Computers can't find printer or printer's IP address

[GadsdenGuns]

Okay, my printer was working (mostly) but I switched to a different network and now the printer does not show up at all.  The printer is connected to the same network as the computers (1 Mac, 1 Win11 HP Laptop).  I've tried all the troubleshooting to no avail.  The printer screen shows an IP address, but I can't even ping it.  I've got good signals on all devices and plenty of speed on the connection.  I'm at a loss.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @GadsdenGuns 

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

My sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused  — especially when everything seems perfectly set up, yet the printer vanishes from existence like a Wi-Fi Houdini. 

Let’s chase it down and get your Officejet Pro 8600 Plus back online.

Here’s a focused diagnostic and fix plan:

1. Confirm the IP Address Range

• Is the printer’s IP address in the same subnet as your laptop and Mac? (e.g., all devices starting with 192.168.1.x)
  • If it’s something weird like 169.254.x.x, that means it didn’t get a proper IP from the router — in that case, reconnect via Wi-Fi setup on the printer to get a valid DHCP IP.

2. Assign a Static IP

• On the printer’s control panel:
  • Go to Setup > Network Settings > Advanced Settings > IP Settings.
  • Manually set a static IP within your router’s DHCP range (e.g., 192.168.1.250 if that's not already taken).
  • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0, Default Gateway: your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

3. Check for IPv6 Conflict

• Sometimes newer routers push IPv6 configs that confuse older printers.
  • On printer: Setup > Network > Advanced Settings > IPv6 → Disable it.

4. Ping Test from the Router Itself

• Access your router’s admin page via browser (usually 192.168.1.1)
• Locate the printer in connected devices. Try pinging from router interface — this bypasses OS-level filters and confirms if the network sees the printer at all.

5. Firewall & Security Software

• On your Windows 11 laptop, temporarily disable third-party firewalls or security apps.
• Also check:
  • Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app → Ensure HP software and network printer protocols are allowed through.

6. Reinstall via HP Smart or Manual IP

• Open HP Smart on Windows → Remove the printer → Add it manually via IP.
• Or go to Devices & Printers > Add a printer > Add using TCP/IP → Enter the static IP you set earlier.

Reset Option

If all else fails:

• On the printer → Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore Network Defaults
• Then reconnect to the new network and start fresh.

You’ve already put in serious effort here — respect. If you want, I can walk you through assigning the static IP or analyzing your IP setup. 

Let's drag this thing back from the connectivity abyss!

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye