If your computer can't find your scanner, the connection, driver, or network discovery settings are the most likely causes.

Quick Answer

Confirm the printer and computer are on the same network, then reinstall the scanner driver if it still isn't detected.

On This Page
  1. Common Reasons This Happens
  2. Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting
  3. 1. Confirm Network Connection
  4. 2. Reinstall the Scanner Driver
  5. 3. Restart the Printer and Computer
  6. 4. Check Third-Party Scan Software
  7. What If It's Still Not Fixed?
  8. Frequently Asked Questions

Common Reasons my scanner not detected

A network mismatch

Wireless scanners need the same network connection as printing, and can fail separately even if printing works.

A missing scanner driver

Some systems install a print driver automatically but skip the scanner component.

Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before you start:
  • Confirm printing works fine, to isolate the issue to scanning specifically.
  • Check for the scanner listed separately in Devices and Printers or Image Capture.

1. Confirm Network Connection

1

Make sure the printer/scanner is on the same WiFi network as your computer.

2. Reinstall the Scanner Driver

2

Download and install the scanner-specific driver package from the manufacturer.

3. Restart the Printer and Computer

3

A fresh restart often resolves a scanner that print functions alone don't fix.

4. Check Third-Party Scan Software

4

Confirm any scanning app you're using recognizes the correct device from its own device list.

What If It's Still Not Fixed?

If you've worked through every step above and the problem continues, it's worth checking a nearby cause rather than repeating the same steps. The guides below cover the most common related issues.

Still stuck? Try describing the problem in your own words using the search bar — different symptoms of the same root cause are often covered on a related page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Print and scan often use separate driver components, so one can fail to install or update while the other keeps working normally.

People Also Ask

  • Remove the printer from System Settings > Printers & Scanners and add it again to refresh its connection status. Read the full guide →
  • Open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and turn off "Use Printer Offline" if it appears. Read the full guide →
  • Check that the print settings aren't set to grayscale, run a nozzle cleaning cycle, and confirm every color cartridge has ink and is seated correctly. Read the full guide →
  • From the printer's screen, open network settings, select your WiFi network, enter the password, then add the printer on your computer or phone. Read the full guide →

Related Guides

Why Is My Printer Scanner Not Working? Why Does My Printer Say Driver Unavailable?