This tutorial will guide you through step by step instructions to install HPLIP on Ubuntu, covering prerequisites, installation methods, fixing common issues, configuring, testing, updating, and uninstalling HPLIP for HP printers and scanners.
HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) is an official HP-developed solution for printing, scanning, and faxing with HP inkjet and laser printers in Linux. It's crucial for Ubuntu users who own HP printers or scanners because it provides the necessary drivers and tools to ensure these devices work seamlessly with their Linux-based systems. The importance of HPLIP lies in its support for a wide range of HP devices, ensuring that users can access all functionalities of their HP printers and scanners, from basic printing to more complex tasks like duplex printing, color management, and scanning protocols. By using HPLIP, Ubuntu users can fully leverage the capabilities of their HP devices in a Linux environment, making it an essential component for both home and office settings.
Different methods to install HPLIP on Ubuntu
Method-1: Install HPLIP directly from Ubuntu repositories
To install HPLIP directly from Ubuntu repositories using the terminal, follow these simple step-by-step instructions. This method is suitable for users who prefer using the terminal for software installation and ensures that your printer or scanner will work with Ubuntu.
- Open Terminal: You can open the terminal by searching for it in your system's applications menu or by using the keyboard shortcut
Ctrl + Alt + T
. - Update Package Lists: Before installing any new software, it's a good practice to update the package lists to ensure you're getting the latest versions available. Execute
sudo apt update
using sudo privilege - Install HPLIP: Once the package lists are updated, you can install HPLIP using apt package manager by typing the following command
sudo apt install hplip hplip-gui hplp-data hplp-doc
- Confirm Installation: The terminal will display the packages that will be installed, including the amount of disk space they will use. Confirm the installation by typing
Y
when prompted and press Enter. - Wait for Installation to Complete: The installation process may take a few minutes, depending on your internet speed and the performance of your computer. During this time, HPLIP and any required dependencies will be downloaded and installed.
- Check Installation: After the installation process is complete, you can check if HPLIP is installed correctly by typing the following command and pressing Enter
hp-check
Here's a brief overview of what each of these packages offers:
hplip
: The core package that provides drivers for HP printers and scanners, allowing basic printing and scanning functionality.hplip-data
: This package contains data files for HPLIP, including printer and scanner models' information, which helps in ensuring compatibility and optimizing performance. It's generally installed automatically as a dependency ofhplip
.hplip-gui
: Offers a graphical user interface for HPLIP, making it easier for users to manage their HP devices without resorting to command-line operations. It includes the HP Device Manager for configuring devices, checking ink levels, and more.hplip-doc
: Provides documentation for HPLIP, including user guides, troubleshooting tips, and technical information. It's useful for users who need detailed information about HPLIP's features or are encountering issues that require in-depth troubleshooting.
Method-2: Adding a PPA to install the latest version of HPLIP
Adding a Personal Package Archive (PPA) for HPLIP on Ubuntu can provide you with more recent versions of the HPLIP software than what is available in the official Ubuntu repositories. This might be necessary if you need support for newer HP printer or scanner models or if you're seeking specific features or fixes introduced in the latest releases.
ppa:kelebek333/hplip
is a community-maintained Personal Package Archive (PPA) and not officially provided by HP. Community PPAs can offer newer versions of software than what's available in the official Ubuntu repositories, including HPLIP.
However, it's important to exercise caution when adding PPAs to your system, especially those not officially supported by the software developers. Community-maintained PPAs are managed by individuals or groups outside of the official Ubuntu development team, which means they can vary in terms of stability, security, and update frequency.- Open Terminal: Press
Ctrl + Alt + T
on your keyboard to open the terminal. This is where you will input all the commands. - Add the PPA: To add the HPLIP PPA to your system's software sources, use the
add-apt-repository
command followed by the PPA's address. For example, if there's an official or well-maintained PPA for HPLIP, you would use a command like thissudo add-apt-repository ppa:kelebek333/hplip -y
- Update Package List: After adding the PPA, update your package list to include the new repository's packages
sudo apt update
- Install HPLIP: Now you can install HPLIP (and potentially a newer version than what's available in the official repositories) by running
sudo apt install hplip hplip-gui hplp-data hplp-doc
- Check Installation: After the installation process is complete, you can check if HPLIP is installed correctly by typing the following command and pressing Enter
hp-check
Method-3: Download and Install HPLIP binary from HP website
Downloading and installing the HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) software manually from the HP website allows you to access the latest features and support for HP printers and scanners. This can be particularly useful if your device is not supported by the version of HPLIP available in your Linux distribution's repositories. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it, including how to handle potential dependency issues:
- Download the Latest HPLIP Installer: Visit the HP Developers Portal to find the latest version of HPLIP. Download the
.run
file for the latest HPLIP version. This file is a self-extracting installer. - Open a Terminal Window: You can typically open a terminal by pressing
Ctrl + Alt + T
or by searching for "Terminal" in your system's applications menu. - Navigate to the Download Directory: Use the
cd
command to navigate to the directory where you downloaded the.run
file. For example:cd ~/Downloads
- Make the Installer Executable: Before running the installer, you need to make it executable. Use the
chmod
command as followschmod +x hplip-*.run
- Run the Installer: Now, you can start the installation process by executing the
.run
file. Type the following command and press Enter./hplip-*.run
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through several steps, including agreeing to the license, selecting the installation options, and identifying your printer model. Pay attention to any instructions regarding dependency issues. The installer will check for required dependencies and inform you if any are missing.
- Handling Dependency Issues: If the installer reports missing dependencies, it will typically provide instructions on how to install them.
- Completing the Installation: Once all dependencies are resolved, follow the rest of the installer prompts to complete the installation of HPLIP. You may need to configure your printer or scanner at the end of the installation process.
- Verify the Installation: You can verify that HPLIP is installed correctly and check its version by running
hp-check
Configuring HPLIP
Configuring HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) for your HP printer or scanner involves a few steps to ensure that your device is properly set up and ready to use with your Ubuntu system. Here's a general guide to get you started:
- Install HPLIP: Make sure HPLIP is installed on your system. You can install it from the Ubuntu repositories or directly from the HP website for the latest version.
- Open HPLIP Toolbox: Once HPLIP is installed, you can access the HPLIP Toolbox, which is a graphical interface to manage your HP devices. You can open it by searching for "HPLIP" in your system's application menu or by running
hp-toolbox
in a terminal. - Run Setup Wizard: The HPLIP Toolbox includes a setup wizard that guides you through the process of adding a new printer or scanner. Click on the setup or add device button, and follow the on-screen instructions. The wizard will help you to discover your HP printer or scanner, either via USB or network connection.
- Choose Connection Type: Select how your HP device is connected to your computer—USB or network. If it's a network printer, you may need to enter its IP address or hostname, depending on your network configuration.
- Install Required Plugins: Some HP devices require proprietary binary plugins for full functionality. If prompted, allow the HPLIP Toolbox to download and install these plugins. You might need to enter your administrator password to proceed with the installation.
- Print Test Page: Once the setup is complete, it's a good idea to print a test page to ensure that the printer is working correctly. This option is typically available at the end of the setup wizard or from the printer's management page within the HPLIP Toolbox.
- Configure Scanner (if applicable): If your HP device includes scanning functionality, you can configure it using the HPLIP Toolbox. Access the scanner settings and follow the prompts to set up scanning options.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues during setup, consult the HPLIP website for troubleshooting guides and FAQs. Common issues may include driver compatibility, connection problems, or errors during plugin installation.
Uninstalling HPLIP
If you installed HPLIP directly from the Ubuntu repositories using apt
, you can uninstall it by running:
sudo apt remove --purge hplip
And to remove any unused dependencies that were installed with HPLIP:
sudo apt autoremove
If you added a PPA to install HPLIP, you should first remove the software, then the PPA. To remove HPLIP, use the same command as above. Then, to remove the PPA from your system, you can use the add-apt-repository
command with the --remove
flag:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kelebek333/hplip -y sudo apt update
If you followed the default installation process, HPLIP might be installed in a directory like /usr/share/hplip
. Navigate to this directory to look for an uninstall script.
sudo ./uninstall.py

Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Conclusion
HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) plays a critical role in ensuring that HP's range of printers and scanners function seamlessly with Linux operating systems. It bridges the gap between Linux's open-source ecosystem and HP's hardware, providing a comprehensive solution for managing and utilizing HP devices. The importance of HPLIP lies not only in its ability to deliver high-quality printing and scanning functionalities but also in its support for a wide variety of HP devices, ensuring that users can maximize the capabilities of their hardware.
For more detailed information about HPLIP, including installation guides, troubleshooting tips, and the latest updates, consider exploring the following resources:
- HPLIP Official Website: The go-to source for downloading the latest version of HPLIP, accessing detailed documentation, and finding support. Visit HP Developers - HPLIP
- HPLIP Installation and Troubleshooting Guide: Offers comprehensive instructions and solutions for common issues faced during the installation and use of HPLIP. For installation help, see HPLIP Installation & Support