HP printers are widely used for printing, scanning, and copying documents at home and in offices. The HP Smart app plays an important role in managing printer functions, including scanning, setup, login, activation, and troubleshooting. However, after installing or updating the HP Smart app, some users may experience scanner issues such as the scanner not responding, scan option missing, or scan failing to complete.
What Causes HP Printer Scanner Not Working After HP Smart Update?
After updating HP Smart, certain system or configuration changes may prevent the scanner from working properly. Common causes include:
- Outdated or incompatible printer drivers
- HP Smart app login or account sync issues
- Printer not properly connected to the network
- HP Smart update installation errors
- Disabled scanning services on the computer
- Incorrect printer configuration settings
- Firewall or antivirus blocking scanner communication
Identifying the cause helps resolve the scanner issue faster and restore normal operation.
Download and Install the Latest HP Smart App
If the scanner stopped working after an update, reinstalling the HP Smart app can resolve software conflicts.
Steps to Download and Install HP Smart
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer
- Search for HP Smart in the search bar
- Click Download or Install
- Wait for the installation to complete
- Restart your computer after installation
Installing the latest version ensures compatibility with your HP printer and scanner features.
Login and Sign Up to HP Smart Account
HP Smart requires you to sign in to your HP account to enable full printer and scanner functionality.
Steps to Login or Sign Up
- Open the HP Smart app
- Click Sign In
- Enter your HP account email and password
- If you do not have an account, click Sign Up
- Create a new HP account and verify your email
- Login and select your printer
Proper login ensures that your printer is activated and connected to HP Smart services.
Activate and Set Up HP Printer Scanner
After installing and logging in, you must activate and configure your printer scanner.
Steps to Activate Scanner
- Open HP Smart app
- Select your printer from the dashboard
- Click Scanner or Scan option
- Complete printer setup if prompted
- Allow required permissions
- Test scan a document
Activation ensures the scanner is fully functional with HP Smart.
Update or Reinstall HP Printer Drivers
Outdated drivers are one of the most common causes of scanner problems after HP Smart updates.
Steps to Update Drivers
- Open Device Manager
- Locate your HP printer
- Right-click and select Update Driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
- Install any available updates
- Restart your computer
You can also reinstall drivers to fix corrupted driver files.
Check HP Smart App and Windows Scan Services
HP Smart relies on Windows services to communicate with the scanner.
Steps to Restart Scan Services
- Press Windows + R
- Type services.msc
- Locate Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
- Right-click and select Restart
- Ensure the service is set to Automatic
Restarting scan services restores scanner communication.
Reconnect HP Printer to Network
Network connectivity issues may prevent scanning after an update.
Steps to Reconnect Printer
- Open HP Smart
- Click Add Printer
- Select your printer
- Connect to the same Wi-Fi network
- Complete setup
Make sure both printer and computer are on the same network.
Troubleshoot HP Printer Scanner Not Working
If the scanner still does not work, try these troubleshooting steps:
Restart Devices
- Restart your printer
- Restart your computer
- Restart your Wi-Fi router
Run HP Smart Troubleshooter
- Open HP Smart
- Select your printer
- Run Diagnose and Fix
Check Firewall or Antivirus
- Temporarily disable antivirus
- Test scanner functionality
- Enable antivirus after testing
Reset HP Smart App
- Open Windows Settings
- Go to Apps
- Select HP Smart
- Click Advanced Options
- Click Reset
Update HP Smart App and Printer Firmware
Updates often fix scanning bugs and compatibility issues.
Steps to Update
- Open HP Smart
- Go to Settings
- Check for updates
- Install updates if available
Also update printer firmware from HP Smart settings.
Customer Support and Service Options
If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, HP customer support can help.
Support Options Include
- HP Smart app diagnostics
- Driver and software support
- Scanner troubleshooting assistance
- Printer activation help
- Service and repair support
HP support can identify and resolve hardware or software scanner issues.
Benefits of Fixing HP Printer Scanner Issues
Resolving scanner issues provides several benefits:
- Restore full scanning functionality
- Improve printer performance
- Enable document and photo scanning
- Prevent future scanning errors
- Ensure smooth HP Smart app operation
Regular updates and maintenance help keep your HP printer working efficiently.
Conclusion
HP printer scanner not working after an HP Smart update is usually caused by driver issues, login problems, network errors, or software conflicts. By reinstalling HP Smart, updating drivers, logging in properly, activating the printer, and running troubleshooting tools, you can quickly restore scanning functionality.
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