HP Easy Start printer software installation fails (macOS)

Make sure your network is working correctly and that the printer is ready for a network setup.

1. Open the list of available networks on the computer, and then make sure it is connected to the correct network. A check mark or Connected status displays next to the network name when connected.

   Note:

   A printer connection cannot be established over public or guest networks that allow guest logins used in schools, hotels, or coffee shops.

2. If the network icon shows a weak signal , move closer to the router or range extender until a strong signal displays . Walls, metal bookcases, and electronics that emit radio signals can weaken the wireless signal.

3. Open a website to confirm your internet service is working. If page load time is slow or intermittent, restart the router. If necessary, contact your internet service provider to check if the service is down.

4. Check your router support website or documentation to make sure it meets the following requirements.

   • Many routers operate in both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequency bands, but not all HP printers support both bands. Make sure the 2.4 GHz router band is enabled and broadcasting. If the router broadcasts separate network names (SSIDs) for each band, connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz band SSID. If the printer supports 5.0 GHz, connect it to the 5.0 GHz band SSID.

   • HP recommends routers that support Bonjour, Apple's network discovery software. Connecting with Bonjour is the best way to find the printer and support wireless printing.

5. Make sure the printer is ready for the driver and network connection setup.

   • Wi-Fi setup

     • Move the printer within 8 m (26 ft) of the router or range extender.

     • Check the Wireless light status. If the light is solid blue, it is connected to the network. If the light is off or flashing, it is not connected.

     • Disconnect any printer USB cables to prevent Wi-Fi setup issues.

   • Wired network (Ethernet) setup

     • Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the router and the printer. Check the cable for damage, and then make sure that it is an Ethernet cable and not a phone cable. It should have eight visible wires on the connector.

     • Reconnect the cable to a different Ethernet or LAN port on the router, and then connect the other end to the printer Ethernet port . Check the Ethernet port lights. The green light is steady and the orange activity light blinks when the connection is established.

       Note:

       Some printers might not connect immediately. Wait for the Ethernet icon or the Wi-Fi icon and light to turn solid on the printer control panel.

6. Disconnect the computer from a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before downloading the software.

7. Restart the printer and the computer to clear any possible error conditions.

Disable firewall software to see if it is causing driver installation or printer functionality issues.

1. Click the Spotlight icon , search for Firewall, and then select Firewall on or off or Security & Privacy > Firewall to open the firewall settings.

2. Disable the firewall or click Firewall: Off.

3. Install the software or use the printer feature that you are troubleshooting.

   If the software installed or the issue is resolved, the firewall is causing the issue. Go to Apple Support - Change Firewall settings on Mac (in English) for information on allowing communication with HP software and websites.

4. Return to the firewall settings and enable the firewall.

Resetting the printing system on a Mac can resolve problems such as print jobs stuck in the queue, connection issues, and incomplete driver setups.

About this task

Note:

A printing system reset removes all HP and non-HP printers and scanners, and clears all print jobs and saved print settings. All printers and scanners must be set up again after completing the reset.

1. Click the Spotlight icon , and then search for and open Printers & Scanners.

2. Right-click or click while pressing Control in the Printers list, and then select Reset printing system to complete the reset.

   

3. Restart the printer.

4. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax or the Add button , select your printer in the list, and then click Add.

Run HP Uninstaller or delete printer folders from the Mac to uninstall the HP software and drivers.

About this task

1. Click the Spotlight icon , and then search for and open the Applications folder.

2. Open the HP or Hewlett Packard folder.

   • If HP Uninstaller is in the folder, double-click it, and then follow the instructions to complete the uninstall.

   • If HP Uninstaller is not in the folder, continue with these steps.

3. Click and drag the HP or Hewlett Packard folder to the Trash icon in the Dock.

4. Click the Spotlight icon to search for and open the Printers folder.

5. Click and drag the HP or Hewlett Packard folder to the Trash icon in the Dock.

6. Restart the Mac.

7. Right-click or press the Control key and click the Trash icon, and then select Empty Trash to complete the uninstall.

Get the HP Smart app for macOS to set up and use your HP printer to print, scan, and manage settings.

1. Download the HP Smart app from HP Smart - Mac App Store(in English).

   Note:

   Disconnect from a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.

2. If you are setting up HP Smart for the first time, you must create or sign in to an HP account to access all printer functions.

3. In HP Smart, click Add Printer or the plus sign to search for the printer, and then follow the instructions to complete the setup.

   If your printer is not found, continue to the next step.

4. Restore Wi-Fi setup mode.

   • Most printers with a touchscreen display or menu: Open the Wireless or Setup menu, select Network setup or Settings, and then select Restore Network Settings.

   • Printers without a touchscreen display or menu: Go to Restore Wi-Fi setup mode on your HP printer to restore default settings by pressing the buttons on your printer.

5. Within two hours, restart the printer, close then re-open HP Smart, and then try adding the printer again.