How to install an HP printer on a Mac

Installing an HP printer on a Mac should be simple — and most of the time it is. Apple and HP have worked together for years so modern Macs and HP printers can often “just work” using AirPrint or driverless IPP. But there are times when a manual step, a downloaded driver, or a settings tweak is required.

• required preparation and compatibility checks

• four common installation methods (AirPrint/driverless, HP Easy Start, HP Smart, manual IP/CUPS)

• step-by-step instructions for USB, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections

• how to set up scanning and advanced features

• troubleshooting common problems and error messages

• useful macOS settings and security tips

• maintenance, firmware, and best practices

Quick overview — which method should you use?

1. AirPrint / IPP Everywhere (driverless) — Best. No drivers required; supports printing and often scanning; recommended for most users and macOS versions.

2. HP Easy Start (HP installer) — Recommended when you want full features (scan, ink levels, HP utilities) and your model requires HP software.

3. HP Smart (app) — Good for scanning, mobile apps, and cloud printing. Use this if you prefer HP’s app experience.

4. Manual add via IP / CUPS (advanced) — Use when other methods fail or you need precise control (static IP, custom port, legacy models).

Start with AirPrint. If the printer is discovered automatically by your Mac, add it and print a test page. If not, follow the HP Easy Start route.

Before you begin — prerequisites & checks

1. Know your model number. Look at the label (e.g., HP OfficeJet Pro 9015, HP ENVY 6000, HP LaserJet M404dn). This helps with downloading correct software if needed.

2. Update macOS (recommended). Apple regularly improves AirPrint and driver support. Go to Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update and install any pending updates if practical.

3. Printer firmware up-to-date. If the printer is new or recently moved, check HP’s firmware (you can update later via EWS or HP Smart). New firmware often fixes network and compatibility problems.

4. Network check. If networked, ensure the Mac and printer are on the same local network (same SSID/subnet). Guest networks or client isolation can prevent discovery.

5. Administrator access. Installing drivers or changing system settings may require an admin username/password on the Mac.

6. USB cable (if using USB). Use a good-quality cable and avoid hubs for troubleshooting. Use direct rear ports on desktops when possible.

7. HP account (optional). For HP Smart, HP+ or Instant Ink, an HP account is required.

1) Easiest — Add the printer using AirPrint / Driverless (recommended)

AirPrint and IPP Everywhere allow macOS to print without vendor drivers. Many modern HP models support it.

Steps

1. Power up the printer and enable its network interface:

   • For Wi-Fi, confirm it’s connected to the correct SSID via the printer control panel.

   • For Ethernet, ensure the network cable link light is active.

2. On your Mac: System Settings → Printers & Scanners. (On older macOS: System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.)

3. Click Add (+). The Mac will search the local network for printers.

4. When your HP printer appears in the list, check the Use dropdown:

   • If you see AirPrint or IPP selected, that’s ideal.

   • Choose AirPrint (or Secure AirPrint) if offered.

5. Click Add.

6. Print a test page from any app (File → Print → Print) to confirm.

Notes

• AirPrint supports most common print features (duplex, paper sizes). Some advanced model-specific options might be unavailable; for those, install HP software if required.

• If the printer doesn’t appear, skip down to the troubleshooting section about discovery and networks.

2) HP Easy Start — guided install for full features

HP Easy Start is an HP installer that detects your model and guides you through installing drivers and optional software. It’s useful if you want full functionality (scanner, HP utilities).

Steps

1. On the Mac, open a web browser and go to HP’s support site (search your model). Download HP Easy Start for macOS. (If you prefer HP Smart, skip to that section.)

2. Open the downloaded .dmg and run the Easy Start installer. You may need to allow installation in System Settings → Privacy & Security if macOS blocks it.

3. Follow prompts: the installer will search for printers on your network or guide you to connect via USB.

4. When asked, choose Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB as applicable. The installer configures the printer and installs HP drivers and optional HP apps (HP Smart, HP Utility).

5. After install, open Printers & Scanners to confirm the new queue. HP’s installer often creates a queue with the manufacturer driver; print and scan tests are available from the HP app.

Notes & security

• macOS may request permission to allow HP’s helper tools (driver components). You’ll need to grant these in Privacy & Security.

• If the installer asks to install a kernel extension or system extension, macOS will ask for explicit approval — follow the on-screen instructions. These steps are normal for drivers that need deeper integration.

3) HP Smart — app for scanning, cloud, and mobile

HP Smart is useful for scanning and mobile printing. It can also enable web services and help set up the printer.

Steps

1. Install HP Smart from the App Store (macOS) or from HP.

2. Open HP Smart and sign in with an HP account (or create one).

3. Click Add Printer — HP Smart scans the network and guides you through setup.

4. HP Smart can print, scan, check ink status, and enable web services (for features like ePrint). Use HP Smart for quick scanning and cloud features.

Notes

• HP Smart doesn’t always install the full driver package; if it creates a functional queue, you may not need additional drivers unless you need model-specific features.

4) Manual add by IP — for stubborn network installs

If the Mac cannot discover the printer automatically (discovery blocked by router, different VLANs, or older firmware), add the printer by IP.

Steps

1. Find the printer IP address: print a Network Configuration page from the printer menu, or check your router’s client list.

2. On the Mac: System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add (+) → choose the IP tab.

3. Enter:

   • Address: ipp://<printer-ip>/ipp/print (or http://<printer-ip> for some models). Using ipp:// is recommended.

   • Protocol: Choose Internet Printing Protocol – IPP.

   • Queue: often left blank or /ipp/print.

   • Name: friendly name for the Mac.

   • Location: optional.

   • Use: choose AirPrint or Select Software → pick your HP model’s driver (or HP PCL6).

4. Click Add. Test printing.

When to use socket/JetDirect

• If IPP fails, try AppSocket/HP JetDirect with protocol socket://<printer-ip> and port 9100. This uses raw printing and is a reliable fallback for many networked laser printers.

5) USB installation — direct connection

USB is straightforward but can require drivers for scanning or full features.

Steps

1. Plug the USB cable into the printer and the Mac. Use a direct port, not a hub.

2. macOS should automatically detect the printer and create a queue. Check Printers & Scanners.

3. If the Mac adds a Generic queue and features are limited, run HP Easy Start to install the manufacturer driver that enables scanning and advanced features.

Troubleshooting USB

• If the printer doesn’t appear: try another USB port and cable. If still not detected, reset the Mac’s printing system (see advanced options below) and reconnect.

6) Install scanning features (Scan to Mac)

After printing works, set up scanning:

Using Image Capture (built-in)

1. Open Image Capture (Applications → Image Capture).

2. Select your printer/scanner from the left panel.

3. Choose options (resolution, color) and click Scan.

Using HP Easy Scan or HP Smart

• HP Easy Scan or HP Smart provides model-specific scanning options, ADF controls, OCR, and file saving. Install from the HP installer or App Store.

Permissions

• macOS will ask for camera/microphone or file access permissions when you run scan apps. Approve these in System Settings → Privacy & Security.

7) Advanced options: reset printing system & remove drivers

When installs fail or printer behaves oddly, reset the printing system or remove drivers.

Reset the printing system (macOS)

1. System Settings → Printers & Scanners.

2. Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list and choose Reset printing system. This removes all printers and queues.

3. Reboot and re-add the printer using AirPrint or HP Easy Start.

Remove HP drivers & utilities manually

• Delete HP app bundles from /Applications and HP printer files from /Library/Printers/. Be cautious and back up any important files. Use HP Easy Start uninstall if available.

Troubleshooting — common problems & solutions

Printer not found / not discovered

• Ensure Mac and printer are on the same local network.

• Disable guest Wi-Fi or AP/client isolation on the router.

• Temporarily disable firewall on the Mac: System Settings → Network → Firewall (for testing only).

• Add by IP if discovery still fails.

macOS blocks HP software installation

• Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and look for messages about blocked software; click Allow next to the message and reboot if required.

Print job stuck in queue or jobs fail

• Cancel all jobs and restart the Print Spooler (restart the Mac). Resetting the printing system helps if the queue is corrupted.

Scanner not found

• Ensure Image Capture or HP Smart is allowed to access the network and files. Try connecting via USB if the network scan fails. Reinstall HP scan drivers if necessary.

Driver unavailable or wrong driver

• Use Select Software when adding by IP and pick the exact HP model driver. Alternatively, use HP Easy Start to install the correct package.

macOS updates break printing

• If a macOS update causes problems, remove the printer, reinstall HP Easy Start (latest version), or use AirPrint/IPP where possible to avoid driver compatibility issues.

Security & best practices

1. Keep firmware updated — printer firmware updates often include security fixes. Update from EWS (enter printer IP in a browser) or HP Smart.

2. Use strong admin passwords on the printer’s EWS if you expose administrative controls.

3. Disable unnecessary services like FTP or Telnet on the printer. Keep Web Services minimal.

4. Whitelist devices on secured networks and avoid exposing printers to public networks or the internet.

5. Use driverless printing where possible (AirPrint/IPP) to reduce the need for third-party kernel extensions.

Maintenance & performance tips

• Paper matching: set the correct paper type in the print dialog for best print quality.

• Ink/toner checks: use HP Smart or EWS to monitor supplies.

• Regular cleaning: run printhead cleaning for inkjets; follow HP’s recommended maintenance for lasers (roller cleaning kits).

• Keep the printer on reliable power: avoid frequent power-cycling; use a surge protector.

Troubleshooting checklist (quick)

1. Verify printer power and network connection (print network test page).

2. Ensure Mac and printer on same network.

3. Try AirPrint first (Add printer automatically).

4. If discovery fails, add by IP (IPP or socket).

5. If USB, try different cable/port and run HP Easy Start.

6. Restart Mac and printer. Reset printing system if needed.

7. Install HP Easy Start or HP Smart for full features.

8. Update printer firmware.

9. Check macOS Privacy & Security for blocked components.

10. Contact HP support if hardware error persists.

When to contact HP support

Contact HP when:

• You can’t add the printer after trying AirPrint, HP Easy Start, manual IP, and resetting the printing system.

• The printer displays hardware error codes or won’t connect to the network despite correct credentials.

• Firmware update fails or leaves the printer inoperable.

• The printer is under warranty and has repeated failures.

Have these details ready: exact model, macOS version (Apple menu → About This Mac), network type (Wi-Fi/Ethernet/USB), and steps already tried.

Quick reference — common macOS menu locations

• Printers & Scanners: Apple menu → System Settings → Printers & Scanners

• Software Update: Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update

• Privacy & Security: System Settings → Privacy & Security

• Image Capture: Applications → Image Capture

• HP Smart: Applications → HP Smart (if installed)

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. My Mac doesn’t find my HP printer automatically — what should I try first?
Confirm the Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi/Ethernet network. Disable guest networks and client isolation. Try adding the printer by IP using the IPP (ipp://printer-ip/ipp/print) or socket (socket://printer-ip) protocol.

2. Is AirPrint the best option for Mac users?
Yes. AirPrint (driverless) is simple, secure, and supported on most modern HP printers. It avoids driver compatibility issues and supports most common printing features.

3. Do I need HP Easy Start or HP Smart?
Not always. Use AirPrint when you only need printing. Use HP Easy Start to install the full driver package when you need scanning, faxing, or HP utilities. HP Smart is handy for scanning and cloud features.

4. macOS blocks the HP installer — how do I fix that?
Open System Settings → Privacy & Security and look for a blocked system extension message. Click Allow and follow prompts, then reboot if required.

5. How do I add a shared printer from a Windows PC?
If the printer is shared from a Windows server, add it by IP (via the server’s share path) or configure a direct network queue pointing to the printer to avoid SMB/Windows driver complications. Use a native network path (IPP) if supported.

6. Scanner not working but printing is fine — why?
Scanning often requires additional drivers or apps (HP Easy Scan, HP Smart). Install HP’s scanning tools and ensure Image Capture sees the scanner. Try USB connection if network scanning fails.

7. My print dialog doesn’t show advanced options — how do I get them?
Click Show Details in the print dialog and choose the correct Printer driver in the Use menu — selecting the HP model driver instead of AirPrint exposes more options.

8. Will a macOS update break my HP printer?
Sometimes. That’s why driverless AirPrint is preferred. If an update breaks printing, reinstall HP Easy Start or use AirPrint, and check HP support for updated drivers.

9. Can multiple Macs share the same HP printer?
Yes. On a network, any Mac can add the same printer via AirPrint or IPP. For USB-only printers, connect to one Mac and enable printer sharing in System Settings → Sharing → Printer Sharing.

10. How do I remove an HP driver completely?
Remove HP apps from Applications, delete HP printer files from /Library/Printers/ (careful), and reset the printing system in Printers & Scanners. Reboot and reinstall only what you need.