Fix 'Encryption Credentials Expired' Error on HP Printers (MacOS)

Updated at: 16/06/2025

Frustrated with an "Encryption Credentials Expired" error on your HP printer connected to your macOS device? This frustrating issue prevents printing, but don't worry! This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to quickly resolve the problem. We'll cover troubleshooting techniques, from simple restarts to more advanced solutions, ensuring you're back to printing smoothly in no time. Let's get your HP printer working again!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Identify the Problem

    • When printing from MacOS, an 'encryption credentials expired' error message appears, preventing printing.
    Identify the error: When printing from MacOS, an 'encryption credentials expired' error message appears, preventing printing.
    Identify the Problem

  2. Install HP Smart App

    • Download from 123.hp.com or your app store.
    Download HP Smart App (if not already installed): Download from 123.hp.com or your app store.
    Install HP Smart App

  3. Access Printer Settings

    • Select your printer and go to printer settings.
    • Find and select 'Advanced Settings' or 'Embedded Web Service (EWS)' in the app.
    Navigate to Advanced Settings or EWS: Find and select 'Advanced Settings' or 'Embedded Web Service (EWS)' in the app. Navigate to Advanced Settings or EWS: Find and select 'Advanced Settings' or 'Embedded Web Service (EWS)' in the app.
    Access Printer Settings

  4. Access and Login to EWS

    • If prompted, enter login credentials.
    Open EWS: If prompted, enter login credentials.
    Access and Login to EWS

  5. Generate New Certificate

    • In EWS, go to 'Network Summary', then scroll down to 'Security', and select 'Certificates'.
    • Select 'Configure', then 'Create a new self-signed certificate'. Follow the on-screen prompts.
    • Click 'Next' and 'Finish'.
    Complete Certificate Creation: Click 'Next' and 'Finish'. Complete Certificate Creation: Click 'Next' and 'Finish'. Complete Certificate Creation: Click 'Next' and 'Finish'.
    Generate New Certificate

  6. Test Printing

    • The printer will generate a new certificate (defaulting to 10 years validity). Close EWS and try printing again.
    Close EWS and Test Printing: The printer will generate a new certificate (defaulting to 10 years validity). Close EWS and try printing again.
    Test Printing
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Tips

  • The new certificate is valid for 10 years.
  • Refer to HP's YouTube channel for videos in other languages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Date and Time

Reason: The printer's internal clock may be inaccurate, causing it to reject the encryption credentials due to a perceived expiration.
Solution: Correct the date and time settings on your Mac and the printer itself.

2. Using an Incorrect or Expired Security Certificate

Reason: The printer's security certificate might be outdated, corrupted, or simply not the one expected by your network settings.
Solution: Check your printer's settings, update the certificate, and ensure it's compatible with your network's security protocols.

FAQs

Why am I getting the 'Encryption Credentials Expired' error on my HP printer?
This error usually occurs because the security certificate used to encrypt the communication between your Mac and the printer has expired. This is a security measure to protect your data.
Will deleting and reinstalling the printer solve the problem?
Often, yes. Removing the printer from your Mac's system preferences and then re-adding it forces a fresh connection and often reinstalls the necessary security certificates, resolving the expired credentials error. Make sure to download the latest printer driver from HP's website before reinstalling.