Printer only prints in grayscale or grayscale with color (no black) or nothing.

[MichelleFV]

My HP Office Jet Pro 6960 printer (using macOS Sonoma) was working fine till recently.  When I try to print in color, it will print in grayscale and color (no black). The option to choose grayscale is no longer showing up. If try to print in black and white, the page is blank. 

I've removed and added the printer with no changes.  I even added using the IP address and it didn't work. The test pages show all colors, with no issues. The ink cartridges are all full.

What happened to grayscale and how can I get my black and white to print again? 

[Gaya1239]

Hi @MichelleFV,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 printer is experiencing some issues that could be related to driver settings, printer settings, or macOS compatibility. 

Here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:
 

Step 1: Check Printer Settings

Printer Preferences:

• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 printer.
• Click on Options & Supplies and then Options.

Printer Utility:

• Open the HP Utility app.
• Check the settings for print quality and color options.
• Ensure that the grayscale option is enabled if available.

Step 2: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Update Drivers:

• Visit the HP Support website and download the latest drivers and software for the HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 compatible with macOS Sonoma.
• Install the updated drivers. Software and Drivers for HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer

Reinstall Printer Drivers:

• Remove the printer from System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Download and install the latest drivers from the HP website.
• Add the printer again using the updated driver.

Step 3: Reset the Printing System

1. Reset Printing System:
   • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
   • Right-click (or Control-click) on the printer list and select Reset printing system....
   • Confirm the action. This will remove all printers.
   • Re-add your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 printer.

Step 4: Check Ink Levels and Cartridges

Check Ink Cartridges:

• Ensure all cartridges are correctly installed and not clogged.
• Perform a print head cleaning using the HP Utility or printer's menu.

Print Quality Diagnostic:

• Print a Print Quality Diagnostic report to check if there are any issues with the print heads.

Step 5: Printer Firmware Update

1. Update Firmware:
   • Check if there is a firmware update available for your printer on the HP Support website.
   • Follow the instructions to update the firmware. Update the firmware on an HP printer

Step 6: macOS Printing Settings

1. Check macOS Printing Settings:
   • When you print, ensure that you select the appropriate print settings.
   • In the print dialog, click on Show Details.
   • Check the Color Matching and Quality & Media options to ensure they are set correctly for color or grayscale printing.

Step 7: Test with Another Device

1. Print from Another Device:
   • Try printing from another device (another Mac, Windows PC, or mobile device) to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is specific to your Mac or the printer itself.

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. 

[Gaya1239]

Hi @MichelleFV,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 printer is experiencing some issues that could be related to driver settings, printer settings, or macOS compatibility. 

Here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:
 

Step 1: Check Printer Settings

Printer Preferences:

• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 printer.
• Click on Options & Supplies and then Options.

Printer Utility:

• Open the HP Utility app.
• Check the settings for print quality and color options.
• Ensure that the grayscale option is enabled if available.

Step 2: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Update Drivers:

• Visit the HP Support website and download the latest drivers and software for the HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 compatible with macOS Sonoma.
• Install the updated drivers. Software and Drivers for HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer

Reinstall Printer Drivers:

• Remove the printer from System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Download and install the latest drivers from the HP website.
• Add the printer again using the updated driver.

Step 3: Reset the Printing System

1. Reset Printing System:
   • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
   • Right-click (or Control-click) on the printer list and select Reset printing system....
   • Confirm the action. This will remove all printers.
   • Re-add your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 printer.

Step 4: Check Ink Levels and Cartridges

Check Ink Cartridges:

• Ensure all cartridges are correctly installed and not clogged.
• Perform a print head cleaning using the HP Utility or printer's menu.

Print Quality Diagnostic:

• Print a Print Quality Diagnostic report to check if there are any issues with the print heads.

Step 5: Printer Firmware Update

1. Update Firmware:
   • Check if there is a firmware update available for your printer on the HP Support website.
   • Follow the instructions to update the firmware. Update the firmware on an HP printer

Step 6: macOS Printing Settings

1. Check macOS Printing Settings:
   • When you print, ensure that you select the appropriate print settings.
   • In the print dialog, click on Show Details.
   • Check the Color Matching and Quality & Media options to ensure they are set correctly for color or grayscale printing.

Step 7: Test with Another Device

1. Print from Another Device:
   • Try printing from another device (another Mac, Windows PC, or mobile device) to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is specific to your Mac or the printer itself.

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.