# [phone] How to Fix HP Printer ‘Communication Error’ on Mac

HP printers are widely used for their reliability and quality performance. However, even the best printers can sometimes face issues—especially when connecting with macOS. One of the most frustrating problems users encounter is the **HP Printer 'Communication Error' on Mac**. This issue can occur during printing, scanning, or while accessing printer functions from your macOS device. If you're facing this problem, don't worry—this comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to fix it.

For immediate expert assistance, **call HP support toll-free at [phone] (USA)**.

## Table of Contents

1. [What is a 'Communication Error'](#1)
2. [Why HP Printer Communication Errors Occur on Mac](#2)
3. [Preliminary Checks](#3)
4. [Method 1: Restart Printer and Mac](#4)
5. [Method 2: Check Printer Connection (USB/Wi-Fi)](#5)
6. [Method 3: Reset the Printing System on Mac](#6)
7. [Method 4: Reinstall HP Printer Drivers on Mac](#7)
8. [Method 5: Use HP Smart App](#8)
9. [Method 6: Check for Software Conflicts or Firewall Issues](#9)
10. [Method 7: Update macOS and HP Software](#10)
11. [Method 8: Reset Network Settings (Wi-Fi printers)](#11)
12. [Advanced Troubleshooting](#12)
13. [When to Call HP Support – [phone]](#13)
14. [Conclusion](#14)

## 1. What is a 'Communication Error'?

A **Communication Error** typically occurs when your Mac fails to establish a proper connection with your HP printer. It can prevent you from printing documents, scanning files, or even detecting the printer on your network. The error message might say:

* *"Unable to communicate with the printer"*
* *"Printer not responding"*
* *"Communication Error with Printer"*
* *"Device is offline or not available"*

## 2. Why HP Printer Communication Errors Occur on Mac

There are several reasons why your HP printer may not be communicating with your Mac:

* Outdated or incompatible printer drivers
* macOS update conflicts
* Faulty USB cables or ports
* Poor Wi-Fi signal or network drop
* Firewall or antivirus software interference
* Printer stuck in sleep/offline mode
* Incorrect default printer settings

## 3. Preliminary Checks

Before jumping into the in-depth troubleshooting, perform these basic checks:

* Make sure your printer is **turned ON**.
* Check if there are **any error messages** on the printer screen.
* Ensure your **Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network**.
* Confirm all **USB or Ethernet cables are properly connected**.
* Check that the **printer is not in sleep or offline mode**.

## 4. Method 1: Restart Printer and Mac

Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix minor communication glitches.

### Steps:

1. Turn off your HP printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Shut down your Mac.
3. Wait for 2–3 minutes.
4. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
5. Start your Mac and try printing again.

## 5. Method 2: Check Printer Connection (USB/Wi-Fi)

### For USB Printers:

* Use a different **USB port** on your Mac.
* Try a new USB cable.
* Avoid using USB hubs—connect directly to the Mac.

### For Wi-Fi Printers:

* Print a **Network Configuration Page** from the printer control panel.
* Ensure that the printer shows **Connected** or **Online**.
* Restart your Wi-Fi router.

## 6. Method 3: Reset the Printing System on Mac

Resetting the printing system will remove all printers and scanners from your Mac, allowing you to start fresh.

### Steps:

1. Go to **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**.
2. Right-click (or Control-click) on the printer list.
3. Select **"Reset printing system…"**.
4. Confirm by clicking **Reset**.
5. Re-add your HP printer by clicking the **"+"** button.

## 7. Method 4: Reinstall HP Printer Drivers on Mac

Corrupt or outdated drivers often cause communication errors.

### Steps to Remove the Driver:

1. Go to **Applications > HP** folder and uninstall HP software.
2. Delete printer from **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**.
3. Restart your Mac.

### Steps to Reinstall:

1. Visit [HP’s official support site](https://support.hp.com).
2. Enter your printer model and download the **latest macOS driver**.
3. Install the driver and reconnect the printer.

You can also use **Apple’s AirPrint** if your printer supports it (no need to install extra drivers).

## 8. Method 5: Use HP Smart App

The HP Smart app is a powerful tool that simplifies printer setup and management.

### Steps:

1. Download the **HP Smart App** from the [Mac App Store](https://apps.apple.com).
2. Launch the app and **sign in or create an HP account**.
3. Add your printer and follow on-screen instructions.
4. Perform a test print.

HP Smart can diagnose and fix many common errors.

## 9. Method 6: Check for Software Conflicts or Firewall Issues

Your Mac’s firewall or third-party security software could block the printer.

### Steps:

1. Go to **System Settings > Network > Firewall**.
2. Turn off the firewall temporarily and try printing.
3. If you use antivirus software (e.g., Norton, Avast), disable it temporarily.
4. If the printer works, configure exceptions for printer communication ports.

## 10. Method 7: Update macOS and HP Software

Sometimes, outdated software or macOS versions can prevent smooth printer communication.

### Steps:

1. Click the Apple logo > **About This Mac > Software Update**.
2. Install any pending macOS updates.
3. Also, check for firmware updates for your HP printer via:

* **HP Smart App**
* **HP Easy Admin**
* Printer’s control panel (navigate to *Settings > Printer Maintenance > Update Printer*)

## 11. Method 8: Reset Network Settings (Wi-Fi printers)

If you’ve changed your router or Wi-Fi settings, the printer may still be trying to connect to the old network.

### Steps:

1. On the printer, go to **Settings > Network > Restore Network Settings**.
2. Restart the printer.
3. Reconnect using **Wireless Setup Wizard**.
4. Re-add the printer to your Mac via **Printers & Scanners**.

## 12. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error still persists, try these advanced steps:

### A. Print Using IP Address

1. Go to **Printers & Scanners** and click the **+** sign.
2. Click the **IP** tab.
3. Enter the printer’s IP address (found on the Network Configuration Page).
4. Choose **HP Jetdirect - Socket** as the protocol.
5. Add the printer and try printing.

### B. Check Printer Logs

Some HP printers log communication issues. Access these via:

* **Printer display panel > Settings > Reports > Error Log**
* Use the log info to identify network or driver issues.

### C. Use Terminal to Reset Printing Subsystem

This is only recommended for advanced users.

sudo rm -r /Library/Printers/HP
sudo killall -HUP cupsd

**Note:** Use caution. You can contact support if you’re unsure.

## 13. When to Call HP Support – [phone]

If you’ve tried all these methods and your HP printer still shows a communication error, it’s time to get expert help. You may be facing:

* Firmware corruption
* Hardware damage
* Deep driver conflicts
* Network setup issues

**Call HP Printer Support (USA) at [phone]**. Certified technicians are available to remotely diagnose and fix your issue or guide you through repair/replacement options.

## 14. Conclusion

HP printer communication errors on Mac can be annoying, but with the right approach, they are usually easy to resolve. Whether the problem lies in outdated drivers, Wi-Fi issues, or macOS updates, this guide has covered every possible solution to help restore smooth functionality.

Quick Recap:

* Restart everything first.
* Recheck all connections.
* Reset printing system if needed.
* Reinstall or update drivers.
* Use HP Smart or print via IP.
* Don’t forget to update macOS and printer firmware.
* Still stuck? Call **[phone]** for prompt HP support.

Need Instant Help?

**Call HP Printer Support (USA): [phone]**
Experts are available 24/7 to assist with any communication errors on your HP printer and Mac.