Resolve HP Scanner Not Working Issue

When an HP scanner stops working, the cause is usually one of three things: the connection path between computer and device is broken, the scan driver is missing or corrupted, or a software setting is preventing scanning from starting. This applies to both standalone HP scanners and HP all‑in‑one printers with built‑in scanners. The good news is that you can fix most scan problems without replacing hardware. Use the steps below in order to get your HP scanner detected again and restore scanning to your computer or phone.

Step 1: Identify Your Connection Type

Scanners connect in one of these ways:

• USB: direct cable to one computer.
• Wi‑Fi/Ethernet: the scanner/printer is on your network and discovered over IP.
• Wireless Direct: your computer connects to the printer’s own signal.

Knowing your connection matters because fixes differ between USB and network scanning.

Step 2: Basic Power and Cable Checks

• Restart the scanner/printer and the computer.
• If USB, try a different port and cable; avoid hubs.
• If network, confirm the device shows “Connected” on its panel.

A surprisingly high percentage of scan failures come from a loose USB cable or a router that rebooted and changed the printer’s IP.

Step 3: Test With HP Smart or HP Scan

Install or open HP Smart (Windows/macOS/iOS/Android). If HP Smart can see the device but a scan fails, the issue is likely software. If HP Smart cannot see the device at all, focus on connection or drivers.

Step 4: Check Windows Services (WIA and Spooler)

On Windows, scanning relies on the Windows Image Acquisition service.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) and ensure it is running.
3. Restart Print Spooler as well, since HP scan apps often talk through spooler components.

Step 5: Reinstall HP Drivers and Scan Software

If scanning errors persist, reinstall the full HP driver package:

1. Remove the HP printer/scanner from Printers & scanners (Windows) or Printers & Scanners (macOS).
2. Uninstall HP Smart/HP Scan from Apps.
3. Restart the computer.
4. Download the latest full feature software from HP and reinstall.

A basic driver can print but still fail to scan, so the full suite is important for reliable scanning.

Step 6: Fix Network Scanning by Stabilizing the IP

If your HP scanner is on Wi‑Fi and works sometimes but not others, the IP address is probably changing. Print a Network Report to find the current IP, then reserve it in your router. On Windows, delete and re‑add the scanner/printer so it uses the stable address rather than WSD discovery.

Step 7: Enable Scan to Computer (HP All‑in‑Ones)

Many HP printers require Scan to Computer to be enabled in HP Smart:

1. Open HP Smart.
2. Go to printer settings.
3. Turn on Scan to Computer and allow background access.

Without this, the printer panel may say “No computer found.”

Common Error Messages and Meaning

• “Scanner not found”: driver missing or device not reachable on network/USB.
• “Communication error”: firewall/VPN blocking scan traffic or IP changed.
• Blank scans: protective film still on scanner glass, or scanning from ADF strip with dirty glass.
• ADF jams: rollers dirty or paper too thick; clean rollers and use fresh paper.

macOS‑Specific Tips

On macOS, open Image Capture to test whether the system sees the scanner outside HP apps. If Image Capture can scan but HP Smart cannot, reinstall HP Smart. If neither sees the scanner, add it by IP in Printers & Scanners and verify that your Mac is on the same network and not a guest SSID.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows)

HP’s free Print and Scan Doctor utility can automatically detect and fix common scan failures. It checks USB/network communication, restarts required services, and reinstalls scan components if they’re missing. For many “scanner not detected” errors, running this tool once saves a lot of manual work.

Check macOS Privacy Permissions

Newer macOS versions require permission for scanning apps to access the scanner. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Securityand ensure HP Smart, Brother iPrint&Scan, or any scanning app you use has permission for Files and Folders and for accessing removable media. If scans save nowhere or silently fail, it’s often a permissions issue rather than a driver fault.

Try a Different Scan App

If HP Smart is acting up but the device is visible, try scanning through Windows Fax and Scan, Paint’s scanner import, or macOS Preview/Image Capture. These use WIA or TWAIN directly and can help confirm whether the problem is in HP’s app or the underlying driver.

By checking connection basics first and then reinstalling the correct HP scanning software, you can resolve most HP scanner not working issues quickly and keep scanning stable long‑term.