Adding a HP8500 printer to an IMAC Computer

[rjx80]

I have a new IMAC all-in-one computer and cannot get it to recognize my existing HP8500 printer. my printer is on home wireless network but the MAC doesn't show it when trying to add new printer. Tried downloading updated driver but keep getting messages that I can't download a driver to the MAC. Found info on HP site that said Apple no longer supports printers without "airprint enabled". Didn't think I'd have to get a new printer when buying a MAC! Any suggestions?

[senan6806]

@rjx80

A warm welcome to HP Forums! This is a great place to get support, find answers and tips to your technical queries.
As per this document, only HP Officejet Pro 8500A e-All-in-One Printer Series (A910) is AirPrint compatible. Even if your HP Officejet Pro 8500 printer is not AirPrint compatible, the printer drivers are available via Apple Software Update.

What's the exact printer model?

What's the make and model of your WiFi router?

Do you have any antivirus software installed on your Mac?

Approximately how far is the printer located from the WiFi router?

Could you check for WiFi interference and also perform a ping test using the Mac Network Utility and let me know the results. Use the printer IP address to perform a ping test, the printer IP can be located by touching the wireless icon on the printer display.

[rjx80]

The printer is an HP OfficeJet Pro 8500. No "A" after number.The printer is 7-8 years old, but still use it with my HP PC desktop. My router is Engenius xtra range, model # ESr600h. Router is located in my basement, but my PC is still hooked up to it and it workd fine. My new MAC found the network and joined it . Can. search web on the new MAC but can't add the HP printer. It doesnt show the printer anywhere on the network. I have no anti-virus software on the MAC yet. Just purchased it last week. Tried to ping the printer as you suggested but it doesn't connect. Shows repeated message "no route to host, host is down".

[senan6806]

@rjx80

Thanks! Since the ping test failed, its possible that the printer is not properly connected to the network. Resetting the printer network settings and re-connecting the printer back to you home WiFi may resolve the issue. Let's try these steps:

1.) Unplug your modem/router and leave it powered off.

2.) Restart your printer, from the printer control panel, touch "Setup". Touch 'Network", touch "Restore Network Defaults".

3.) Power off your printer

4.) Reconnect your modem/router and wait for it to re-establish its internet connection.

5.) Power on your printer.

6.) On the printer control panel, press (Setup).

7.) Select Network.

8.) Select Wireless Setup Wizard.

9.) Follow the display instructions to complete the setup.

Once the printer is connected, use the steps below to remove the existing printer driver and add a compatible driver using Apple Software Update:

Please ensure that the printer is up to date with its firmware and Mac is up to date with it's software. If you are unsure you may use the links below to update the printer and Mac software:

Update printer firmware

Update software on Mac 

1.) Click the Apple menu, click System Preferences, and then click Print & Scan or Printers & Scanners.

2.) Check if your printer name displays in the Printers list, If your printer is listed, click the printer name, click the minus sign to delete the printer.

3.) If you see multiple printer queues for the same printer, remove all extra printers by selecting them one at a time, and then clicking the minus button  at the bottom of the list.

4.) Click the plus sign , click Add Printer or Scanner, click the printer name.

5.) Click the Use or Print Using menu, select the name of your printer in the pop-up menu. Then click Add.

6.) Try to print.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!
Have a great day!