Why doesn't my HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-In-One Printer work anymore?

[DA530]

Why doesn't my HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-In-One Printer  work anymore,  all of a sudden it doesn't connect to my Mac  so I tried downloading the driver again and now it tells me there is no longer a driver for this perfectly functional printer 

What the heck is going on HP?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @DA530 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 stopped working on macOS 15.0 Sequoia because there is no available updated drivers compatible with this version, and macOS may have blocked older HP extensions. 

However, you can still restore functionality using AirPrint or a workaround driver.

 

1. Use AirPrint Instead of HP Driver

macOS supports AirPrint, which allows basic printing and scanning without installing HP software.

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Click Add Printer
• Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 from the list
• Under “Use,” choose AirPrint (not HP driver)

This restores core functionality—print, scan, and status monitoring—without relying on blocked drivers.

 

2. Reset Printing System (Optional but Helpful)

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
• Right-click in the printer list and choose Reset Printing System
• Re-add your printer using AirPrint

This clears any corrupted or incompatible driver remnants.

 

3. Enable CUPS Web Interface (Advanced)

If you need more control or want to try legacy drivers:

• Open Terminal and type:
  cupsctl WebInterface=yes
• Visit: http://localhost:631
• Add your printer manually and select a compatible Generic PostScript or HP PPD driver

This method is more technical but can restore advanced features like duplexing or tray selection.

 

4. Use HP Smart App (Limited Support)

• Download from the Mac App Store
• Open the app and try adding your printer
• If it fails, rely on AirPrint or CUPS instead

HP Smart may not fully support OfficeJet Pro 6978 on macOS 15.0, but it’s worth checking.

You’re doing everything right by catching this early and seeking a proper fix.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye