Printer window "connecting to device" says "waiting for printer to become availailable"

[rerudnick]

When I print the printer window "connecting to device" says "waiting for printer to become available." 

Printer appears to be "in use" but not printing. 

I have an HP Officejet Pro 8600 and a MAC with OS Big Sur 11.7.

It does copy and scan.

[zoey7886]

@rerudnick, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding a connection issue! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

It sounds like your HP Officejet Pro 8600 is experiencing a communication issue with your Mac when trying to print. Since copying and scanning work fine, the problem is likely software-related. Try these steps to resolve it:

Basic Troubleshooting

Check Printer Status

• Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners on your Mac.
• Select your printer and check its status (Paused, Offline, or Error).
• If it’s paused, click Resume.

Restart Printer & Mac

• Turn off the printer, unplug it for 60 seconds, and restart your Mac.
• Reconnect the printer and check if it prints.

Check Printer Queue

• Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Click your printer and open the Print Queue.
• Cancel any stuck print jobs and try printing again.

 

[zoey7886]

Connection & Software Fixes

Verify Connection

• If connected via Wi-Fi, restart your router and ensure the printer and Mac are on the same network.
• If using USB, try a different cable and port.

Reset Printing System (This will remove all printers and reset printer settings.)

• Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
• Right-click in the printer list and select Reset Printing System.
• Re-add the printer and try printing.

Update or Reinstall HP Software

• Download the latest HP drivers and software from the HP Support Website.
• If using AirPrint, remove the printer and re-add it using HP drivers instead of AirPrint.

Check for macOS Updates

• Go to System Preferences > Software Update and install any pending updates.  

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[rerudnick]

Hi Zoey7886.

I opened the system preferences and checked the status of the printer.

It shows error.    I did try to restart  the MAC and the printer  as you recommend.

The printer status is still error.   

Any  thoughts?

-R-

[rerudnick]

I changed the cable and again opened the system preferences to remove and reinstall the printer but the MAC is still not communicating with the printer.  "Waiting for the printer to become available" .

[zoey7886]

@rerudnick, Thanks for getting back to me!

It looks like the issue is persisting despite basic troubleshooting steps. Here are some advanced solutions you can try:

Reset Printer to Factory Defaults

Since you've already restarted the Mac and the printer, try resetting the printer itself:

1. On the printer's control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore > Restore Factory Defaults.
2. After resetting, reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi or Mac.

Delete and Reinstall HP Software Completely

Since copying and scanning work, it indicates that the connection isn't fully broken, but the print function is affected. Let's try reinstalling HP software:

1. Remove the HP software completely:
   • Go to Applications > HP and uninstall any HP-related software.
   • Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, remove the printer.
   • Restart your Mac.
2. Download and install fresh HP drivers:
   • Go to HP’s support site and download the latest drivers for the Officejet Pro 8600.
   • Reinstall the printer using the HP software instead of AirPrint.

Check for IP Conflict (If on Wi-Fi)

• If your printer is on Wi-Fi, ensure that it’s connected to the same network as your Mac.
• Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer menu.
• Find the IP Address and enter it in your Mac’s browser. If it doesn’t open the printer’s web interface, your Mac may not be communicating with it properly.
• Try manually setting a static IP address in your printer’s network settings.

Check and Reset Printer Permissions

1. Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
2. Go to the Privacy tab and ensure Full Disk Access is enabled for HP software (if applicable).
3. Reset printing system again:
   • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
   • Right-click in the list and select Reset Printing System.
   • Add the printer again.

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards,