Smart Tank 5105 Apple AirPrint does not work

[woopsadaisy]

I bought a new HP Smart Tank 5105 printer end of last year to replace a HP Envy 5646 which I had for years and was very happy with. The new printer is awful. It keeps dropping off the network and when any print job is sent from Apple devices, it locks up the job and the only way to fix it is to power cycle the printer. It also wastes reams of paper printing a top line or few before ejecting the page unfinished. It was so bad I thought I’d just got a faulty printer and HP support swapped it for a new one - but this is just the same.

I've tried everything - resets, firmware updates, even a different WiFi network but nothing works. HP need to fix the software - it works fine printing from Windows devices so must be an issue with AirPrint, although my HP Envy always worked perfectly.

I’ve seen other posts on this site where people report the same issue. Also I get the same errors others have reported where the Apple device just says “The Printer is busy”. I also try to print through the HP Smart app from my iPhone but this also often locks the printer up and even the app locks up my phone! It also isn’t suitable as it seems to re-render the content so it looks totally different.

I would like to know what HP can do about it as the printer is currently not fit for purpose.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @woopsadaisy,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I'm sorry to hear about the persistent issues you're experiencing with your HP Smart Tank 5105 printer when printing from Apple devices. Given the steps you've already taken, here are some additional suggestions that might help resolve the problem.

1. Network Connection Issues

• Static IP Address: Assign a static IP address to the printer to prevent it from dropping off the network.
• Router Settings: Ensure your router firmware is up to date and try connecting the printer to a different Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz).

2. AirPrint and Apple Device Issues

• Firmware Updates: Make sure both your printer and Apple devices are running the latest firmware and software updates.
• Re-Pair Devices: Remove the printer from your Apple devices and re-add it. This can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.
• HP Smart App: Ensure the HP Smart app is updated to the latest version. Try reinstalling the app if it continues to lock up.

3. Paper Wastage and Printing Errors

• Paper Settings: Check the paper size and type settings in the printer and on your Apple devices to ensure they match
• Printhead Cleaning: Perform a printhead cleaning and alignment from the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app

4. General Troubleshooting

• Reset Printer: Unplug the printer from the power source while it is turned on. Wait for at least 60 seconds, then plug it back in and power it on.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[a1ecbr0wn]

What does "Re-Pair Devices: Remove the printer from your Apple devices and re-add it. This can sometimes resolve connectivity issues." even mean?    iOS does not keep a list of paired devices, the app does not let you remove it, just hide it.  What are you talking about?

[woopsadaisy · Accepted solution]

It’s just garbage ‘help’ responses which have no basis in reality and don’t address the issue raised. I guess it is AI generated as it’s only one step up from ‘have you switched it off and on again?’

My issue is absolutely related to faulty firmware on the printer. I’m a network engineer so was able to use tcpdump to trace the printer responses - when it locks up it still responds to ICMP Ping (so it’s NIC is up) but TCP fails to reply (no TCP SYN/ACK returned). 
In the end with this I gave up with the printer and HP’s appalling WhatsApp support and returned the printer to the shop for a refund. I now have an Epson printer which - so far - works seamlessly.

[a1ecbr0wn]

Please stop these pointless replies, check your network, check you have the right paper, check for errors.  

AirPrint is utterly broken, nobody in my home can print via AirPrint.  They can print from inside the app if you upload a PDF but that is a terrible solution.

Stop giving us pointless canned answers and admit that you are selling printers with features that DO NOT WORK however many times you try to set it up in the app (about 10 for me), and yes, I am using plain old A4 paper, it is connected to my network, computers can print to it, just not iOS.

[a1ecbr0wn]

I guess Vikram did not answer that question because Vikram is an AI bot.