HP Printer Not Scanning? Troubleshoot Scanning Problems

If your HP printer is not scanning, the problem may be with the scanner itself, the connection between the printer and computer, the HP app or the software being used to receive the scan.

Printing and scanning are separate functions, so a printer can print perfectly while scanning fails.

That makes one test particularly useful: try scanning from the printer and from the computer/app separately.

The result can tell you where the problem is.

Quick Diagnosis: Start Here

What you’re seeing	Start here
Printer doesn’t detect the document	Go to Fix 1
Computer can’t find the scanner	Go to Fix 2
Scan option is missing	Go to Fix 3
Printer scans but computer receives nothing	Go to Fix 4
Scan starts but fails midway	Go to Fix 5
Printer works for printing but not scanning	Go to Fix 6
Nothing works after restarting	Go to Fix 7

Why This Happens

Scanning problems can come from:

• Scanner glass or document placement
• USB or Wi-Fi communication
• HP app or scanning software
• Missing permissions
• Outdated or incorrect printer software
• The scanner not being detected
• A previous scan application remaining open
• Windows or macOS changes

Fix 1: Check the Document and Scanner Glass

Start with the physical side.

If you’re scanning from the flatbed:

• Lift the scanner lid.
• Place the document correctly on the glass.
• Align it according to the markings.
• Close the lid completely.

Check the glass for dust, fingerprints or objects.

If your printer has an automatic document feeder, make sure the pages are loaded correctly and that the feeder isn’t reporting a paper problem.

Try scanning one simple sheet rather than a large stack.

Fix 2: Check Whether the Computer Detects the Scanner

Open the HP app.

See whether the printer appears and whether scanning is available.

If the printer itself isn’t detected, the scanning problem may actually be a connection problem.

For a USB printer, check the cable.

For a wireless printer, check that the printer and computer are connected to the same network.

Fix 3: Check the HP App and Scan Software

HP’s current HP app supports scanning on compatible printers and operating systems.

Open the app and select your printer.

Look for the scanning option.

If the option isn’t available, make sure the correct printer software is installed for your model.

Older HP software may have been replaced or retired, so don’t automatically install an old scanning utility simply because you find it in an old troubleshooting article.

Use HP’s current software recommendations for your printer and operating system.

Fix 4: Restart the Printer and Computer

A temporary communication problem can prevent scanning even when printing still works.

Turn off the printer.

Restart the computer.

Then turn the printer back on.

Open the HP app and try scanning again.

If the printer is network-connected, restarting the router may also help if other network functions are behaving strangely.

Fix 5: Check Whether the Scan Fails Midway

If scanning starts but stops before completion, consider:

• Wi-Fi instability
• USB connection problems
• Large scan resolution
• A problem with the scanning application
• Multiple scan applications trying to access the scanner

Try scanning a single page at a normal resolution.

If that works, try the original document again.

If the problem occurs only with large scans, the connection or software may be struggling with the larger job.

Fix 6: Check Whether Windows or macOS Sees the Printer

If printing works but scanning doesn’t, don’t assume the scanner hardware has failed.

Your operating system may have the printer installed only for printing or may have lost part of the scanning configuration.

Check your system’s printer/scanner settings.

On Windows, open:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select the HP printer and look for available scanner options.

On macOS:

System Settings → Printers & Scanners

Select the HP device and check whether scanning is available.

The exact options vary by model and operating system version.

Fix 7: Reinstall or Re-add the HP Printer

If the printer is detected but scanning remains unavailable, remove and add the printer again using the current HP setup process.

Before doing this, make sure you know whether the printer uses USB or Wi-Fi.

For wireless printers, verify that the network connection is working first.

If the HP app offers Diagnose & Fix, run it before removing the printer.

This may identify a software or connection issue without requiring a complete reinstallation.

How to Prevent HP Scanning Problems

Keep the scanner glass clean.

Use the current HP software recommended for your printer and operating system.

If you’re using Wi-Fi, keep the printer within reliable network coverage.

Avoid having multiple scanning applications open simultaneously.

And if scanning suddenly stops after a Windows or macOS update, check HP’s support information for that operating system version before changing several settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can my HP printer print but not scan?

Printing and scanning use different software and communication functions. A printer can therefore print normally while its scanner is unavailable.

Why can’t my computer find the HP scanner?

The printer may not be connected correctly, the scanning software may be missing or the operating system may not be detecting the scanner component.

Why does my HP scan start and then stop?

An unstable connection, large scan job, software problem or communication failure can interrupt a scan.

Can I scan using the HP app?

Yes, supported HP printers can use the current HP app for scanning.

Why is the Scan option missing from my HP printer?

The printer software may not be installed correctly, the printer may not be detected as a scanner, or the model may require a different supported scanning workflow.

Do I need to reinstall the HP printer?

Not necessarily. Run available diagnostics and check the connection first. Reinstalling should be a later troubleshooting step.