How to Use the Scanner on Your Printer: Setup & Troubleshooting for HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother
Last Updated:The Short Answer
Most all-in-one printers include a built-in flatbed or automatic document feeder (ADF) scanner. To scan, you place your document on the glass or in the feeder, then start the scan either from the printer's own touchscreen, from your computer's Scan app, or from the manufacturer's mobile app. This guide covers setup and scanning steps for HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother all-in-one printers, plus troubleshooting for common scanner problems.
How to Tell If Your Printer Has a Scanner
Not every printer includes scanning. Check for these signs: a flat glass panel with a lid on top of the printer (flatbed scanner), a small paper tray on top designed for feeding multiple pages (automatic document feeder), or "All-in-One" / "MFC" (multi-function) in the model name. If your printer is a single-function inkjet or laser printer with no glass panel, it does not have scanning capability.
How to Set Up Your Printer's Scanner (First-Time Setup)
- Install your printer's full driver package (not just the print driver) from the manufacturer's website — this typically includes the scan utility software
- Connect your printer to your computer via USB or the same Wi-Fi network
- Open your computer's built-in scan app (Windows: "Windows Fax and Scan" or "Scan" app from the Microsoft Store; Mac: "Image Capture" or Preview's Import from Scanner) and confirm your printer/scanner is detected
- Alternatively, use the manufacturer's dedicated app (HP Smart, Canon IJ Scan Utility, Epson Scan 2, or Brother iPrint&Scan) for a more full-featured scanning experience
How to Scan on an HP Printer
- Place your document face-down on the scanner glass (align with the corner marker) or face-up in the automatic document feeder if your model has one
- Open the HP Smart app on your computer or phone
- Select your printer, then tap "Scan"
- Choose the scan type (document or photo), adjust settings if needed, and click "Scan"
- Save the scanned file as a PDF or image, or send it directly to email, cloud storage, or print
You can also start a scan directly from the printer's touchscreen on many HP OfficeJet and Envy models: press the Scan icon on the display, choose your destination (computer, email, or USB drive), and follow the prompts.
How to Scan on a Canon Printer
- Place your document on the glass, face-down, or in the ADF face-up
- Open Canon IJ Scan Utility (desktop) or the Canon PRINT app (mobile)
- Select "Document" or "Photo" scanning mode
- Click/tap "Scan" and choose your save location
Many Canon PIXMA models also let you initiate scans from the printer's own control panel: press the Scan button, select your computer as the destination, and the scan will process and save automatically.
How to Scan on an Epson Printer
- Load your document on the glass or ADF
- Open Epson Scan 2 or the Epson Smart Panel app
- Choose Document Mode or Photo Mode depending on what you're scanning
- Adjust resolution (300 DPI is standard for documents; 600 DPI+ for detailed photos)
- Click "Scan" and select where to save the file
How to Scan on a Brother Printer
- Place your document on the glass or in the ADF
- Open Brother iPrint&Scan on your computer or phone
- Select "Scan," choose your document type, and tap Scan
- Alternatively, on the printer's own touchscreen: press Scan > Scan to PC (or Scan to USB/Email/Cloud) > select destination > Start
Document Scanning vs. Photo Scanning Settings
| Setting | Document Scanning | Photo Scanning |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 200-300 DPI | 600-1200 DPI |
| Color mode | Black & white or grayscale | Full color |
| File format | JPEG or TIFF | |
| Auto-crop/deskew | Usually on | Usually off (preserve original) |
How to Connect Your Printer's Scanner to a Computer
If your scanner isn't showing up when you try to scan:
- USB connection: Make sure the USB cable is fully seated in both the printer and computer. Try a different USB port.
- Wi-Fi connection: Confirm both devices are on the same network. Some routers with "AP isolation" or guest network settings block device-to-device communication — check your router settings if the printer prints fine but won't scan.
- Reinstall the full driver package (not just "print driver only") from your manufacturer's support site — scanning requires a separate driver component that's sometimes skipped during quick installs.
Troubleshooting: Scanner Not Working
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner not detected by computer | Driver not installed or outdated | Reinstall full driver package from manufacturer site |
| Printer works but scanner doesn't | Scan component missing from install | Run "modify/repair" on driver installation, or reinstall fully |
| Scan quality is blurry or has lines | Dirty scanner glass | Clean glass with a lint-free cloth and glass cleaner |
| ADF jams or misfeeds pages | Too many pages loaded, or dusty rollers | Load fewer pages at once; clean feed rollers |
| Scan-to-email not working | Email server settings not configured on printer | Set up SMTP settings via printer's web interface (EWS) |
| Scanned file is blank or black | Document placed wrong side up | Confirm correct orientation (usually face-down on glass, face-up in ADF) |
How to Clean Your Scanner Glass
Dust, fingerprints, or debris on the scanner glass will show up as lines, streaks, or spots on every scan. To clean:
- Power off the printer and open the scanner lid
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water or a dedicated glass cleaner (avoid spraying directly on the glass — spray the cloth instead)
- Wipe gently in one direction, then dry with a clean, dry section of the cloth
- For the underside of the lid (the white or black backing), wipe gently as well — buildup here can also cause scan artifacts
For related maintenance, see our guide on How to Clean Printer Ink Cartridges.
Scan to Email and Scan to Cloud Setup
Most business-oriented all-in-one printers support scanning directly to an email address or cloud storage service (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) without going through a computer. This is typically configured through the printer's built-in web interface (accessed by typing the printer's IP address into a browser) under a "Scan Settings" or "Network Scan" section. You'll need your email provider's SMTP server details, or you can sign in directly to supported cloud services from the printer's touchscreen on many newer models.
Summary
Scanning with your printer is straightforward once the correct driver is installed: place your document on the glass or in the automatic feeder, then start the scan from your printer's touchscreen, your computer's scan app, or the manufacturer's mobile app (HP Smart, Canon IJ Scan Utility, Epson Scan 2, or Brother iPrint&Scan). If scanning doesn't work but printing does, the most common fix is reinstalling the complete driver package rather than just the print-only driver.
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