Multifunction Printer Scanner Not Working? Detection and Scan Fixes

01Overview

It is common for a multifunction printer scanner not to be working even though printing is fine. Printing and scanning use different software paths: your computer may have a print driver but no scan driver, or the scan app may be looking for the scanner on an old network address. This guide works through the causes in order, from the quick checks to reinstalling the official scan software.

Messages vary. You may see “No scanners were detected”, a scanner that appears and then fails, or a scan button on the printer that says it can’t find a computer. Treat the wording here as examples.

02Before you start

• Confirm printing works. If the printer can’t print from this computer either, solve that first with laser printer not detected.
• Check the printer’s display. Make sure there are no messages about an open scanner lid, a document feeder jam or a locked scanner. Some models have a scanner lock for shipping; your quick-start guide shows whether yours does.
• Note how you scan. From an app on the computer, or from the printer’s buttons to the computer. The fixes differ.
• Use official software only. Get scan software from the manufacturer’s support site or your operating system’s updates.

03Key terms

• Scan driver: software that lets your computer control the scanner. It can be separate from the print driver.
• Full software package: the manufacturer’s installer that adds print and scan drivers plus scanning tools.
• Push scan: scanning started from the printer’s control panel and sent to a computer. Usually needs the manufacturer’s software running on the computer.
• Pull scan: scanning started from an app on the computer, such as Windows Scan or Image Capture.
• Privacy permissions: operating system settings that control which apps may use connected devices or the local network.

04Fix a scanner the computer can’t find

1. Restart everything in order. Turn off the printer, restart the router if the printer is on the network, turn the printer on, then restart the computer. Does the scanner appear now? If yes, try a scan.
2. Check the connection path. For USB, connect directly to the computer, not through a hub. For network printers, print a configuration report and confirm the printer and computer are on the same network. If the printer’s IP address has changed, scan apps may still look for the old one.
3. Look in the right place. On Windows, open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners and check that your device appears. Some show one entry for both printing and scanning. On a Mac, open System Settings, Printers & Scanners, select the printer and look for a Scan option, or open Image Capture.
4. Remove and re-add the device. Removing the printer and adding it again often brings back the scanner as well, because the system installs both drivers.
5. Install the manufacturer’s full software package. Download the current package for your exact model and operating system from the manufacturer’s official site. Choose the full package rather than the basic print-only driver. Does the scanner appear now? If yes, continue to the check section.
6. Check permissions and security software. On a Mac, allow the manufacturer’s app the permissions it asks for, if it explains why. On any system, security software can block network scanning; check its local network settings without turning protection off permanently.

05Fix scans that start but fail or look wrong

1. Scan from the computer instead of the printer’s buttons. If pull scans work but push scans don’t, the manufacturer’s scan software on the computer may not be running, or the printer may not have the computer registered as a destination. The manual explains how your model sets this up.
2. Try the flatbed instead of the feeder. If flatbed scans work but feeder scans fail, the document feeder may be jammed or the paper unsuitable. See using the ADF and copying.
3. Clean the glass with a dry, lint-free cloth. For a feeder, many manuals also show a narrow glass strip the pages pass over; dust there causes lines on feeder scans only.
4. Lower the resolution. Very high settings can make scans slow or fail on older computers.

06Check that it worked

1. The scanner is listed on your computer and a scan app can select it.
2. A test scan from the flatbed saves a clean file.
3. If you use the document feeder, a multi-page test scan comes through in order.
4. If you scan from the printer’s buttons, the scan arrives on your computer.
5. The scanner still works after you restart the computer and printer.

07When to contact the manufacturer

Contact the manufacturer through its official support site if:

• The printer shows a scanner error or a scanner lock message that the manual doesn’t resolve.
• Every scan has a dark band, line or blank area after cleaning the glass.
• No scan software is offered for your operating system version.
• The scanner lid hinge or document feeder is damaged.

08FAQ

Why does my printer print but not scan?

Printing and scanning often use separate drivers. Your computer may have a print driver but no scan driver. Installing the manufacturer’s full software package usually fixes it.

Do I need the manufacturer’s app to scan?

Not always. Windows and macOS can scan with many multifunction printers. The manufacturer’s app is often needed for scanning from the printer’s own buttons and for extra features.

Why does my scanner work over USB but not Wi-Fi?

Network scanning depends on the printer and computer being on the same network and on the computer finding the printer’s current address. Remove and re-add the printer, or reserve its address on the router.

What causes a line on every scan?

Dust or a mark on the scanner glass, or on the feeder’s scanning strip, is the most common cause. If cleaning doesn’t help, contact the manufacturer.

Can a Windows or macOS update stop scanning?

Occasionally an update changes how scan drivers work. Check the manufacturer’s site for updated software for your operating system version.