How To Install HPLIP on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install HPLIP on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. HPLIP is an open-source driver package developed by HP to provide full support for their printers and multifunction devices on Linux systems. It offers a wide range of features, including high-quality printing, scanning, faxing, ink level monitoring, and wireless connectivity. HPLIP is compatible with most HP inkjet and laser printers, making it a versatile solution for Ubuntu users.

The benefits of using HPLIP on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS are numerous. It ensures that your HP printer functions at its best, with access to all its features and capabilities. HPLIP also provides a user-friendly interface for managing your printer settings and performing maintenance tasks. Additionally, it receives regular updates to support the latest HP printer models and fix any bugs or compatibility issues.

This article assumes you have at least basic knowledge of Linux, know how to use the shell, and most importantly, you host your site on your own VPS. The installation is quite simple and assumes you are running in the root account, if not you may need to add ‘sudo‘ to the commands to get root privileges. I will show you the step-by-step installation of the HPLIP on Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat). You can follow the same instructions for Ubuntu 22.04 and any other Debian-based distribution like Linux Mint, Elementary OS, Pop!_OS, and more as well.

Prerequisites

• A server running one of the following operating systems: Ubuntu and any other Debian-based distribution like Linux Mint.
• It’s recommended that you use a fresh OS install to prevent any potential issues.
• SSH access to the server (or just open Terminal if you’re on a desktop).
• An active internet connection. You’ll need an internet connection to download the necessary packages and dependencies.
• An Ubuntu 24.04 system with root access or a user with sudo privileges.

Install HPLIP on Ubuntu 24.04

Step 1. Updating the Package Repository.

To ensure a smooth installation, update your Ubuntu system to the latest version. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

These commands will fetch the latest package information and upgrade any outdated packages on your system.

Step 2. Installing HPLIP on Ubuntu 24.04.

• Method 1: Using Ubuntu Software Center

The simplest way to install HPLIP is through the Ubuntu Software Center. Follow these steps:

1. 1. Open the Ubuntu Software Center from your application menu.
   2. Search for “hplip” in the search bar.
   3. Click on the “HPLIP” package and select “Install.”
   4. Enter your password when prompted and wait for the installation to complete.

This method is straightforward and requires minimal technical knowledge. However, the version of HPLIP available in the Software Center may not always be the latest release.

• Method 2: Using Terminal (APT)

Installing HPLIP via the terminal using the APT package manager gives you more control over the process. Here’s how:

sudo apt install hplip hplip-gui

This method ensures that you get the version of HPLIP packaged for your specific Ubuntu release. It’s a quick and efficient way to install HPLIP, especially for users comfortable with the command line.

• Method 3: Manual Installation.

For advanced users who require the latest version of HPLIP or have specific customization needs, manual installation is the way to go. Follow these steps:

wget https://downloads.sourceforge.net/hplip/hplip-3.24.4.run

Make the downloaded file executable:

chmod +x hplip-3.21.12.run

Install the required dependencies:

sudo apt install python3-dev libcups2-dev libcupsimage2-dev libdbus-1-dev libsane-dev

Run the installation script:

sudo ./hplip-3.21.12.run

Manual installation allows you to access the latest features and bug fixes. However, it requires more technical expertise and may involve resolving dependency issues manually.

After successfully installing HPLIP, it’s time to configure your HP printer and ensure everything is working correctly. First, connect your HP printer to your Ubuntu system, either via USB or network. Then, open the HPLIP Toolbox by running:

hp-toolbox

Next, add your HP printer to the system by running:

hp-setup

This command will guide you through the process of detecting and adding your printer. Select the appropriate connection type (USB or network) and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

To test the installation, print a test page from any application or using the HPLIP Toolbox. Verify that the output quality meets your expectations and that all printer features are functioning correctly.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed HPLIP. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the HPLIP on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the HPLIP website.