Printer prints unknown symbols

[Rniko]

Hello, I have Macbook Pro running on macOS Big Sur 11.1 recently i bought HP Laser MFP 137 fnw printer, I set it up using wifi and tried to print some stuff, at first it worked fine, after some time when I would like to print something either pdf file or jpg (directly from preview or from Microsoft word) printer starts printing unknown symbols on the top of paper and never stops until I unplug it, could you please help me to solve this problem ?

[Jay_G24]

Hi @Rniko,

I'd like to help!

Try updating mac and printer firmware

To update the printer's firmware, refer - HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware 

 To update Mac, try these steps - How to update the software on your Mac

Add the AirPrint printer to the Mac printer queue

Confirm you are using AirPrint by adding the printer in System Preferences.

1. Click the Apple menu, click System Preferences, and then click Print & Scan or Printers & Scanners.

   Figure : Example of the Printers & Scanners window

   

2. Check if your printer name displays in the Printers list, and then do one of the following steps.

   • If your printer is listed, remove and re-add the printer to confirm it is set up for AirPrint. Click the printer name, click the minus sign  to delete the printer, click the plus sign , click Add Printer or Scanner, click the printer name and then continue to the next step.

   • If your printer is not listed, click the plus sign, click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer, and then continue to the next step.

   • If your printer is not listed in the Add Printer or Scanner window, go to the Frequently asked questions in this document to resolve connection issues, try to add the printer again, and then continue to the next step.

3. Confirm AirPrint or Secure AirPrint displays in the Use or Print Using menu, and then click Add.

   Figure : AirPrint displays in the Use menu

   

4. Open a document or photo, click File, and then click Print.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

And, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

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[mk811]

Good morning,

I have a very similar problem.

Macbook Pro with MacOS 11.2.3.

HP Color Laser MFP179

HP firmware V3.82.01.08

Latest firmware downloaded from HP

Print via Wifi

What happens is that the printer from time to time just print pages with strange symbols or empty pages. This goes until it runs out of paper. I am quite upset of this since the wasted paper start to pile up next to my printer.

I have the impression that it mainly comes from pdf that are printed directly from Safari or Firefox. I could never reproduce the problem. I never had the problem printing with Acrobat directly. However this could be coincidence since I mainly print from Browser.

Unforunately the solution suggested did not work for me. Correct me if I wrong, but there is no updated firmware for the MFP179?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Rniko]

I literally tried everything, sometimes it works sometimes it does not work, it prints unknown symbols, I am wasting the paper and I guess I wasted the money I paid for it, its just impossible to use it.

[mk811]

I reinstalled MacOS. It seems to work now.

Hope this helps.

[Kumar0307]

@Rniko

Have you tried printing from any other device like a mobile/Win PC to check if the issue persists?

Try making a standalone copy and check if that prints fine. By this, we can conclude if this is a hardware or a driver issue.

Keep me posted.

[Rniko]

Hello, I have tried printing from my phone, most of the time print option is greyed but when its not I can print without any problem, from both my Apple laptops I always have the same problem of printing unknown symbols.

[Kumar0307]

@Rniko

In this case, I'm afraid the issue could be with the printer.

Update the printer firmware

Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your computer.

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

If the issue persists, please reach out to the HP Technical Support team in your region regarding the service/replacement options for your printer. 

You may create a case on the website to obtain a case number if required. Kindly watch this video to know how.

Keep me posted for any other assistance.