How to Fix HP Printer Not Responding on Mac?

If your HP printer is not responding on Mac, it can interrupt your workflow and delay important printing tasks. This issue is common among macOS users and can occur due to outdated drivers, network connection problems, incorrect printer settings, or macOS updates.

Why Is My HP Printer Not Responding on Mac?

When your HP printer shows “Not Responding” on Mac, it usually means your computer cannot communicate with the printer. The issue may be caused by:

Weak or disconnected Wi-Fi network
Outdated HP printer drivers
macOS update conflicts
Incorrect printer setup
Firewall or security software blocking connection
Corrupt printer queue files

Understanding the root cause helps resolve the problem quickly.

Check Basic Printer and Network Connection

Before performing advanced troubleshooting, verify the basics:

Ensure your HP printer is powered on.
Confirm it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
Restart your printer, Wi-Fi router, and Mac.
Check for any error messages on the printer display.

If you are using a USB connection, unplug and reconnect the cable securely.

Remove and Re-Add HP Printer on Mac

Sometimes the printer queue may become corrupted. Removing and re-adding the printer can fix the issue.

Open System Settings on your Mac.
Click Printers & Scanners.
Select your HP printer and click Remove Printer.
Restart your Mac.
Click Add Printer and select your HP printer from the list.
Complete the setup process.

This refreshes the printer connection and resolves most “not responding” errors.

Download and Install Latest HP Printer Drivers on Mac

Outdated or incompatible drivers are a major cause of HP printer not working on Mac.

To fix this:

Download the latest HP printer software compatible with your macOS version.
Install the updated driver package.
Restart your Mac after installation.

Updating the driver ensures smooth communication between macOS and your HP printer.

Update macOS to Fix HP Printer Issues

If your HP printer stopped responding after a Mac update, check for pending system updates:

Go to System Settings.
Select General → Software Update.
Install any available updates.
Restart your device.

macOS updates often include printer compatibility fixes and performance improvements.

Reset Printing System on Mac

Resetting the printing system clears all printer settings and resolves deep configuration errors.

Open Printers & Scanners.
Right-click in the printer list area.
Select Reset Printing System.
Confirm the reset.
Reinstall your HP printer.

This method is highly effective when your HP printer is stuck offline or not responding.

HP Smart Login and Signup for Printer Management

Using HP Smart can simplify troubleshooting and printer management.

Create HP Account (Signup)

Install HP Smart on your Mac.
Open the app and click Sign Up.
Enter your email address and create a password.
Verify your account.

HP Smart Login

Launch HP Smart.
Enter your HP account credentials.
Add your printer to the dashboard.

HP Smart helps manage print jobs, check ink levels, update firmware, and resolve connection errors.

Activate HP Printer on Mac

After installation:

Connect the printer to Wi-Fi.
Open HP Smart.
Select Add Printer.
Follow on-screen activation instructions.
Complete setup and print a test page.

Activation ensures your printer is fully configured and ready for use.

Fix HP Printer Offline or Not Working on Mac

If your HP printer shows offline or not working:

Set printer as default in Printers & Scanners.
Clear print queue by deleting pending jobs.
Disable “Use Printer Offline” option if enabled.
Ensure firewall settings are not blocking printer communication.
Reconnect to Wi-Fi using printer control panel.

These steps help restore connectivity quickly.

Update HP Printer Firmware

Firmware updates improve printer stability and compatibility with macOS.

Open HP Smart.
Select your printer.
Check for firmware updates.
Install if available.
Restart printer after update.

Keeping firmware updated prevents recurring “not responding” errors.

Advanced Troubleshooting for HP Printer Not Responding on Mac

If the issue persists:

Use AirPrint instead of standard drivers.
Assign a manual IP address to the printer.
Reinstall HP Smart application.
Temporarily disable VPN software.
Reset Wi-Fi settings on the printer.

These advanced fixes resolve persistent connectivity conflicts.

HP Printer Customer Support and Service

If none of the troubleshooting steps work, contacting HP customer support is recommended.

HP Support can assist with:

Driver installation issues
Activation errors
Printer firmware problems
Hardware diagnostics
Warranty and service requests

Professional assistance ensures your HP printer is repaired or replaced if necessary.

Benefits of Proper HP Printer Maintenance

Regular updates and maintenance help:

Prevent “HP printer not responding” errors
Improve print speed and quality
Reduce connectivity interruptions
Extend printer lifespan
Ensure compatibility with new macOS versions

Routine care keeps your HP printer running efficiently.

Conclusion

The “HP printer not responding on Mac” issue is usually caused by outdated drivers, connection errors, or system conflicts. By removing and re-adding the printer, updating drivers, resetting the printing system, and using HP Smart for activation and management, you can quickly restore functionality.