How Do I Fix My HP Printer Not Scanning: 4 Easy Methods

Scanning documents with an HP printer should be quick and easy, but sometimes it just doesn’t work. Problems can happen due to software glitches, outdated drivers, or connection issues. Before you call for help, many scanning errors can be fixed at home with a few easy steps. Here, I am going to show you some easy solutions to get your HP printer scanning again, whether you are using a USB connection or a wireless network, so you can continue your work without delays.

Solution 1: Check Basic Connections

Before you troubleshoot further, it is very important to check the basic connections of your printer.

1. Start by turning off your printer and the computer, then wait for about 1 or 2 minutes, and turn them back on.

2. If your printer is connected over a network, then restart your router as well.

3. Next, make sure all physical connections are secure. If you are using a USB cable, then try plugging it into a different port or using another cable to rule out any issues.

4. Finally, you have to inspect the scanner by opening the lid and cleaning the glass with a damp cloth, and check the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for paper jams or debris.

Solution 2: Restart Your Devices

Restarting your devices can resolve scanning issues by clearing temporary errors. Start by turning off your printer. In case it doesn’t power off, unplug the power cord from the printer and the outlet. After that, switch off the computer or phone you are using to scan.

If your printer is connected to a network, then restart your Wi-Fi router as well. Once everything is off, reconnect the printer’s power cord to a wall outlet and turn the printer back on. Now, you will need to turn on your operating system (computer or mobile device).

For network-connected printers, ensure your device and the printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. On your device, you must check that you are connected to the correct wireless network. On the printer, verify that the Wireless light on the control panel is solid blue, indicating a successful connection. Once the printer shows a ready status, scanning should work without further troubleshooting.

Solution 3: Reinstall the HP Printer Drivers

If your printer still won’t scan, then reinstalling the printer drivers and software can help fix software-related problems. Outdated/corrupted drivers can interrupt the communication between your printer and computer, so removing and reinstalling them gives the printer a fresh start.

• On Windows computers, open the Printers & Scanners menu by searching for it in the Start bar. After that, you have to select your printer’s name from the list, then click Remove device and confirm by choosing the Yes button.

• On your Mac, click the Spotlight icon, search for Printers & Scanners. Now, select your printer model, and click Remove Printer or the minus (-) icon to delete it.

• Next, you should reinstall the drivers of your printer using the HP Smart app.

• Visit the official HP website at 123.hp.com or your device’s app store to download and install the app.

• Lastly, complete the on-screen steps to reconnect your printer either through Wi-Fi or a USB cable.

If your printer isn’t detected, then restore its Wi-Fi setup mode.

• For printers with a touchscreen: Open Wireless or Setup, go to the Network Settings section, and select the Restore Network Settings option.

• For printers without a touchscreen: Use the control panel buttons to activate Wi-Fi setup mode.

After you restore the settings, you have to reopen the HP Smart app and add your printer again.

Solution 4: Reset Printer to Factory Settings

If previous steps don’t fix the scanning issue, then you can reset your printer to its factory settings. This step restores the printer’s original configuration, which can resolve setup errors, connectivity problems, or persistent error messages.

1. To do this, you just need to open the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) using your printer’s IP address.

2. On the EWS home page, navigate to the Settings or System tab.

3. If asked, log in using the username admin (for HP LaserJets) and input the PIN found on your printer label, located inside the cartridge access area or printer door.

4. Next, you should select Restore Factory Defaults (or Factory under Restore Defaults). For HP LaserJet models, click Service > Restore Defaults > OK.

5. Now, the printer will automatically restart in about 20 seconds.

6. After the reset, reconnect your printer to Wi-Fi and check for any available firmware updates.

Resetting the printer can clear persistent problems and get your HP printer scanning again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

Why Is HP Printer Not Scanning?

Your printer may not be scanning for many reasons. Sometimes the connection between the printer and your device is loose, or the drivers and software are outdated. Hardware problems, like a dirty scanner glass or an issue with the scanner itself, can also stop scanning. To fix this, start by restarting your printer and the computer, check that all cables or network connections are secure, and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool. Updating or reinstalling the drivers and keeping the scanner glass clean solves most scanning problems.

Question

How to Enable HP Printer to Scan?

To enable scanning on your printer, you have to install the required HP software or app, like the HP Smart app. Once you have installed it, open the app or use your computer’s built-in scan tool to start a scan. For network printers, make sure the “Scan to Computer” option is on in the HP Printer Assistant under Manage Scan to Computer. In case your HP printer is connected with a USB cable, then scanning is enabled automatically. After following these steps, your printer will be ready to scan documents to your device.

Question

How Do I Scan In My HP Printer?

Learn How to scan using your printer, first place the document on the scanner glass or into the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) if your printer has one. After that, you need to open the HP Smart app on your system, select your printer’s name, and click the Scan option to begin. For some printer models, you can also scan from the printer’s control panel. On a computer, another method is to open the printer driver in the Control Panel, right-click your printer, and select Start Scan. Once the scan starts, perform the on-screen steps to save or edit your document.

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