HP MFP178nw prints garage sporadically when using AirPrint

[justbug]

Speradically my printer just prints lines of garage characters and churns out loads of pages like this when I print from AirPrint.

Some time it works fine and prints, and some times it doesn't.. I can print a document ok, try and print it again and I get garbage..!

Its really annoying, I have to sit next to the print every time I print to avoid finding about 50 pages of garage..!

HP support are virtually impossible to speak to.. I've seen this has been asked several time before, someone must have an answer!? 

[Max3Aj]

@justbug, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

We understand that you are facing issues with your HP Color Laser MFP 178nw printing garbage/unusual characters sporadically when using AirPrint.

Here are some steps you can follow to resolve or mitigate the issue:

Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with AirPrint.

• Visit the HP Support page
• Download and install the latest firmware update for your printer.

Reset Printing System on Apple Device

Sometimes, clearing the print queue and resetting the printing system helps.

• On your Mac:
  • Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
  • Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list and choose Reset printing system
  • Re-add the printer using AirPrint.

Use HP Smart App for Printing

Instead of printing directly via AirPrint, try using the HP Smart app:

• Download from the App Store
• Add your printer and print through the app to avoid AirPrint-specific issues.

Check Network Stability

Unstable Wi-Fi can cause data corruption during print jobs.

• Ensure both your printer and Apple device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Avoid using Wi-Fi Direct unless necessary.
• Try printing with the printer connected via Ethernet (if possible) to test stability.

Disable IPv6 on Printer

Some users have reported success by disabling IPv6 on the printer:

• Access the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) by typing its IP address into a browser.
• Go to Network Settings > Advanced Settings > IPv6 and disable it.
• Save and restart the printer.

Factory Reset the Printer

If the issue persists, a full reset might help:

• On the printer control panel, press Settings > System Setup > Service > Restore Defaults.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[justbug]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I have tried a few of these options but will try the rest when back at home. 

do you have a link to the latest firmware? I believe it has a slightly older version but can not find it anywhere on HP support website. 

using the HP print would be an option, just a pain and not as easy to use as the native print application. You’d have thought in 2025 printing should be an easy process. 

thanks again for your help, I will see if any of it helps. 

[Max3Aj]

@justbug, You're absolutely right! It really should be easier by now! Printing in 2025 still has its quirks, especially when it comes to wireless protocols like AirPrint. I completely understand the frustration.

 

Here’s how you can get the latest firmware for your printer:

• Go to the official HP support page:
  Official HP® Support
• Select your operating system if it’s not auto-detected.
• Under the “Firmware” section, download the latest version available.
• Follow the included instructions to install it, usually via USB or network using the HP Firmware Update Utility.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[justbug]

Hi. Thanks again for your reply. I have tried this before and just tried it again.. The only option it gives me is to install HP Smart app which I have done, but cant find any way in that app to install a firmware update.

Ideally I just need a URL with the latest version of firmware..

Thanks Craig

[justbug]

Hi a very kind member has pointed out to me that I need to select my operating system as Windows for the Firmware to show up. I have a Mac so have always been selecting MacOS and for some reason when you do this the Firmware doesn't show up?

HP please fix this issue, lots of people use MacOS

So new April 25 firmware installed and keeping my fingers crossed its solved the problem...

[Max3Aj]

@justbug, Thank you for your response,  

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[justbug]

Hi. As I said in my last post, my issue has been solved by a community member.