How to Fix HP “Printer Status Unknown” Error
Before calling up the tech support
When HP Smart displays the “Printer status unknown” error, the app can’t communicate with your printer. Issues with your printer connection, firmware, or driver are often responsible for this error message. However, several other factors could also trigger it.
This tutorial covers seven ways to fix the “Printer status unknown” error in the HP Smart app for Windows.
Before you proceed, verify that your printer is compatible with the HP Smart app. Most wireless printers manufactured in 2009 or earlier aren’t supported. Visit thisMyHPSupport webpageto check if the HP Smart app supports your printer model.
Reboot Your Devices
Restarting your printer and computer can set things right with the HP Smart application. Unplug the printer’s power cable and plug it back after a few seconds.
Power on the printer and check if the HP Smart app identifies your printer. Reboot your computer if the error message persists.
Use HP Diagnostics Tools
The “Print and Scan Doctor” app can diagnose and fixcommon problems with HP printers and scannersin minutes. Download and run theHP Print and Scan Doctorapp, connect your printer to your PC and follow the diagnostic instructions.
HP Support Assistantis another diagnostic tool for troubleshooting HP printers in Windows and ChromeOS. The app is pre-installed on new HP notebooks and desktop computers. If you have a non-HP PC,download the HP Support Assistant toolfrom HP’s website.
Get Your Printer Online
HP Smart app might display the “Printer status unknown” error message if your printer is idle or offline. If your printer goes into sleep or standby mode after a period of inactivity, press the power button to “wake” it. Depending on your printer model, starting a print job from your computer will also wake it from sleep mode.
Additionally, ensure your printer and computer are on the same network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) as your computer. Interference from nearby devices (microwave, telephones, etc.) and network issues can cause your printer to go offline. Reboot your router and disable any firewall or virtual private network (VPN) on your computer to get your printer online.
Refer to our tutorial ongetting an offline printer back onlinefor more troubleshooting solutions. Also, try thesetroubleshooting fixes for common printer problemsin Windows 10 and 11.
Update Your Printer’s Firmware
HP releases periodic firmware updates for its printers. These updates help fix malfunctions and help you get the most out of your HP printer.
Refer tothis HP Support tutorialto learn other ways to update the firmware on your HP printer.
Repair and Reset the HP Smart App
Windows has a built-in repair tool that diagnoses and fixes apps that aren’t working right. Repair the HP Smart app if it doesn’t recognize your printer. Reset the app if the “Printer status unknown” persists after the repair operation.
Close the HP Smart app and follow the steps below to repair or reset the app.
When the repair operation is complete, you’ll see a checkmark next to the Repair button. Relaunch the HP Smart app and check if the app now detects your printer.
Close and reset the app if it still displays the “Printer status unknown” error. Resetting HP Smart deletes the app’s data, so you’ll need to set up your printer from scratch.
Relaunch HP Smart when you see a checkmark next to the reset button. Delete and reinstall the application if the issue persists.
Reinstall the HP Smart Application
Open theStart menu, typehp smartin the search bar, and selectUninstallbelow the HP Smart application.
SelectUninstallon the pop-up to remove HP Smart and its data from your computer.
Reboot your computer, download the HP Smart setup file, and reinstall the app on your PC. Add your printer to the HP Smart app again and check if that resolves the “Printer status unknown” error.
Remove and Reinstall Your Printer
The HP Smart app may malfunction if your printer drivers are corrupt or obsolete.Delete the printer and its driverfrom your computer and set up the printer from scratch.
The next step is to remove the printer’s driver from your computer.
Reboot Windows andreconnect the printer to your computer. The printer should automatically install its driver when connected to your PC. Otherwise, download and reinstall the latest driver for your printer model fromHP’s website.
Printer Status Still Unknown? Contact HP Support
Get in touch with anHP agentor visit an authorizedHP service center near youif the HP Smart app still doesn’t recognize your printer.
Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio
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