Why Is My HP Printer Not Responding?
When an HP printer stops responding, it is usually due to a broken network path, the wrong port or driver, a jammed queue, or firmware that needs an update. This guide gives you a fast, ordered checklist to bring the printer back: verify power, confirm the connection, fix the port, clear the queue, and test with USB if needed. Follow along and your printer should switch from “not responding” to “ready” quickly.
Confirm Power and Panel Status
Make sure the printer is on, the display shows no error codes, and the output tray is open. Load plain paper and check that cartridges are seated. If the panel shows a specific error (paper jam, low ink, door open), clear it first—the printer will ignore jobs until the hardware issue is fixed.
Check the Network Connection
On the printer, print a Network Configuration or Wireless Test page from the settings menu. Confirm status is Connected and note the IP address. If you changed routers or passwords, rerun the wireless setup wizard or WPS to rejoin the 2.4 GHz network. Avoid guest networks with client isolation. For Ethernet, reseat the cable and check router link lights.
Test Reachability from Your Computer
On a PC, open a browser and enter the printer's IP. If the Embedded Web Server loads, the network path is good. If not, reconnect Wi-Fi/Ethernet and ensure your computer is on the same subnet. Disable VPN temporarily; it can block local discovery. On macOS, use ping <printer-ip> in Terminal to verify.
Fix the Port and Driver on Windows
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your HP printer, then Printer properties. Under Ports, pick the port that matches the current IP or an HP network port. If it still points to an old IP or USB port, jobs will stall. Add a Standard TCP/IP port with the correct IP if needed. Uncheck Use Printer Offline. If problems persist, remove the device, reinstall the full HP driver or HP Smart, and re-add the printer.
Refresh on macOS
In System Settings > Printers & Scanners, delete the printer with the minus button. Click plus and re-add it; choose the HP driver or HP Smart if available. If discovery fails, add by IP using the address from your network report and protocol IPP. After re-adding, print a test page and run a scan from Preview to confirm two-way communication.
Clear Stuck Jobs
Open the print queue and cancel all documents. Restart the Print Spooler service on Windows (or reboot) to fully clear it. On macOS, clearing the queue or deleting/re-adding the printer removes stalled jobs. A jammed queue can keep the printer labeled as not responding even when the connection is fine.
USB as a Diagnostic
Connect the printer via USB and print a test page. If USB works, the hardware is fine; focus on network ports and Wi-Fi setup. If USB also fails, reinstall the driver and check for panel errors. Keep the USB cable handy for future troubleshooting—it can quickly push Wi-Fi settings via HP Smart.
Update Firmware
Use HP Smart or the Embedded Web Server to check for firmware updates. Apply updates while the printer is on a stable connection. New firmware often improves discovery and fixes bugs that cause unresponsive behavior. Power-cycle the printer after updating.
Reserve the Printer IP
In your router, create a DHCP reservation for the printer's MAC address. This prevents IP changes that break Windows/macOS ports and cause sudden “not responding” errors. After reserving, remove and re-add the printer one last time so the driver points at the permanent IP.
Router and Wi-Fi Tips
Keep the printer on 2.4 GHz for best range, and disable client isolation on guest networks. If your router uses band steering, make sure the printer and computers end up on the same subnet. Turn off MAC filtering during setup or add the printer's MAC afterward. If discovery is flaky, switch the router channel to a less congested one and keep the printer within one room of the access point during pairing.\n
Quick Recovery Checklist
- Clear panel errors; confirm the printer is awake.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi/Ethernet and print a network report.
- Verify the correct port/IP and clear the offline checkbox (Windows).
- Re-add the printer or add by IP on macOS.
- Cancel stuck jobs; restart the spooler if needed.
- Update firmware and reserve the IP for stability.
Work through this checklist and your HP printer should start responding again, ready for print and scan jobs from every device on your network.