In.
- Create an account if needed.
- Verify email.
- Activate printer with your HP account.
This allows access to:
- HP cloud printing
- Scan to email
- Remote diagnostics
- Subscription ink services
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
If your HP printer still does not connect:
- Ensure printer is within Wi-Fi range
- Use 2.4 GHz network instead of 5 GHz
- Assign static IP to printer
- Reinstall macOS printer drivers
- Check router firewall restrictions
- Disable VPN temporarily
When to Contact HP Customer Support
If none of the steps work, you may need professional help.
HP customer support can assist with:
- Printer activation errors
- Network configuration problems
- Driver installation issues
- Hardware malfunction
- Warranty service
Prepare the following before contacting support:
- Printer model number
- macOS version
- Error message displayed
- Network type
Benefits of Proper HP Printer Network Setup
- Stable wireless printing
- Faster print jobs
- Reduced connection errors
- Seamless MacBook integration
- Improved printer lifespan
Regular updates and maintenance ensure smooth performance.
Conclusion
If your HP printer is not connecting to your MacBook over Wi-Fi, the issue is usually related to network settings, outdated drivers, firewall restrictions, or firmware problems. By following the step-by-step troubleshooting guide above — including reinstalling drivers, using HP Smart, resetting the printing system, and updating firmware — you can quickly restore your wireless printing functionality.
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