WHY IS MY HP PRINTER NOT SHOWING UP DURING THE SETUP PROCESS?

Why Is My HP Printer Not Showing Up During the Setup Process?

Why Is My HP Printer Not Showing Up During the Setup Process?

Blog Article

Setting up a new HP printer should be a straightforward process, especially with tools like 123.hp.com/setup guiding users through the installation. However, many users report that their HP printer is not showing up during the setup process, leading to frustration and delays. Whether you're trying to install it on a Windows PC, Mac, or mobile device, this guide will walk you through all possible reasons and solutions.

In this blog, we’ll explore:


  • Common reasons why your HP printer isn't showing up during setup

  • Step-by-step troubleshooting for Windows, Mac, and wireless connections

  • How to correctly use 123.hp.com/setup for installation

  • Expert tips to ensure a smooth printer setup


Let’s get started.

Understanding the Setup Process


When setting up your HP printer, the device needs to be recognized by your computer or mobile device via USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. The official site 123.hp.com/setup offers drivers and setup instructions tailored to your printer model. However, if your printer isn't detected during this process, there’s likely a connectivity, driver, or configuration issue at play.

Common Reasons Why Your HP Printer Is Not Showing Up


Here are the most typical causes of your HP printer not appearing during setup:

1. Poor or No Network Connection


If you're setting up a wireless HP printer, a weak or absent Wi-Fi signal can prevent it from being detected by the installation software.

2. USB or Cable Issues


A damaged USB cable, wrong port, or faulty connector can prevent recognition of a USB-connected printer.

3. Driver Installation Error


If the HP driver wasn’t installed properly or the installation was interrupted, the printer might not show up.

4. Outdated Operating System


Some older OS versions may not support newer HP printers, causing detection problems.

5. Firewall or Antivirus Interference


Security software might block the connection between your printer and computer.

6. Printer Not in Setup Mode


If the printer is not in setup mode or not properly reset, it may not be discoverable during installation.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide


Let’s look at how you can fix the issue depending on how you're trying to connect your HP printer.

A. For Wireless HP Printers


If you're using Wi-Fi to set up your HP printer, try the following:

1. Restart Your Devices



  • Power off your printer, router, and computer.

  • Wait for 60 seconds and restart all devices.

  • Retry the setup through 123.hp.com/setup.


2. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength



  • Make sure the printer is close to the router.

  • Avoid thick walls or interference from other electronics.


3. Reset the Network Settings



  • On the printer's control panel, navigate to Wireless Settings > Restore Network Defaults.

  • This puts the printer into setup mode, making it discoverable.


4. Connect Manually Using WPS



  • Press the WPS button on your router.

  • On the printer, enable WPS mode to establish a quick, secure connection.

  • After connection, visit 123.hp.com/setup to continue installation.


5. Disable VPNs or Firewalls Temporarily



  • Temporarily disable security software to prevent blocking the printer connection.


B. For USB-Connected Printers


1. Check the USB Cable



  • Use the original HP USB cable.

  • Test the cable on another device to ensure it's working.

  • Avoid USB hubs; plug directly into the PC.


2. Try Another Port



  • Switch to a different USB port on your computer.


3. Install Drivers from 123.hp.com/setup



  • Go to.

  • Enter your printer model (e.g., HP DeskJet 4155e).

  • Download and install the recommended drivers and full-featured software.


4. Check Device Manager (Windows)



  • Press Win + X and open Device Manager.

  • Under Printers, see if the printer appears.

  • If it shows a warning symbol, uninstall it and reinstall the driver.


C. For macOS Users


If your HP printer is not showing up on your Mac:

1. Update macOS



  • Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.

  • Install any available updates for improved compatibility.


2. Use AirPrint or HP Smart



  • Some printers support AirPrint, allowing setup without drivers.

  • Alternatively, download the HP Smart app from the Mac App Store or 123.hp.com/setup.


3. Check Printer Preferences



  • Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  • Click the + button to add your printer manually if it's detected.



  1. Reset Printing System (If Needed)



  • Right-click in the Printers list and choose Reset printing system.

  • Then re-add the printer via the HP Smart app.


How to Use 123.hp.com/setup Effectively

The website 123.hp.com/setup is HP’s official platform for guiding you through the printer setup process. Here's how to use it correctly:

Step-by-Step:

  1. Visit

  2. Enter Your HP Printer Model

  3. Click "Begin Setup"

  4. Download the HP Smart App (or the full-featured driver for older models)

  5. Follow On-Screen Instructions

    • It will prompt you to connect your printer via USB or wireless.

    • If your printer doesn’t appear, follow the network reset steps mentioned earlier.




Pro Tip: Always ensure your printer is powered on and has blinking Wi-Fi lights if you're connecting wirelessly.

Additional Tips for Successful Printer Detection

✅ Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows)

This free diagnostic tool can fix setup issues, detect the printer, and resolve configuration errors.

✅ Check Printer Compatibility

Verify that your printer model supports the operating system you're using. You can find this on 123.hp.com/setup under your model’s specifications.

✅ Disable IPv6 on Your Network

Some HP printers don’t connect well when IPv6 is enabled. Access your router settings and disable IPv6 temporarily.

✅ Try a Static IP

Assigning a static IP address to the printer can prevent disconnections and improve recognition during setup.

When to Contact HP Support

If you've tried all the steps above and your HP printer still doesn’t show up during setup, it might be time to contact HP customer support. Visit the Support section on 123.hp.com/setup and get in touch via chat or phone with an HP technician.

Final Thoughts

When your HP printer is not showing up during the setup process, it usually boils down to a simple connectivity or driver issue. Whether you're setting it up via Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth, ensuring the printer is in the correct mode and using the right drivers from 123.hp.com/setup will resolve most issues.

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