Installing HP Printer Drivers on Linux Mint and Ubuntu

HP printers work reasonably well on Linux, though the setup process varies depending on whether you have a network printer or a USB-connected device. Here’s what you need to know.

Install HPLIP

HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) is the main driver package for HP printers. Install it along with the GUI configuration tool:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install hplip hplip-gui

Note: aptitude still works but apt is the standard in modern Mint and Ubuntu. Aptitude also isn’t installed by default anymore.

Configure Your Printer

Using the GUI

For most users, the graphical setup is easiest:

sudo hp-setup

This launches a wizard that detects connected printers and walks you through configuration. The tool will auto-detect USB printers immediately and network printers on your local subnet.

Using the Command Line

If you prefer the terminal or need to script printer setup:

sudo hp-setup -i

This runs the setup in interactive mode without the GUI. You can also auto-detect and install without interaction:

sudo hp-setup -a

Verify the Installation

Check if your printer was detected and added to CUPS (the printing system):

lpstat -p -d

This shows all configured printers and which one is default. Test printing:

echo "Test print" | lp -d PrinterName

Replace PrinterName with your actual printer’s name from lpstat output.

Network Printer Setup

For network printers, ensure your printer is on the same subnet and has a stable IP address (set a static IP in your printer’s web interface if possible). The HP setup tool will find it automatically, but you can also add it manually through the CUPS web interface:

sudo cupsctl --remote-admin --share-printers

Then navigate to http://localhost:631 in your browser and add the printer via the “Administration” tab.

Troubleshooting

Printer not detected:

• Check that USB cable is securely connected (for USB printers) or that the device is on the network
• Run sudo hp-probe -buslist to manually detect connected devices
• Try unplugging and replugging the USB cable

Plugin installation needed:
Some newer HP printers require proprietary plugins. The setup wizard will prompt you to download these if needed. If it fails, try:

sudo hp-plugin -i

Permission denied errors:
Ensure your user is in the lp and lpadmin groups:

sudo usermod -aG lp,lpadmin $USER

You’ll need to log out and back in for group changes to take effect.

Printer queue stuck:
Clear the print queue if jobs won’t process:

sudo cancel -a
sudo systemctl restart cups

Check Printer Status

View real-time printer information and test cartridge levels (on supported models):

hp-info -d PrinterName

Or use the diagnostic tool:

hp-doctor

This runs a comprehensive health check on your HPLIP installation and connected devices.

Remove or Switch Printers

To delete a printer from CUPS:

sudo lpadmin -x PrinterName

To view all configured printers and remove via GUI:

sudo system-config-printer

Most HP printers—including multifunction devices—work reliably on Linux once HPLIP is properly installed. If you encounter driver issues on a specific model, check the HPLIP Supported Printers database to confirm your model is supported and note any quirks for that device.