For Ubuntu users looking to streamline their HP device management, learning to install HPLIP on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 is a must. The HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) software brings a wealth of functionality to your HP devices, from printing to scanning and faxing, all within the comfort of your Linux environment.
Here’s a snapshot of what HPLIP brings to the table:
- Broad Device Support: With over 3,000 HP printer models compatibility, HPLIP will likely support your device.
- All-in-One Solution: Enjoy features like automatic printer discovery, integrated print spooling, and advanced printing options, including duplex and borderless printing.
- Scan and Fax: HPLIP isn’t just for printing; it fully supports scanning and faxing functions on multifunction HP devices.
- Frequent Updates: Regular updates from HP ensure that your drivers remain up-to-date with the latest enhancements and fixes.
- User-Friendly Interface: The HP Device Manager, HPLIP’s graphical tool, makes device management straightforward and accessible.
- Community-Driven: As an open-source project, HPLIP is free and continuously refined by community input.
Equipped with these features, Ubuntu users can enjoy a seamless and efficient experience with their HP printers and multifunction devices. Our upcoming guide will cover the commands to install HPLIP on your system.
Update Ubuntu Packages Before Installation Packages
Before we begin the HPLIP installation, updating your system packages is crucial. This ensures that all existing packages are up-to-date and minimizes the chance of conflicts during the installation process. Run the following command in your terminal to update and upgrade your packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall HPLIP on Ubuntu via APT Command
In your terminal, proceed to install the default HPLIP driver packages. These packages should work for most Ubuntu users, including users on Ubuntu short-term releases:
sudo apt install hplip hplip-data hplip-gui hplip-docConfigure and Test HPLIP
After successfully launching HPLIP, it’s essential to configure and test the basic setup to ensure your HP devices are working correctly with the software. This section will walk you through configuring and testing your HP devices using HPLIP.
Step 1: Run HPLIP Setup
The setup process is similar whether you use the CLI or GUI method to launch HPLIP. If you haven’t already, run the hp-setup command in the terminal or launch HPLIP via the GUI method described in the previous section.
hp-setup
Step 2: Select Connection Type
When the HPLIP setup window appears, you will be prompted to choose the connection type for your HP device. You can choose USB, Network/Ethernet/Wireless, or Parallel. Select the appropriate connection type for your device and click “Next.”
Step 3: Discover and Select Your Device
HPLIP will now scan for connected HP devices based on the connection type you selected. If your device is not automatically detected, you may need to manually enter its IP address or hostname (for Network/Ethernet/Wireless connections). Once your device appears in the list, select it and click “Next.”
Step 4: Configure Printer Settings
In this step, you will configure the basic settings for your HP printer, such as the printer name and description. If desired, you can also share the printer on your local network.
After configuring the settings, click “Next.”
Step 5: Install the Printer Driver
HPLIP will now prompt you to install the appropriate printer driver for your device. It will automatically select the recommended driver, but you can also choose a different driver from the list if needed. Click “Next” to begin the driver installation process.
Testing HPLIP Installation
Once you have configured your HP devices using either the CLI or GUI method, it’s essential to test the installation to ensure that your devices are functioning correctly with HPLIP. This section will provide instructions on testing your HPLIP installation for printing and scanning tasks.
Print a Test Page
To confirm that your HP printer is functioning correctly, it’s recommended that you print a test page. You can do this through the HPLIP setup process or directly from your operating system.
CLI Method:
In your terminal, enter the following command, replacing “printer_name” with the name of your HP printer:
lp -d printer_name /usr/share/cups/data/testprintGUI Method:
- Open the Printers application on your Ubuntu system.
- Locate and select your HP printer in the list of available printers.
- Right-click on the printer and choose Properties.
- In the printer properties window, click on the Print Test Page button.
If the test page prints successfully, your HP printer is appropriately set up and functioning with HPLIP.
Test Scanning Functionality
If you have an HP all-in-one device with scanning capabilities, you can test the functionality using HPLIP’s built-in scan utility.
CLI Method:
In your terminal, enter the following command to initiate a test scan:
hp-scan --output=my-test-scan.pngThis command will create a test scan and save it as “my-test-scan.png” in your current working directory.
GUI Method:
- Launch the HPLIP Toolbox by searching for “HPLIP” in your application menu and clicking the HPLIP Toolbox icon.
- In the HPLIP Toolbox window, locate and select your HP all-in-one device.
- Click on the Scan button to open the scanning utility.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a test scan, adjusting the scan settings as needed.
If the test scan completes successfully, your HP all-in-one device’s scanning functionality is properly set up and working with HPLIP.
Additional HPLIP Commands
This section will cover some useful HPLIP-related commands for Ubuntu users, such as updating HPLIP, removing HPLIP, and removing the HPLIP PPA repository.
Update HPLIP
HPLIP should update automatically with your system packages if you use the APT package manager on a desktop system. However, if you want to check for updates manually, you can use the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThis command will update your package index and upgrade the installed packages, including HPLIP, to their latest versions.
Remove HPLIP
If you no longer need HPLIP on your system, you can remove it using the following command:
sudo apt remove hplipThis command will uninstall the HPLIP software from your Ubuntu system.
Conclusion: Installing HPLIP on Ubuntu
In this guide, we’ve covered the essential steps to install HPLIP on Ubuntu Linux. We’ve walked you through updating your system packages, installing HPLIP, and managing the software using various commands. Following these steps, you can successfully set up your HP printer or scanner on your Ubuntu system and ensure optimal performance.