Computer doesn't find printer but should

[KevanW]

Hi. My printer has an excellent connection to my only network. There are no duplicate networks with same name that i can find. My computer (as well as cell phones, etc.) are also on same network. Printer is unrealiable. Sometimes unplugging printer and restarting it allows us to print, sometimes it doesn't. I've tried to download software to see if an update will help but since the mac can't find the printer it doesn't do any good. Printer is no more than 2 feet from mac (main place we print).

Same issue for other devices--sometimes can print from iphone, sometimes not. it doesn't seem to be a computer/device issue but a printer issue. not sure what to try next. i've done all the troubleshooting in your help files:

--no other nearby network is on same channel. 

--no other netowrks with same name

--IP address and default gateway have same number sets

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@KevanW

Thank you for posting on HP Forums, 

Riddle_Decipher, is at your service (Like a Genie, however, without magic powers) 😉 

As I understand the computer isn't recognizing the printer as it should,

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details: 

• Have you performed a hard reset on the printer?
  • If not, I'll take you through it (See below)
• Did you assign a static IP for your printer to resolve connection issues?

While you respond to that, here's what you need to do:

Resetting power to the printer forces the printer to reset stored values in the firmware.

A power/hard 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.

   • If the printer prints, you can stop troubleshooting.

   • If the print job becomes stuck again, continue to the next step.

If the issue persists, assign the static IP using the below steps:

These settings are for setting up your wireless printer to stay connected to your router, keep wireless devices better connected and makes your router secure and hack proof.

1. Set a static IP in the printer (click here) outside the DHCP range of the router (check your manual). This is for Linksys routers but can be used for all routers. Verify your DHCP range and change this first if needed. More Wireless Printing help is here (Windows solution 4, static IP).
2. Verify in the printer that 'Auto Off/Sleep' is disabled.  Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) by going to the printers IP address in your browsers address bar, click Settings Tab/Auto Off. Or use the Printer Assistant, Printer Home Page (EWS). Also check your Printers Properties.
3. If the printer supports and has IPv6 enabled, turn off IPv6 in the printer.
4. If needed and you assigned a static IP address, try using 8.8.8.8 for the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 at the Alternate DNS server. 
5. Verify the printer is on the latest firmware by checking with the HP Support site.

In the router: (Refer to your router manual for information) 

1. Use a fixed wireless channel like 1, 6 or 11, never 'auto', try channel 1 first then the rest. 
2. Set router to 20Mhz only, or 145Mbps depending on router. 
3. Always use WPA2-AES (Personal) encryption, but you can try ‘mixed’ mode. 
4. Disable WPS and never use it and disable UPnP for the routers security. Nobody can hack your system now and helps with wireless connectivity (if you want to know why, search the web).
5. If you have a dual band router (2.4Ghz and 5.0Ghz bands), make sure the SSID’s are NOT the same, they must be different for all bands, even for any Guest networks.
6. SSID broadcast must be enabled.
7. Save all settings. Power off both, wait 2 mins.  Power on router wait 2 mins. 
8. Power on printer and verify it reconnects to router. 

Windows 7/8/8.1 & 10 - Is Network Discovery on or off?

1. Control Panel/Network and Internet/Network and Sharing Center/Advanced sharing settings.
2. Under Home or Work (current profile) / Network Discovery.
3. Select "Turn on network discovery" and save changes.

Let me know how that pans out

I will have a colleague follow-up on this to ensure it's taken care off,

as I need to know if the issue has been resolved, to get proper sleep at night.

feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon,

followed by clicking on 'Accepted as Solution' as it would help the community gain more knowledge,

And Have a great day Ahead!

[fudgedog]

My Computer will not recognize HP Office Jet 6970 All in one printer