I have a new Macbook. When trying to connect to printer I get that it cannot connect due to an error

[tmilam]

I have a brand new Macbook pro. When I try to connect to home Printer a HP Office jet Pro 6978, I get a message saying it cannot connect due to an error.  No specific error, just an error. I have the latest software, Ventura 13.4.1. How can I get this to connect? Computer connected right away with work printer. Home printer is the issue. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @tmilam,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

If you are experiencing trouble connecting your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-In-One Printer to your new MacBook, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue.

• Check Printer Connection: Ensure that the printer is powered on, connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your MacBook, and no error messages are displayed on the printer's control panel.
• Restart Devices: Sometimes, a simple restart of both the printer and the MacBook can resolve connection issues. Turn off the printer, turn off your MacBook, and then turn them back on after a few seconds.
• Update Printer Firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printer. You can visit the official HP website and search for the latest firmware for your printer model. If an update is available, follow the instructions provided to update the firmware.
• Install Latest Drivers: Ensure that you have installed the latest printer drivers compatible with your macOS version. Sometimes, macOS updates may require updated printer drivers for proper functionality. You can download the latest drivers from the official HP support website.
• Reset Printing System: Resetting the printing system on your MacBook can often resolve communication issues with printers. To do this, go to "System Preferences" > "Printers & Scanners," right-click (or Control-click) on the printer list, and select "Reset Printing System." Note that this will remove all installed printers, so you will need to add your printer again afterward.
• Check Firewall and Security Software: Make sure that your Mac's firewall or any third-party security software is not blocking the printer's connection. Temporarily disable the firewall and security software and try connecting the printer again.
• Verify Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure that your MacBook is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. If you have a dual-band router, make sure both devices are connected to the same band (2.4GHz or 5GHz).
• Try USB Connection: If you are still unable to connect wirelessly, try connecting the printer to your MacBook using a USB cable. This will help determine if the issue is related to the wireless connection.
• Reset Network Settings on Printer: If the printer has a built-in network menu, you can try resetting the network settings to default and then reconnecting it to your Wi-Fi network.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the connection error between your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printer and your new MacBook.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support