You updated to macOS Sequoia and your HP printer stopped working. Maybe it prints blank pages, shows up as a generic printer, or has disappeared from your Mac entirely. This is a known issue affecting HP LaserJet, OfficeJet, DeskJet, and ENVY models, and it has a fix.
Why HP Printers Break on macOS Sequoia
macOS Sequoia continues Apple's removal of third-party printer drivers that started in Ventura. HP printers are heavily affected because HP had a large library of model-specific drivers for macOS, and many of them have now been removed.
When you update to Sequoia, your HP printer can end up in one of these states:
- Using a generic driver: Prints basic documents but loses duplex, paper trays, and HP-specific features
- Showing "no driver available": macOS can't find any compatible driver
- Missing from Printers & Scanners: The printer doesn't appear at all
- Using "Secure AirPrint": Works for basic printing if your HP supports AirPrint, but with limited features
Which HP Printers Are Affected?
Most Likely Affected
- HP LaserJet Pro series (especially pre-2019 models)
- HP LaserJet Enterprise series
- HP OfficeJet Pro series (older models)
- HP DeskJet series (most models)
- HP ENVY series (older models without AirPrint)
Usually Still Working
- HP printers that work with HP Smart app
- Models with native AirPrint support
- Printers released after 2020 with IPP Everywhere support
How to Check Your Model
- Find your HP printer model number (on the front or back of the printer)
- Visit hp.com/support
- Search for your model + "macOS Sequoia"
- If there's no Sequoia-compatible driver listed, your printer is affected
Quick Diagnostic
Before trying fixes, confirm the issue:
- Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
- Click your HP printer
- Check the "Driver" or "Use" field
| What You See | What It Means | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| "HP [your model]" with full features | Working correctly | No issue |
| "Generic PostScript Printer" | Driver removed, using fallback | Features lost |
| "Secure AirPrint" | Using AirPrint fallback | Basic printing only |
| Printer not listed | Not detected at all | Full breakage |
Fix 1: PrintCast Driver (Recommended)
PrintCast Driver replaces the HP drivers that Apple removed. It works with HP printers using PCL5 or PostScript, and restores driver support.
Setup
- Download PrintCast Driver from printcast.app
- Open the .dmg and drag to Applications
- Launch from your menu bar
- PrintCast detects your HP printer and restores driver support
What You Get Back
- Duplex (two-sided) printing
- Print quality settings
- Color printing modes
- Paper size options your printer reports
HP-specific extras — toner level readouts, HP Smart utility features — are part of HP's own software and are not restored by a replacement driver.
Why Not Just Use HP Smart?
HP Smart works well for newer HP printers, but it has limitations:
- Doesn't support all HP models (especially older LaserJets)
- Requires an HP account
- Can be slow and resource-heavy
- Doesn't restore all driver-level features
- Some users report HP Smart itself breaking after macOS updates
PrintCast Driver works at the system level, so your printer shows up in every app's print dialog.
PrintCast is independent software and is not affiliated with any printer manufacturer — results vary by model, and the free trial lets you confirm your printer.
Ready to fix your printer?
PrintCast Driver gets your printer printing again in minutes.
Free 7-day trial. No credit card required.
Fix 2: HP Smart App
If your HP printer is a newer model, HP Smart might be sufficient.
Setup
- Download HP Smart from the Mac App Store
- Open the app and create or sign into an HP account
- Click Add Printer and follow the setup wizard
- HP Smart will download any available drivers for your model
Supported Models
HP Smart works best with:
- HP printers manufactured after 2018
- Models with WiFi or Ethernet connectivity
- Printers in HP's "Smart" product line
Limitations
- Requires HP account creation
- Not all features available for all models
- The app itself can be buggy after macOS updates
- Older LaserJet and OfficeJet models may not be supported
Fix 3: Download HP Drivers Directly
HP still provides some driver packages for macOS.
Steps
- Go to hp.com/support
- Enter your printer model number
- Select macOS Sequoia as your operating system
- Download the driver package if one is available
- Run the installer and restart your Mac
The Reality
HP has not updated drivers for many older models. If your model isn't listed with a Sequoia-compatible driver, this approach won't work. You'll need PrintCast Driver or another solution.
Fix 4: Re-add the Printer
Sometimes removing and re-adding the printer allows macOS to find a better driver match.
For Network HP Printers
- Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
- Right-click your HP printer, select Remove Printer
- Click + to add a new printer
- Wait for your HP printer to appear
- Check the "Use" dropdown for available drivers
- Select the best option and click Add
For USB HP Printers
- Disconnect the USB cable
- Remove the printer from System Settings
- Restart your Mac
- Reconnect the USB cable
- Check if macOS finds a driver
What to Look For
When adding the printer, the "Use" dropdown might show:
- HP [model name]: Best option, specific driver found
- Secure AirPrint: Basic AirPrint support
- Generic PostScript/PCL: Minimal functionality
- Select Software...: Click this to search for additional drivers
Fix 5: Reset the Print System
If nothing else works, a full reset can clear corrupted configurations.
- Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
- Right-click in the printer list
- Select Reset printing system
- Confirm the reset (this removes all printers)
- Re-add your HP printer
After the reset, macOS will attempt to find drivers fresh. If the HP driver is still available in Apple's reduced collection, it may install automatically.
HP Printer Models and Sequoia Compatibility
| HP Series | Typical Status on Sequoia | Recommended Fix |
|---|---|---|
| LaserJet Pro (pre-2019) | Driver removed | PrintCast Driver |
| LaserJet Pro (2019+) | May work via AirPrint | HP Smart or PrintCast Driver |
| LaserJet Enterprise | Often affected | PrintCast Driver |
| OfficeJet Pro (pre-2018) | Driver removed | PrintCast Driver |
| OfficeJet Pro (2018+) | Usually works via HP Smart | HP Smart |
| DeskJet (most models) | Mixed support | HP Smart or PrintCast Driver |
| ENVY (pre-2019) | Driver removed | PrintCast Driver |
| ENVY (2019+) | Usually works via AirPrint | HP Smart |
Preventing Issues With Future macOS Updates
- Install PrintCast Driver before updating: Protects your HP printer during the transition
- Check HP's support page: Search your model + the new macOS version before updating
- Don't update on day one: Wait a week for driver updates to be released
- Keep HP Smart updated: If you use it, update it before updating macOS
The Bottom Line
HP printers breaking on macOS Sequoia isn't a bug that Apple or HP will fix. It's the result of Apple permanently removing third-party driver infrastructure from macOS. For older HP printers, those drivers aren't coming back.
PrintCast Driver provides a lasting solution for HP printers that use PCL5 or PostScript, and it is actively developed with compatibility updates as macOS evolves. If HP Smart doesn't support your model, or you want driver-level printing without creating an HP account, PrintCast Driver is worth trying.
Your HP printer hardware is fine. It just needs a new driver.