Error code and printer cannot connect to web services

[KLiz1]

I was getting an error code (OXB 83C9646) but I got rid of that with the shut down/ unplug method.  It now says "server problem : The printer could not connect to web services".  What does that mean?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @KLiz1 

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

That’s a good question.

On your HP printer, the “Server problem: The printer could not connect to Web Services” message means it’s unable to reach HP’s servers. Web Services are what your printer uses for:

HP ePrint (email printing)

HP Instant Ink monitoring

Cloud scanning to email/Google Drive/OneDrive

It does not affect basic local printing (USB, AirPrint, Wi-Fi Direct, Windows/Mac printing).

Common Causes

Internet connection issue (printer not connected to Wi-Fi, router blocking access).

DNS / firewall settings (some routers or ISPs block HP’s cloud servers).

HP Web Services certificate expired (seen on older firmware).

Temporary HP server outage (rare but happens).

Fixes You Can Try

1. Restart Everything

Restart printer, router, and computer/phone.

Make sure printer connects to Wi-Fi (try printing a Network Configuration Page by pressing the Info (i) button).

 

2. Check Date & Time

If the printer’s date/time is wrong, secure connections fail.

On the control panel → Setup → Preferences → Date & Time.

 

3. Re-enable Web Services

On printer screen → Setup → Web Services → Remove Web Services.

Then re-enable it (Setup → Web Services → Enable Web Services).

This forces a fresh connection to HP’s servers.

 

4. Update Firmware

Go to Setup → Printer Maintenance → Update the Printer.

Or download firmware from HP’s support site for your exact model.

Expired certificates in old firmware often cause this error.

 

5. Router Settings

Make sure your router allows:

Port 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) outbound.

DNS resolution (8.8.8.8 Google DNS sometimes helps).

If you’re on a guest network or VPN, the printer may not reach HP.

If You Still Can’t Connect

You can still print/scan locally via USB, AirPrint (iPhone/iPad), or HP Smart (on the same Wi-Fi).

The only features you’ll miss are ePrint and HP’s cloud scanning/sharing.

Do you mostly need basic printing/scanning from your devices, or are you specifically trying to get ePrint / HP Cloud Scan working again? That’ll help me give you the best next step.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye