HP printers are widely used for home and office printing due to their wireless connectivity, advanced security features, and seamless compatibility with macOS. However, many users face an issue where the HP network printer is not appearing on Mac. This problem can interrupt workflow, especially when you rely on wireless printing.
What Does HP Printer Not Appearing on Mac Mean?
When your HP printer does not show up on your Mac under the printer list, it usually indicates a network communication issue. The Mac may not detect the printer due to incorrect WiFi settings, outdated drivers, macOS update conflicts, or printer configuration errors.
This issue commonly occurs after:
- Router reset
- macOS update
- HP printer firmware update
- Network changes
- New HP printer installation
Understanding the root cause helps resolve the issue effectively.
Common Reasons Why HP Network Printer Is Not Showing on Mac
Before starting troubleshooting, it is important to know possible causes:
- Printer and Mac connected to different WiFi networks
- HP printer not properly installed
- Outdated or missing HP printer drivers
- Firewall blocking printer communication
- Incorrect printer configuration settings
- HP Smart login or activation issues
- Printer firmware outdated
- Network signal interference
How to Fix HP Printer Network Printer Not Appearing on Mac
Follow these steps carefully to restore your HP printer connection.
Check WiFi Network Connection
Make sure both your Mac and HP printer are connected to the same WiFi network.
On your HP printer:
- Open Wireless Settings
- Confirm network name
On your Mac:
- Go to System Settings
- Select Network
- Verify connected WiFi
If networks differ, reconnect the printer to the correct network.
Restart Printer, Mac, and Router
Sometimes a simple restart resolves connectivity glitches.
- Turn off HP printer
- Shut down Mac
- Restart WiFi router
- Turn everything back on after 2 minutes
This refreshes network communication.
Re-Add HP Printer on Mac
- Open System Settings
- Select Printers & Scanners
- Click Add Printer
- Wait for the printer to appear
- Select your HP printer
- Click Add
If it does not appear automatically, use the IP address method under the IP tab and enter the printer’s IP address manually.
Download and Install HP Printer Drivers on Mac
If your HP printer is not showing, outdated drivers may be the reason.
Steps to Download and Install HP Printer Software
- Remove existing printer from Printers & Scanners
- Download the latest HP printer driver compatible with your macOS version
- Install the software
- Restart Mac
- Add printer again
Using updated drivers ensures proper communication between macOS and your HP printer.
HP Smart Login and Setup on Mac
HP Smart application helps manage printer setup and network configuration.
How to Login and Setup HP Smart
- Install HP Smart app
- Open the application
- Sign up or login to your HP account
- Add new printer
- Follow on-screen instructions
Proper login and activation help detect printers connected to the network.
Update HP Printer Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause printer detection problems.
Steps to Update Firmware
- Open HP Smart
- Select printer settings
- Check for updates
- Install available firmware updates
After updating, restart printer and check again on Mac.
Check macOS Firewall Settings
Mac firewall can sometimes block printer communication.
- Open System Settings
- Select Network
- Go to Firewall
- Ensure printer communication is not blocked
Temporarily disable firewall to test if the printer appears.
HP Printer Not Working on Mac After Update
If the problem started after a macOS update:
- Reinstall HP printer drivers
- Reset printing system
- Update HP Smart app
- Ensure printer firmware is updated
To reset printing system:
- Go to Printers & Scanners
- Right-click in printer list
- Select Reset Printing System
- Re-add printer
Advanced Troubleshooting for HP Network Printer Issues
If the printer still does not appear:
- Check printer IP address manually
- Use AirPrint option if available
- Ensure printer is not in offline mode
- Disable VPN temporarily
- Check router frequency (2.4GHz recommended for most HP printers)
These steps resolve most network visibility issues.
HP Printer Customer Support and Service Options
If troubleshooting does not solve the issue, contacting HP customer support is recommended.
HP support services can assist with:
- Printer setup and activation
- Network configuration
- Software download and installation
- Warranty service
- Hardware troubleshooting
- Firmware update guidance
Keep your printer model number and serial number ready when contacting support.
Preventive Tips to Avoid HP Printer Network Issues on Mac
- Keep macOS updated
- Regularly update HP printer drivers
- Maintain stable WiFi connection
- Avoid frequent router resets
- Restart printer occasionally
- Keep HP Smart app updated
Preventive maintenance reduces recurring connectivity issues.
Conclusion
If your HP printer network printer is not appearing on Mac, the issue is usually related to network settings, outdated drivers, firmware problems, or configuration errors. By checking WiFi connection, reinstalling drivers, updating firmware, logging into HP Smart, and performing proper troubleshooting, you can quickly restore your printer connection.
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