Printer app won't open or can't find the printer
The maker's app crashes, won't load or can't see your printer. Repair or reinstall it, allow local network access, and remember you can usually print without it.
Quick fix
Make sure your phone or computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer, with any VPN off, and that the app is allowed to use the local network. Then close the app fully, restart the printer and open the app again. If it still fails, uninstall it and reinstall it from the official app store.
Didn’t work? Go to the full stepsYou might see
- The app closes as soon as it opens or never finishes loading
- The app says no printer was found, though other devices can print
- The printer shows as offline only inside the app
- Setup in the app stops partway through
- The app worked until a phone or computer update
Usually caused by
- Local network permission turned off
- Device on a different Wi-Fi network, a guest network or a VPN
- Damaged app data or an out-of-date app
- App replaced by a newer one for your model
- Firewall or security software blocking the app
Step-by-step fix
Work through the steps in order and check each one off. Most people are printing again before the last step.
Windows 11 / 10
0 of 5 steps tried
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Check the network first
Make sure the PC is on the same network as the printer, disconnect any VPN, and set the network profile to Private in Settings > Network & internet. Printer apps search the local network, and Public mode and VPNs get in the way.
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Repair or reset the app
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, open the three-dot menu next to the app (for example HP Smart) and choose Advanced options (Windows 10: Apps & features, select the app, Advanced options). Click Repair first, then Reset if needed, which clears the app's data and sign-in. These options appear for Microsoft Store apps.
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Reinstall from the official source
Uninstall the app, restart the PC and install it again from the Microsoft Store or the manufacturer's official website. Avoid copies from download sites.
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Allow it through the firewall
If you declined a Windows prompt to allow the app on networks, or use third-party security software, make sure the app is allowed on private networks. In Windows Security, check Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall.
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Print without the app
The app is optional for everyday printing. Once the printer is added in Printers & scanners, any program can print to it with File > Print.
macOS
0 of 4 steps tried
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Allow local network access
On macOS 15 Sequoia and later, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and turn the printer app on. Without it, the app can't see devices on your network.
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Quit and update
Press Command + Q to quit the app fully, check the Mac App Store or the maker's official website for an update, and update macOS in System Settings > General > Software Update.
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Reinstall the app
Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash, restart the Mac and reinstall it from the Mac App Store or the manufacturer's official website.
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Print with AirPrint instead
Most current printers work with AirPrint, built into macOS. Add the printer in System Settings > Printers & Scanners with AirPrint in the Use menu and print from any app.
iPhone, iPad and Android
0 of 5 steps tried
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Allow local network access on iPhone and iPad
Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and turn on the printer app. If the app uses Bluetooth to find a new printer during setup, allow that too.
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Allow permissions on Android
Open Settings > Apps, choose the printer app and open Permissions. Allow Nearby devices and, if asked, Location, which Android uses when searching for Wi-Fi devices. Menu names vary a little between phone makers.
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Clear app data or reinstall
On Android, open the app's Storage page in Settings and tap Clear cache, then Clear storage if needed, which signs you out. On iPhone or iPad, delete the app and reinstall it from the App Store.
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Check you have the right app
Makers sometimes replace an app with a newer one, and some older models only work with the older app. Check the manufacturer's official support site for the app that matches your printer.
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Print without the app
iPhones and iPads print to most current printers through AirPrint from the Share menu. On Android, the built-in Default Print Service or the Mopria Print Service app handles most printers; search Settings for Printing to turn one on.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Try these next
Still stuck? The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Do I need the manufacturer's app to print?
Usually not. Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Android and Chromebook can print to most current printers without it. The app is mainly useful for setup, scanning, ink levels and firmware updates.
Why does the app ask for location or Bluetooth?
Android ties Wi-Fi scanning to the location or nearby devices permission, and some apps use Bluetooth to find a new printer during setup. You can review these permissions after setup in your device's settings.