When syncing my HP 6978 All in One Printer, my Mac only recognizes it as a fax

[Spooky23]

Trying to connect my HP printer to my desktop Mac and the mac only recognizes it as a fax- so it wont print

[TEJ1602]

@Spooky23, Welcome to HP Support Community!

I see that you're unable to add the printer on your computer, follow the steps below-

Check for Mac updates and the latest printer firmware

Update the Mac and the printer firmware to ensure the latest features are available.

1. On the Mac, click the Apple menu, click About this Mac, click Software Update, select any available updates, and then click Update All.

   NOTE: 

   You might need to refresh the page to view the latest updates. Click Store in the top menu bar, and then click Reload Page to update the list. If no updates display, the Mac is up to date.

2. Go to Updating Firmware on the Printer for steps to download and install any new version of the printer firmware.

Restart the computer, printer, and router

Restart the computer, printer, and router to resolve any network or communication error states.

NOTE: 

These steps temporarily disconnect network and Internet connections and require restarting your computer. Complete any tasks or downloads in progress before continuing.

1. Disconnect the power cord from the router.

2. Turn off the printer.

3. Close all running programs on your computer, including the HP software installation window, and then shut down the computer.

4. Reconnect the power cord to the router, and then wait for the Internet activity light to display a normal connected status.

5. Turn on the printer.

6. Turn on the computer.

Add the AirPrint printer to the Mac printer queue

Confirm you are using AirPrint by adding the printer in System Preferences.

1. Click the Apple menu, click System Preferences, and then click Print & Scan or Printers & Scanners.

   Figure : Example of the Printers & Scanners window

   

2. Check if your printer name displays in the Printers list, and then do one of the following steps.

   • If your printer is listed, remove and re-add the printer to confirm it is set up for AirPrint. Click the printer name, click the minus sign  to delete the printer, click the plus sign , click Add Printer or Scanner, click the printer name and then continue to the next step.

   • If your printer is not listed, click the plus sign, click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer, and then continue to the next step.

   • If your printer is not listed in the Add Printer or Scanner window, go to the Frequently asked questions in this document to resolve connection issues, try to add the printer again, and then continue to the next step.

3. Confirm AirPrint or Secure AirPrint displays in the Use or Print Using menu, and then click Add.

   Figure : AirPrint displays in the Use menu

   

4. Open a document or photo, click File, and then click Print.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

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