Printer not responding... says idle

[Kervball]

I recently installed new printer HP 6978 using wireless connections with my Mac OX 10.11 El Capitan.  It worked fine for a month, and now every job sent says "Printing - The Printer is not responding'.  It also says "Idle"  on one of the screens.

The blue Wireless icon on the printer is solid blue.  I have reset my router, the printer, the computer.  No results.

What do I try next?  Is there an option for chatting to get answers?  Thanks.

[The_Fossette]

@Kervball,

Welcome to the HP Forums!

Thank you for posting your query on this forum, it's a great place to find answers.

I reviewed your post and I understand that you are unable to print.

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

In order that I may provide you with an accurate solution, I will need a few more details.

When was the last time the printer was working fine?

Have you made any software or hardware changes on the computer?

While you respond to that, I recommend you uninstall the printer completely from the computer and then reinstall it as AirPrint printer and check whether the issue is resolved.

Here is how it is done.

1. Search the Mac for Print, and then click Print & Fax, Print & Scan, or Printers & Scanners in the list of results.

2. Find the printer names that match your printer from the list of devices.

   Figure : Printers and Scanner window with multiple names of a printer in the list

   

3. If you see multiple printer queues for the same printer, remove all extra printers by selecting them one at a time, and then clicking the minus button  at the bottom of the list. Leave one 'idle' printer in the list that matches your printer if available and use this printer as the Default printer.

4. Try printing again.

   • If the printer prints, you can stop troubleshooting.

   • If the printer remains offline or displays an error, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Delete the existing print queue and add the printer

Remove the printer queue from the list of printers, and then add it again. Doing so creates a new printing session.

1. Make sure your Mac is connected to the Internet.

2. In the Printers list, click your HP printer, and then click the Minus button  to delete it.

3. Click the Add button .

4. Find and select the name of your printer from the Printer list, and then click Add to add your printer. Do not select an HP Fax driver.

      NOTE:

   If your printer does not display in the list, make sure the printer is connected, turned on, has power, and is ready to print.

   Figure : Example of the printer selection list

   

5. Click Print Using or Use.

6. Select the name of your printer (if available) or AirPrint.

   Figure : Menu showing AirPrint selected

   

   Your new printer queue displays in the Printers list in an Idle status .

   Figure : Example of a newly added printer in the Printers & Scanners list

   

7. Try printing again.

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!