MacBook Pro suddenly can't communicate with OfficeJet Pro 8710

[evilwatersprite]

I was having printer problems over the weekend where HP Smart thought I had multiple different printers. If I sent a print job to either one, it would spool but not print. So I deleted both and was going to add back the correct one through one of the HP apps or in Mac System Properties (MacOS Tahoe 26.1). 

System Properties found the 8710 printer through Bonjour but then when I clicked "add printer," it said it couldn't communicate with the printer.

HP Easy Start also finds it but then can't communicate with it.

HP app intro screen also sees it (even after reinstalled it) but when I go to print a document from any program, it doesn't think I have a printer installed.

I thought I must have a bad driver or something so I downloaded the firmware update.  It saw the printer but said it couldn't update my device because the update didn't have updates for my device.

I also tried to print an email from my phone and it sees the printer but says it's offline.

Any ideas?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @evilwatersprite,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand how frustrating this is. Your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 is visible everywhere, but refuses to communicate or print. Let’s go through the root causes and fix this step by step.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Verify Network Connection

• On the printer: 
  • Print a Network Configuration Page (Setup → Reports → Network Configuration).
  • Ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Mac.
  • Check for a valid IP address (e.g., 192.168.x.x).

2. Remove All Printer Entries

• On your Mac: 
  • Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
  • Remove all HP printers listed.

3. Reset HP App

• Quit the HP app.
• Delete its cache: 
  • Press Command + Shift + G, go to: ~/Library/Containers/com.hp.printercontrol
  • Delete this folder.
• Reinstall HP app from the App Store: 👉 HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site

4. Add Printer Using IP Address

• Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add Printer → IP.
• Enter the printer’s IP address from the Network Configuration Page.
• Select Secure AirPrint or IPP Everywhere as the protocol.

5. Check macOS Firewall

• Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Firewall.
• Ensure HP Smart and printer communication is allowed.

6. Restart Devices in Order

• Power off the printer, router, and Mac.
• Turn on the router first, and wait 2 minutes.
• Then printer, then Mac.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat