Fix: Error Communicating With the Scanner (-9923)

When you try to scan over a network, your Mac may occasionally throw an alert that says “An error occurred while communicating with the scanner (-9923)“. This error bricks the scanning feature on your printer. Unfortunately, restarting your Mac and printer doesn’t always solve the problem. We did the heavy lifting for you and compiled this list of potential solutions.

Fix: An Error Occurred While Communicating With the Scanner (-9923)

Check if Your Printer Is Compatible With macOS

Many macOS users complained about various printer-related issues after upgrading to Big Sur. The latest macOS versions are not compatible with old printer models. If you started getting this error after installing the latest updates, that could indicate your printer is not compatible with your OS version. For more information about printer compatibility with macOS, go to your printer manufacturer’s official website.

Check the Printer Hardware

Check your printer hardware to isolate the source of the issue.

1. Place a document on the scanner bed and try to make a copy. If you can scan and copy the document, jump to the next step.
2. If you can’t make a copy, the printer hardware could be faulty. Pursue the steps below to isolate the problem.
3. Unplug the power cord from the printer and wall outlet.
4. Press and hold the power button on your printer for 20 to 30 seconds to get rid of any additional charge. Release the power button and wait for two more minutes.
5. Plug the power cable back in, and turn on the printer.
6. Try to make a copy again. If the attempt is successful, this indicates the printer itself is not faulty.

Update Your Printer Drivers

Make sure you’re running the latest printer driver version on your device. As a quick reminder, macOS uses AirPrint to download the newest printer driver. However, if your printer is not compatible with AirPrint, you can use Software Update to download the latest driver. Click on the Apple menu, select System Preferences, and click Software Update. Install any pending software updates.

Set IPv6 to Automatic

Go to System Preferences, and select Network. Then click on Wi-Fi, go to Advanced, and set IPv6 to Automatic.

Many users confirmed that error code -9923 may sometimes occur if IPv6 is set to Link-local only. Check if setting IPv6 to Automatic did the trick for you as well.

Reinstall the Printer

If the error persists, uninstall and reinstall your printer.

1. Go to System Preferences, and select Printers & Scanners.

   

2. Select the problematic printer in the left-hand panel, and click on the minus sign to remove it.
3. Restart your computer and printer.
4. Pair the two devices again.

Reset the Print System

1. Go back to Printers & Scanners.
2. Right-click in the Printers pane, and select Reset printing system.
3. Hit the Reset option. Enter your admin user name and password when prompted. Hit OK.
4. Try to scan your documents again and check if error -9923 is gone.

Reinstall the Printer Driver and Software

1. Launch Finder, click on the Go menu and select Applications.
2. Locate your printer folder. Click and drag the folder to Trash.
3. Click again on the Go menu, and select Go to Folder.
4. Type /Library/Printers in the search field and hit Go.
5. Select the printer folder and move it to Trash.
6. Right-click on the Trash icon, and select Empty Trash.
7. Restart your Mac, go to Printers and Scanners, and select Add Printer or Scanner. Reinstall your printer, and check the results.

Conclusion

If your Mac says that an error occurred while communicating with the scanner (-9923), make sure your printer is compatible with your macOS version. Then unplug the power cord from the printer and wall outlet. If the issue persists, set IPv6 to Automatic, reset the print system and reinstall the printer driver and software. Which of these solutions did the trick for you? Let us know in the comments below.