HP Printer Not Connecting to Computer – How to Fix It
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If your HP printer is not connecting to your computer, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that can prevent printing, scanning, or even device recognition. Whether you’re using a USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth connection, the problem is usually related to connectivity settings, outdated drivers, or system conflicts.
This guide outlines the most common causes and proven fixes to get your HP printer successfully connected to a Windows or macOS computer.
Common Reasons HP Printer Won’t Connect to Computer
Loose or faulty USB cable
Printer and computer not on the same Wi-Fi network
Outdated or missing drivers
Printer is offline or in error mode
Firewall, VPN, or antivirus blocking the connection
OS compatibility issues
Bluetooth pairing errors (for supported models)
How to Fix HP Printer Not Connecting to Computer
1. Check Basic Power and Connection
Ensure the printer is powered on, has no error lights, and is not in sleep mode.
For USB connections:
Try a different USB port on your computer.
Use a different USB cable if the current one is worn or damaged.
For wireless connections:
Make sure both the printer and the computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Restart your router, printer, and computer to refresh the network.
2. Reinstall or Update HP Printer Drivers
Go to the HP Software & Driver Downloads.
Enter your printer model and operating system.
Download and install the latest full-feature driver package.
If you already have the driver installed, uninstall it and perform a fresh installation.
Tip: Use the HP Smart App or HP Easy Start to guide you through the setup automatically.
3. Add the Printer Manually
On Windows:
Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners
Click Add a printer or scanner
If your printer doesn’t appear, select The printer that I want isn’t listed and follow the manual steps
On macOS:
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Click the + icon to add a printer
Select your HP printer from the list, then click Add
4. Set HP Printer as Default
Your computer might be trying to send jobs to a different or disconnected printer.
On Windows:
Go to Printers & Scanners, select your HP printer, and click Set as default
On macOS:
Right-click your HP printer in Printers & Scanners and choose Set as default printer
5. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows Only)
Download HP Print and Scan Doctor from HP’s support site
Open the tool and let it diagnose and repair common issues with printer detection and connection
6. Disable Firewalls, VPNs, or Security Software Temporarily
Firewalls or antivirus programs may block printer discovery and communication
Temporarily disable these tools and check if your printer connects
If successful, configure your firewall to allow HP programs and ports
7. Check for Printer Errors
Inspect the printer display panel for any error codes or warnings (e.g., paper jam, low ink, offline mode)
Resolve those issues first before attempting to reconnect
8. Reset the Printer Network Settings (for Wireless Printers)
Access the printer’s Network Settings via control panel
Choose Restore Network Defaults
Then use Wireless Setup Wizard or HP Smart App to reconnect it to the network
Conclusion
If your HP printer is not connecting to your computer, the issue likely lies in a misconfigured connection, outdated driver, or network disruption. By following the steps above—starting from the basics and moving to driver and software fixes—you can usually restore connectivity without technical support.
For persistent issues, visit the official HP Support site or consult your printer’s model-specific manual.
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