How should I install HPLIP binary/proprietary plugin/driver for my HP printer or printer+scanner?

Question

Let's assume that one has some modern HP printer and/or scanner which is supported by HPLIP package from official repository. Or supported by newer version of HPLIP package (see this answer about installation).

From official documentation (HP Developer Portal | All Supported Printer Models) it is known that device needs proprietary/binary driver or plugin.

How should one install such plugin?

Solution 1

For HPLIP from APT make sure that you have installed hplip-gui package. If it is not installed - install it with:

sudo apt-get install hplip-gui

According to official HP documentation we need to have HPLIP installed and then install binary plugin as follows.

To install the plug-in using the GUI you can follow these procedures:

1. Launch a command-line window and enter:

   hp-setup
   

2. Select your connection type and click "Next".

3. Select your printer from "Selected Devices" list and click "Next".

4. Enter your root password when prompted and click "Next".

5. Use the recommended installation method and click "Next".

6. Check the box to accept with the "Driver Plug-In License Agreement" and click "Next".

7. Finish the installation of the printer as normal, however you may be prompted to re-enter your user name and password.

If you run into any additional install problems you can go to our known issues page and check for a solution.

For advanced users who wish to install HPLIP components manually, a utility exists (hp-plugin) which will download and install the plugin file, but it does not also install a printer queue like hp-setup does.

Do the following:

1. Launch a command-line window and enter:

   hp-plugin
   

2. Follow the directions above for navigating the GUI but remember that the printer queue will not be installed through this process.

Solution 2

On new Ubuntu 19.10 there was a problem: the plug in not won't install no more.

I found a solution here by zaskar_84 user

I report this here using concrete command to realize it.

$ sudo mkdir -p {/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu,/usr/lib64/x86_64-linux-gnu}
$ sudo ln -s /usr/lib/sane /usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/sane
$ sudo ln -s /usr/lib64/x86_64-linux-gnu /usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu
$ sudo ln -s /usr/lib64/sane /usr/lib64/x86_64-linux-gnu/sane
$ hp-setup

Best regards to zaskar_84

Comments

[Admin]

Once installed, there is also the HP Toolbox (I can access it with a runner/launcher, its desktop file contains the line Exec=sh -c 'STARTED_FROM_MENU=yes /usr/bin/hp-toolbox') which also provides options to add/remove printers but also many other options and info, like ink levels.

[snurfle]

Fails to complete step 6 on 19.04 with a "failed to download key." This was immediately fixed by changing apparmor settings, but that is not a good solution. Will try wiping 19.04 and returning to 18.04 :-/