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HP Recommended
HP OfficeJet Pro 8720

Hi... 

 

I'm having various issues with my printer in that it's pretty much useless for printing from mobile device or computer (scanning and copying still works).

 

Issues: when trying to connect to printer using Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac Sequioa, Android 14 or iOS 17+ it is very hit and miss as to whether the printer will connect or not. 

 

I am trying to connect over WiFi, the printer itself is connected to WiFi and is located very close to an access point (Unifi). I can see that the printer has connected to my network via the Unifi dashboard. It's been assigned an IP address. 

 

However when I try to connect to the printer using various devices I will need to forget the printer that's currently saved on the device and then try to reconnect... sometimes this works sometimes this doesn't... when it doesn't I just leave it until the next time I have to print something off and cross my fingers it will work... 

 

More recently even when I am able to connect via WiFi network and get it to print it will only print half of the top line of the page and the rest of the page will be blank.

 

The probability of getting it to connect like this is usually around one in ten... and once connected the probability of something printing off at all is also around one in ten... and when it does print only half of the first line will print.

 

When trying to connect to the printer with my devices using WiFi direct this is also successful in around one in ten times... however once connected and I try to print something it will print correctly around one in five times (ie the whole page is printed correctly)

 

The time taken for anything to be printed is also very long (when I actuallyget it to print)... sometimes around 15 to 20 minutes... i will generally wait around 5 -10 mins for it to print and if it hasn't done it in that time I will leave and come back as there's no  guarantee it will print at (ie sometimes the printing just fails)

 

 

I know theres nothing wrong with the actual printing as i can use the copier to print and it works fine.

What I've tried:

 - Reset the printer (turning off and on)

- semi reset the printer to factory settings (followed a YouTube video)

- reset the WiFi connection

- tried a different WiFi network 

- restarted router

- reinstalled drivers on windows

- installed various printer software on Android (so I've used the inbuilt android, HP and Samsung software to connect to the printer all with similar results)

 

I'm really at a loss as what I can do with the printer any help would be appreciated... 

 

 

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@K8_S. Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

  

I understand how frustrating it must be to deal with these connectivity and printing issues, especially when everything else on the printer seems to be working fine. You’ve already done some solid troubleshooting, so let’s go through a few more steps to try and get this sorted.

 

Wireless Connectivity Troubleshooting

Since the printer is getting an IP address but isn’t staying connected reliably, let’s check a few things:

Assign a Static IP

  • Sometimes, printers struggle with dynamic IP changes. Try setting a static IP for your printer in your router settings.
  • You can also manually set a static IP from the printer’s menu:
    • Go to Setup > Network Setup > Wireless Settings > Advanced Settings
    • Assign an IP outside the DHCP range of your router.

Check for Interference & Signal Strength

  • Even though your printer is close to the router, interference from nearby devices (microwaves, other networks) can cause drops.
  • Try switching your printer to the 5GHz band if your router supports dual-band WiFi.

Disable ‘Smart’ or Power-Saving Features

  • Some routers have settings like "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering" that may cause disconnects. If enabled, try disabling them.
  • On the printer, disable WiFi Direct if you’re not using it—it sometimes conflicts with regular WiFi.

Print Speed & Quality Troubleshooting

Check for Firmware Updates

  • Go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Update the Printer or update via the HP Smart app.
  • Outdated firmware can cause slow printing or connectivity bugs.

Try a Different Print Protocol

  • If you’re using AirPrint (Mac/iOS) or Mopria (Android), try switching to HP drivers for better compatibility.
  • On Windows, ensure you're using the HP Smart app or HP Full-Feature Driver instead of the generic Windows driver.

Disable ‘Quiet Mode’

  • If enabled, this can slow printing. Check in HP Printer Assistant (Windows) or HP Smart App (Mac).

Check Print Spooler & Driver Conflicts (Windows)

  • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and restart the Print Spooler service.
  • Ensure no duplicate printer entries exist in Devices & Printers—remove any duplicates.

Final Thoughts

If none of these steps help, try a full reset using the hidden menu:

  • From the home screen, tap the Back button (↩) four times > Support Menu > Reset Menu > Full Reset.
    (This will erase all settings, so note down your WiFi details before doing this.)

Let me know if any of these steps work or if you need further guidance. We’ll get this sorted! 😊  

  

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

  

Regards, 

ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.