Printer always comes up with 'The Printer isn't available' whenever trying to print.

[EJ-9]

Whenever I try to print from my android (and on a lot of occasions my laptop), the page just comes up with the message 'the printer isn't available right now'.

I've downloaded all the HP apps, and OCCASIONALLY they even work! but most of the time nothing will get it to recognise that the printer is connected. The printer is connected to the same wifi, I've had it print before so I know it CAN work, and the blue connection light on the printer is on. 

I've done everything I could think of, including checking connection settings and re-setting up the connections over and over again to no avail. Turning off and on, doing the same with the router, phone and laptop etc. I'm at the end of my wits with it, especially as it's done it ever since I got it and I'm not eligible to talk to anyone for support without being charged for it! 

Please help if you can! It was an expensive printer and its never really worked properly, its always done this on and off, yet when it actually works it's great!

Edit: I've already followed this whole guide and nothing worked. https://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c06200922

It is DEFINITELY not a problem with the network or router etc. I've even had it on different networks. It's definitely a problem with the action printer. 

[The_Fossette]

@EJ-9,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I reviewed your post and I understand that you are facing issues printing from the printer.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

• Are you using HP smart App on your phone?
• What is the operating system you are using on the computer?
• Are you able to make a copy?

Meanwhile, if you are using HP smart app I recommend you uninstall and then reinstall on the phone and check whether the issue is resolved.

Please refer to the below article for more information.

https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c03561640

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[EJ-9]

Hello,

I am using the HP smart app yes - only because i could never get it to work at all without it.

My computer is windows 10

And yes I am able to make a physical copy and i used HP smartscanner the other day just fine, just no printing 😕 

[Riddle_Decipher]

@EJ-9 Please follow the below steps to assign a manual/static IP to resolve your concern:

-Verify in the printer that 'Auto Off/Sleep' is disabled. Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) by going to the printers IP address in your browsers address bar, click Settings Tab/Auto-Off. --Or use the Printer Assistant, Printer Home Page (EWS). Also, check your Printers Properties.

-If the printer supports and has IPv6 enabled, turn off IPv6 in the printer.

-If needed and you assigned a static IP address, try using 8.8.8.8 for the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 at the Alternate DNS server. 

-Verify the printer is on the latest firmware by checking with the HP Support site.

In the router: (Refer to your router manual for information) 

Use a fixed wireless channel like 1, 6 or 11, never 'auto', try channel 1 first then the rest. 

Set router to 20Mhz only, or 145Mbps depending on the router. 

Always use WPA2-AES (Personal) encryption, but you can try `mixed' mode. 

Disable WPS and never use it and disable UPnP for the routers security. Nobody can hack your system now and helps with wireless connectivity (if you want to know why search the web).

If you have a dual-band router (2.4Ghz and 5.0Ghz bands), make sure the SSID's are NOT the same, they must be different for all bands, even for any Guest networks.

SSID broadcast must be enabled.

Save all settings. Power off both, wait 2 mins. Power on the router and wait 2 mins. 

Power on the printer and verify it reconnects to the router

You can also refer to the below video for the same. 

Note that, in the video, the interface shown is the Windows interface, but the steps are the same as it done using a web browser. 

And the article may have the title of another printer, but the steps are bound to help resolve your concern as well.

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCnYyq80V9g

Let me know how that pans out,

If you wish to thank me for my efforts, you could click on "Accept as solution" on my post as the solution should help others too.