Computer cannot find printer on wifi network, but after turning printer off then on computer CAN

[ghn3]

This happens all the time.

Using my iPad or iPhone, I can print to my OfficeJet Pro 6978 on my home wifi network.  No problem.  The iPad or iPhone finds the printer via wifi and allows me to print out whatever from the iPad or iPhone.

But my Mac mini desktop cannot find the printer when I try to print something from it.

The printer app shows that it is looking for the printer, but it is not connecting.

HOWEVER, if I turn the printer off, then turn it on again, then the computer can find the printer and it prints the document.

Sometimes I have to turn the printer off, then on twice to get the printer "discovered" by the computer so that the document can print out.

Any idea what's happening here?

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @ghn3, Thank you for visiting the HP Forums! A great place where you can find solutions for your issues with help from the community!

I understand your printer is not getting detected on your MAC mini desktop PC.

Don't worry I'll try to help you out.

Did you make any changes to your printer?

Is the wireless light steady on your printer?

Are the MAC and printer connected to the same network?

As you mentioned you are able to connect to the printer using iPad or iPhone but the printer is not getting listed on your MAC PC.

• Check the router band: Many routers can operate in both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequency bands, but not all HP printers support both bands. Make sure the 2.4 GHz router band is enabled and broadcasting. If the router broadcasts separate network names (SSIDs) for each band, connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz band SSID.

• Bonjour support: HP recommends routers that support Bonjour, Apple's network discovery software. Connecting with Bonjour is the best way to find the printer and support wireless printing.

If you don't see a steady or blinking light on the wireless button. It is a hardware issue with your printer.

Try restarting printer and modem together and try connecting to the network again.

Also, Please try few steps recommended below.

Resetting power to the printer forces the printer to reset stored values in the firmware. A power reset can help when the printer is not accepting communication from the Mac.

1. Make sure the printer is idle, not making any sounds, before continuing.

2. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.

3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

4. Wait at least 60 seconds.

5. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.

6. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.

7. If the printer does not turn on by itself, press the Power button  to turn it on.

8. Try printing again and note what happens.

Also, try the steps recommended below.

Delete the existing print queue and add the printer

Remove the printer queue from the list of printers, and then add it again. Doing so creates a new printing session.

1. Make sure your Mac is connected to the Internet.

2. In the Printers list, click your HP printer, and then click the Minus button  to delete it.

3. Click the Add button .

4. Find and select the name of your printer from the Printer list, and then click Add to add your printer. Do not select an HP Fax driver.

      NOTE:

   If your printer does not display in the list, make sure the printer is connected, turned on, has power, and is ready to print.

   Figure : Example of the printer selection list

   

5. Click Print Using or Use.

6. Select AirPrint.

   Figure : Menu showing AirPrint selected

   

   Your new printer queue displays in the Printers list in an Idle status .

   Figure : Example of a newly added printer in the Printers & Scanners list

   

7. Try printing again.

Connect your printer to the wireless network.

Most printers with a touch or text navigation control panel have a Wireless Setup Wizard tool available through the Setup, Network, or Wireless menu. Use the guided tool to select your network name and enter the password to connect the printer to your network.

If the network name (SSID) or password is hidden, manually type them on the printer to connect. Network names and passwords are case-sensitive.

1. Gather the following items:

   • Network name (SSID)

   • Network security password (WEP key or WPA passphrase)

   • A computer that is connected to your wireless network

2. Disconnect any USB or Ethernet cables from the printer.

3. On the printer control panel, select the Setup, Network, or Wireless menu.

4. Select Wireless Setup Wizard, then follow the on-screen instructions to connect the printer to your network.

Disable IPv6 on the printer to ensure that IPv4 is used on your network.

• If your printer has a control panel with a display, find the IPv6 setting from the Advanced network settings menu, and set it to Off or Disabled.

• If your printer does not have a display, use the embedded web server (EWS) to turn off IPv6.

  1. From a computer connected to your network, type the printer IP address into the URL field of your Internet browser.

        NOTE:

     If the Web page appears blank, try a different Internet browser.

  2. Click the Network or Networking tab, and then open the section or page for your network type - wired or wireless.

  3. Select Enable IPv4 only (or similar).

     Figure : Example of setting IPv4 using an EWS

     

  4. Click Apply, and then wait until the changes are confirmed.

Refer this article to further troubleshoot printer offline issues. Link

Also, refer this article to know more information about wireless printer setup. Link

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