Wireless printing only works if I connect to the printer, not the network

[KAP436]

I've recently connected my printer to my new Mac, but it will only print if I connect the WiFi directly to the printer. My laptop works fine when both it and the printer are connected to the same internet network - how can I achieve this on my desktop?

Thanks in advance, 

Katie

[MKazi]

@KAP436

Thanks for reaching out to us on HP Forums. I came across your post and would like to assist. 

I understand that your HP OfficeJet 4658 All-in-One Printer does not print from your new Mac computer. The printer will only print if I connect the WiFi directly to the printer.

Pardon me, but could you please explain what you mean by this statement: "it will only print if I connect the WiFi directly to the printer".

While you respond to that. I recommend you to perform the following steps on your Mac desktop computer to add the printer as Airprint:

• Disconnect the power cable from the printer while the printer is still ON.
• Disconnect any other cables if connected the printer.
• Press and hold the printer’s power button for 15 seconds.
• The printer should be directly connected to the wall outlet and not to a surge protector.
• Reconnect the power cable to print and the printer should power ON by itself. If the printer doesn’t power ON then please manually power it ON.

Step 1: Remove multiple printers from the printer list

Check for multiple devices in the Printers list, and then remove any extra entries other than one in idle status.

1. Search the Mac for Print, and then click Print & Fax, Print & Scan, or Printers & Scanners in the list of results.

2. Find the printer names that match your printer from the list of devices.

   Figure : Printers and Scanner window with multiple names of a printer in the list

   

3. If you see multiple printer queues for the same printer, remove all extra printers by selecting them one at a time, and then clicking the minus button  at the bottom of the list. Leave one 'idle' printer in the list that matches your printer if available and use this printer as the Default printer.

4. Try printing again.

   • If the printer prints, you can stop troubleshooting.

   • If the printer remains offline or displays an error, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Delete the existing print queue and add the printer

Remove the printer queue from the list of printers, and then add it again. Doing so creates a new printing session.

1. Make sure your Mac is connected to the Internet.

2. In the Printers list, click your HP printer, and then click the Minus button  to delete it.

3. Click the Add button .

4. Find and select the name of your printer from the Printer list, and then click Add to add your printer. Do not select an HP Fax driver.

      NOTE: If your printer does not display in the list, make sure the printer is connected, turned on, has power, and is ready to print.

   Figure : Example of the printer selection list

   

5. Click Print Using or Use.

6. Select the name of your printer (if available) or AirPrint.

   Figure : Menu showing AirPrint selected

   

   Your new printer queue displays in the Printers list in an Idle status .

   Figure : Example of a newly added printer in the Printers & Scanners list

   

7. Try printing again.

[KAP436]

I tried this, but it said I should use the HP driver instead? 

Sorry I wasn't clear; I've attached an image to try and show what I mean, but if my computer is connected to BTHUB6... (the internet), printing will not work - i have to connect to my printer directly (Direct-70-HP.....)

 

[MKazi]

@KAP436

Glad to have you back. You have been fabulous to work with considering your superb technical skills and valuable patience. Kudos to you for that. 

So it means that when the Mac is connected to wireless network, it cannot print from the printer. The printing only works via HP Wi-Fi Direct (Direct-70-HP.....). 

I suggest you to disable the Wi-Fi Direct on the printer and then connect the printer to the wireless network. Please follow the below steps in the given order:

The following steps show how to enable the Wi-Fi Direct and exactly at the same place we need to disable the Wi-Fi Direct:

The following steps will help to enable the wireless function on the printer and then connect to the wireless network:

Once the printer appears to be connected to the wireless network, You may remove and add the printer as Airprint in Mac OS:The following steps will help:

Step 1: Remove multiple printers from the printer list

Check for multiple devices in the Printers list, and then remove any extra entries other than one in idle status.

1. Search the Mac for Print, and then click Print & Fax, Print & Scan, or Printers & Scanners in the list of results.

2. Find the printer names that match your printer from the list of devices.

   Figure : Printers and Scanner window with multiple names of a printer in the list

   

3. If you see multiple printer queues for the same printer, remove all extra printers by selecting them one at a time, and then clicking the minus button  at the bottom of the list. Leave one 'idle' printer in the list that matches your printer if available and use this printer as the Default printer.

4. Try printing again.

   • If the printer prints, you can stop troubleshooting.

   • If the printer remains offline or displays an error, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Delete the existing print queue and add the printer

Remove the printer queue from the list of printers, and then add it again. Doing so creates a new printing session.

1. Make sure your Mac is connected to the Internet.

2. In the Printers list, click your HP printer, and then click the Minus button  to delete it.

3. Click the Add button .

4. Find and select the name of your printer from the Printer list, and then click Add to add your printer. Do not select an HP Fax driver.

      NOTE: If your printer does not display in the list, make sure the printer is connected, turned on, has power, and is ready to print.

   Figure : Example of the printer selection list

   

5. Click Print Using or Use.

6. Select AirPrint.

   Figure : Menu showing AirPrint selected

   

   Your new printer queue displays in the Printers list in an Idle status .

   Figure : Example of a newly added printer in the Printers & Scanners list

   

7. Try printing again.

   • If the printer prints, you can stop troubleshooting.

I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great. Let me know how it goes.

Good luck! 🙂