HP Smart tank 7600 has never been able to print color as it's not an option in the printer window

[Nora333333333]

HP Smart tank 7600 has never been able to print color as it's not an option in the printer window.  Using iMAC, Sonoma.  Also, what the AF is up with HP website?  I tried to do customer support chat and was in spinning circle limbo.  Tried to leave feedback and there is nothing inside the feedback tab.  

[Dragora · Accepted solution]

Hi Nora3333333333

I perfectly understand your frustration with both issues. The color printing problem on macOS Sonoma is common with some HP printers, and the difficulty reaching HP support is something other users have also recently reported.

Here is a breakdown of the steps you can take to fix the color printing issue and the alternatives for contacting HP.

1. Solution for Color Printing on macOS Sonoma

The issue of the color option being missing from the Mac print window is usually caused by a flaw in the driver installed by the HP Smart app or a macOS update.

The most effective solution reported by other users with HP Smart Tank printers is to Reset the Printing System and re-add the printer, making sure to use the Apple AirPrint driver.

Steps to Follow:

1. Remove the Printer:

   • Go to System Settings.

   • Click on Printers & Scanners.

   • Select your HP Smart Tank 7600 and click the Remove Printer button (the "-" button).

2. Reset the Printing System (Crucial Step):

   • In the same Printers & Scanners window, right-click (or Control-click) on the empty printer list on the left.

   • Select Reset printing system....

   • Confirm the action. Note that this will remove all printers you have installed, not just the HP.

3. Re-Add the Printer using AirPrint:

   • Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax... button (the "+" button).

   • Select your HP Smart Tank 7600 from the list.

   • Before clicking "Add," ensure the dropdown menu next to "Use" or "Type" shows AirPrint.

     • Important: If it shows the HP driver (e.g., "HP Smart Tank 7600 series"), manually change it to AirPrint.

4. Check for the Color Option:

   • Open any document (e.g., in Pages or Safari) and go to File > Print.

   • In the print dialog window, be sure to click Show Details to expand all options.

   • Look for the section that lets you choose between Color and Black & White (Grayscale). With the AirPrint driver, this option usually appears near the top of the dialog box.

Additional Fix (If the above fails):

• Update Firmware: Make sure your printer's firmware is up to date. You can usually do this through the printer's menu or by checking for updates in the HP Smart app (though the app can sometimes cause issues, it might be necessary for firmware).

2. Issues with the HP Website and Chat

You are correct; HP's chat support is often plagued with issues, such as the "spinning circle" you describe. It is frustrating, but it does not mean that support is unavailable.

Alternative HP Contact Method (USA)

The most reliable way to get support is via phone, where you can explain your macOS driver issue, which is more complex than a simple automated chat can handle.

• HP General Home Customer Support (USA): 1-**bleep**-999-4747

  • Hours (EST - Eastern Standard Time): 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (midnight).

Tips for Using the Chat (If you insist)

If you must use the chat, try these steps to bypass common issues:

1. Switch Browsers: Use a different browser than your usual one (try Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).

2. Incognito/Private Mode: Open the chat session in an Incognito or Private window, as this ignores cookies and caches that might be causing the loop.

3. Disable Blockers: Turn off any Ad Blockers or security extensions for the HP website, as they frequently interfere with the chat function.

I hope the above is helpful!

[Nora333333333]

Thank you!  Your solution worked.  Although, "AirPrint" was not an option nor was it an option after I typed it in.  However, once I did enter "AirPrint" a previously unavailable HP selection appeared.  Not sure if that was what was supposed to happen?  In any event, I now have color as an option in print settings.  

Thanks again!

[Dragora]

Hi Nora333333333

I'm glad you were able to resolve the issue. I would appreciate it if you could please mark my response as accepted. Best regards.

¡Thanks for reading!