HP 8720 Is Not Found By Any Apple Device

[JM003]

The HP 8720 will not connect to any of the Apple devices even though it once did. I have restarted the router and the printer and still nothing. The printer and all devices are on the same network. 

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @JM003,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

When your OfficeJet 8720 has been working beautifully, and suddenly your iPhone, iPad, or Mac can no longer “see” it, even though everything is on the same Wi‑Fi, it can feel like the printer has quietly slipped off the network. You’ve already restarted the router and printer, which tells me you’re doing things exactly right. Let’s walk through this one step at a time.

STEP 1: Verify the Printer’s Wi‑Fi Connection (most important)

Sometimes the OfficeJet 8720 looks connected but has lost AirPrint visibility.

Please print a Network Report:

1. Press the Information (i) button on the printer
2. A “Network Configuration Page” prints
3. Look for these lines:
• Status: Connected / Not Connected
• IPv4 Address: (Should NOT be 0.0.0.0)
• Bonjour: Enabled
• AirPrint: Enabled

If Bonjour is disabled, Apple devices cannot see the printer.

STEP 2: Re‑enable Bonjour (the AirPrint engine)

Apple devices rely on Bonjour/mDNS to “see” printers; if it turns off, the printer becomes invisible.

Do this:

1. On the printer screen → Setup
2. → Network Setup
3. → Advanced Settings
4. → Bonjour
5. Make sure Bonjour = ON

If Bonjour is off, Apple cannot detect the printer. Bonjour must be enabled for wireless printing on macOS and iOS.

STEP 3: Reset Network Settings on the Printer

If the printer is stuck on an old network profile, Apple devices will not detect it.

Do this:

1. On printer → Setup
2. → Network Setup
3. → Restore Network Settings
4. Reconnect using the HP Smart app

This re-enables Wi‑Fi setup mode.

STEP 4: Re-add the Printer on Apple Devices

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Go to Settings → Wi‑Fi
2. Ensure you’re on the correct network
3. Open the HP Smart app
4. Tap Add Printer

On macOS:

1. System Settings → Printers & Scanners
2. Remove the old 8720
3. Click Add Printer
4. Choose HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 – Bonjour
   (This is the AirPrint driver)

If it shows “Idle” but won’t print → it’s a network broadcast issue.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[JM003]

Thank you, very much, for helping me with this. 

The Bonjour setting is "on" but there is not mention of AirPrint on the control panel. The Bonjour shows: HP Office Jet Pro 8720 [41CEB6]. 

Proxy settings are "off." I don't know what this is. 

If I take your suggested steps, the notice shows that I'll need to "reconnect to the wireless network." It futher states that "resetting proxy settings might cause web services and HP Instant Ink to stop working properly." Could you, please, help me know how to reconnet HP Instant inK? 

Another issue with the 8720 is that in order to "scan" I have to use the controls on the computer as the panel on the printer will not work. Any thoughts? 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @JM003,

Thank you for getting back and letting me know.

Apple Devices Not Finding the HP OfficeJet 8720

Since your Bonjour status is ON, the printer should be discoverable by all Apple devices.
When Apple devices cannot see the printer, it is almost always caused by one of these:

• The printer is on a different Wi‑Fi band

Apple devices and the printer must be on the same 2.4 GHz network.
The 8720 does not work on 5 GHz.

• The printer is holding onto a broken network configuration

This is why HP support recommended a network settings reset.

A network reset will not delete Instant Ink, and it will not remove your HP Account.
It only clears Wi‑Fi and proxy information.

How to Reconnect the Printer Without Losing Instant Ink

After the network reset, reconnecting is simple:

Step A: Reset the printer’s network settings

On the 8720 panel:

1. Touch Setup
2. Touch Network Setup
3. Touch Restore Network Settings
4. Confirm

The wireless light should start blinking.

Step B: Reconnect the printer to Wi‑Fi

1. Touch Wireless Setup Wizard
2. Select your Wi‑Fi network
3. Enter your password

Once the blue Wi‑Fi light is solid again, AirPrint and Bonjour should work immediately.

Step C: Re-link to the HP App (Instant Ink continues automatically)

On your iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the HP App
2. Tap Add Printer
3. The 8720 will appear
4. Select it and complete the steps

Instant Ink works as long as:

• The printer is online
• It is signed into your HP account
• You are using Instant Ink cartridges

You do not need to re‑enroll or cancel anything.

3. How to Reconnect HP Instant Ink (If Needed)

In case the printer drops its account connection after the reset:

1. On the printer, touch HP ePrint / Web Services
2. Make sure Web Services is turned ON
3. If OFF, tap Enable Web Services
4. A page will print with your printer code (this means Instant Ink is active again)

If the HP App shows your plan and ink levels afterwards, you’re fully connected.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!