Help connecting officeJet 3830 printer to imac using high sierra 13.10.6

[Sculptor7]

I am trying to reconnect my OfficeJet 3830 printer to my imac computer using High Sierra version 13.10.6  I have used this combination for years and now I no longer have any indication the printer is on my ;Imac even thoughthe signal is good 

[Sculptor7]

Hello? I was under the impression that I was connecting to an expeert at HP?

[Meghana_10]

Hello @Sculptor7, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the HP Officejet 3830 printer.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and are glad we could help work toward a resolution. We hope our support has been valuable.

Follow these steps in order to get your OfficeJet 3830 showing up again on your iMac.

1. Restart devices

1. Turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
2. Restart your iMac.
3. After both are back on, check again in Apple menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners to see if the printer appears.

2. Check the connection type

If using Wi‑Fi

1. Make sure the OfficeJet 3830 is within about 8 m (26 ft) of the router.
2. On the printer, confirm it is connected to the same Wi‑Fi network as your iMac (Wi‑Fi light or icon on the printer should be solid).
3. On the iMac, verify you are connected to that same network and that the Wi‑Fi icon shows a strong signal.
   - If the signal is weak, move closer to the router.
4. Disconnect any USB cable from the printer while using Wi‑Fi.
5. Open a website on the iMac to ensure the internet and router are working properly.

If using Ethernet (wired network)

1. If the printer is connected to the router with a cable, unplug the cable from both printer and router.
2. Confirm it is an Ethernet cable (8 visible wires in the connector), not a phone cable.
3. Plug the cable into a different LAN/Ethernet port on the router and back into the printer’s Ethernet port.
4. Wait until the Ethernet or Wi‑Fi icon on the printer becomes solid.

If using USB

1. Disconnect the USB cable from both printer and iMac.
2. Make sure the cable is: - No longer than 3 m (9 ft 10 in). - Not damaged or severely bent.
3. Reconnect the cable directly from the printer to a USB port on the iMac (do not use a USB hub).
4. Wait up to 15 minutes for macOS to install the printer driver.

3. Reset printing system on macOS and re‑add printer

1. On your iMac, click the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass) and search for Printers & Scanners, then open it.
   
2. In the Printers list, right‑click (or Control‑click) in the blank area and choose Reset printing system; confirm if prompted.
3. After the reset, restart the printer and wait for it to reconnect (Wi‑Fi/Ethernet/USB as appropriate).
4. In Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax (or the + button), select your OfficeJet 3830 from the list, and click Add.

Please check the link for more information - HP printer not found by the HP app or operating system | HP® Support

Have a great day!