solution Contentsolution Content

HP printer setup (Mac built-in driver)

Use AirPrint or available basic drivers to set up and use an HP printer on a Mac computer.

How to install an HP printer in macOS using AirPrint

Learn how to install an HP printer in macOS using AirPrint

Note:

For a guided connection setup and installation, HP+ registration, and access to additional scanning and printer support features, install HP Smart - Mac App Store (in English).

Connect and set up a printer in macOS

Set up your printer when it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac or with a USB cable without installing any additional drivers.

Your printer might already be set up if it is on the network or USB-connected. In the app you are printing from, click File > Print. If your printer is listed, it is ready to use. If it is not listed, click the Printer menu and select it from the Nearby Printers list, or select Printers & Scanners preferences or Printers & Scanners Settings to add it.

If your printer is not available, continue with these steps.

For a USB connection or if your printer does not support AirPrint, use Spotlight to search for and open Software Update. Make sure the Mac is up to date, or install any new available software.
Connect the printer to the same network that the Mac is connected to, or use a direct USB connection.
- Wi-Fi connection for printers with a touchscreen control panel: Open the Setup, Network, or Wireless settings menu, select Wireless Setup Wizard, and then follow the instructions to select the network name and enter the password.
- Wi-Fi connection for most printers without a touchscreen control panel: Press and hold the Wireless button for five seconds or until the wireless light starts to flash. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the router until the connection process begins. The printer wireless light stops flashing when the connection completes.
- Wi-Fi connection for HP DeskJet 6000 and 6400, ENVY 6000 and 6400, and Tango printers: Press and hold the Wi-Fi button and the Power button on the back of the printer for five seconds until the blue bar flashes. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS button on the router until the connection process begins. The blue bar stops flashing when the connection completes.
- Wired (Ethernet) network connection: Connect the network cable to the printer Ethernet port and to an available port on the router or access point. At the printer port, the green light should be steady and the orange activity light should blink.
- USB connection: Connect the cable to the USB port on the rear of the printer and to a port on the Mac. Install any new software, if prompted.
Click the Spotlight icon , and then search for and open Printers & Scanners.
If your printer is not listed, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax or the Add button , and then follow the instructions to complete the setup.

Additional print driver options might be available at HP Software and Driver Downloads.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Still have a question? Find additional answers and help.

How do I use the printer functions and settings?

Apple supports standard printing and scanning functions and settings with its built-in macOS driver and other supported applications.

Note:

Supported scan functions and features vary by printer model and country/region.

Print job setup and settings: Open the app you want to print from, select an item such as a photo, document, or email, and then click File > Print to view all options and settings.
Scan documents and photos: Click the Spotlight icon , search for and open Printers & Scanners, and then select the name of your printer. On the Scan tab, click Open Scanner > Show Details to view all options and settings.

Additional scan options:
- HP Smart app: Open the HP Smart app, and then click Scan from the app home screen to view all options and settings. For more information, go to How to scan with an HP printer.
  
  Note:
  An HP account is required to scan with the HP Smart app.
- HP Easy Scan app: Download HP Easy Scan - Mac App Store (in English) to scan from the printer control panel directly to a computer or over email, scan two-sided (duplex) documents, or scan and save files as editable text.
- Apple Image Capture: Click the Spotlight icon , and then search for and open Image Capture. Select the name of your printer from the Devices or Shared list, and then click Show Details to view all options and settings.
Check estimated ink levels: View the ink or toner level indicators on the printer control panel (if available), from the HP Smart app, or print a self-test page or printer status report. For more information, go to Check HP printer ink or toner levels.
Access the printer homepage (network printers only): Click the Spotlight icon , search for and open Printers & Scanners, and then select the name of your printer. On the General tab, click Options & Supplies > Show Printer Webpage to view all options and settings.
Fax: Use the buttons and menus on the printer control panel to view all options and settings, or use Mobile Fax from the HP Smart app.

What if the Mac cannot find my printer?

Troubleshoot connection and setup requirements if the Mac does not add or list the printer.

Check the printer connection: Check the Wireless or Settings menu on the printer control panel or print a Network Configuration Page, and then make sure the printer is connected to the Wi-Fi network.
Check the computer connection: On your Mac, click the Network icon , and then make sure the Mac is connected to the Wi-Fi network.
Check for software updates: Click the Spotlight icon , search for and open Software Update, and then check for and install any available updates.
Make sure the printer firmware is up to date. Go to HP Software and Driver Downloads, search for your printer model, and then download any new firmware updates.
Restart the router, printer, and Mac: Unplug the router, turn off the printer, and then close all programs on the Mac and shut it down. Turn on the router, wait for a successful internet connection, turn on the printer, and then turn on the Mac.
Reset the printing system, and then re-add your printer:

CAUTION:
Resetting the print system removes all printers and scanners.
1. Click the Spotlight icon , and then search for and open Printers & Scanners.
2. Right-click or click-control the printer name, and then select Reset printing system > Reset to remove the printer and its settings.
3. Restart the printer, and then wait for the printer to reconnect to the Mac.
4. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax or the Add button , select the name of your printer in the list, and then click Add.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics

Ask a question on our HP Support Community page

Get in touch with one of our support agents

Enter a topic to search our knowledge library

What can we help you with?

Need Help?