printer constantly going offline HP6970

[cathycaz]

My printer constantly goes offline.  I have to turn it off and unplug it, wait 10 seconds, restart it and then I can print. But, once done, if I try to print again in 10 minutes, it's "offline" even though it shows online on the HP Smart app.

[Dragon-Fur]

@cathycaz 

Welcome to the HP Community --

It sounds like the printer is losing its connection to the network.

For example,

This might happen if you are running a combination 5GHz / 2.4GHz network without separate SSID named networks for each frequency.

What?

Printer Wireless can only connect to 2.4GHz.

Printer Specifications for HP OfficeJet Pro 6900 Printers

Wireless

802.11 b/g/n – 2.4 GHz networks only

If Ethernet is an option for you, try that - connections are generally more stable using Ethernet.

===============================================

Offline Condition

Although the printer appears to be switched on, it does not communicate with other devices on your network.

Consider >> Restart All

Restart Everything, including the router that controls your network

Next,

Offline - Known solutions, presented in the order to be completed / considered

  HP printer is offline or not responding - Windows / Mac  

Section “Advanced Troubleshooting” > Solutions specific to Windows / MacOS / HP Smart (Printer Unavailable)

And

TKB Article contributed by HP SofiaML

 TKB - HP printer is offline or unavailable

AND

Wireless Troubleshooting

 Troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection to an HP printer 

 HP Printers - Using a Wireless Network Test Report

Extras

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Dual Band Network - Considerations

Reminders 

Do not ignore your router --

A router that is weak, outdated, poorly located, or incorrectly configured can cause all sorts of odd network behavior issues.

If the printer supports it, connecting using Ethernet is generally a better choice.

Wireless

Some printers, particularly older models, only support Wireless at 2.4GHz

Some printers support Wireless at both 5GHz and 2.4GHz – but not at the same time

Regardless, if the printer won't work or cannot connect to your 5GHz SSID named network, connect to the 2.4GHz network.

If you are running a Dual Band Network,

 Check that the router is set up to broadcast all frequencies it supports.

Next,

If your router supports it,

On your router:

 Create a separate SSID named network for each frequency supported by the router

 What?  Create one SSID named network for 5GHz and one SSID named network for 2.4GHz

and

 Connect the printer to the SSID named network on the frequency / band you want it to use.

In general,

• 2.4GHz is less fussy about obstacles and supports a longer distance (separation) between router and device (printer)
• 5GHz is faster

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Example – EWS – IPv4

EWS > HP Document / How-to

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

NOTE:  Find printer IP address

Section Open the EWS over a local network orientation

Ethernet

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Network > Wired (802.3) > IPv4 Configuration

Wireless

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > IPv4 Configuration

As Available:

Tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > Advanced

Network Interface on / off, Network SSID name, Security Settings, Passphrase / Password

Select and connect to the correct SSID / network name for the bandwidth you are using.

Note:   It is not mandatory that you use a manual / static IP address.  Doing so can improve stability.

Example “Alternate” EWS format (new printers)

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Section Network > Primary Ethernet > Check / Adjust Status and other tabs...

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Section Network > Wi-Fi > Section IP Config > IPv4

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Example - Standard EWS - IPv4

EWS_9025_Network_IPv4_Configuration_4

Example - "New" format EWS - IPv4

FYI for others Reading -- 6900 printer series does not support the newer EWS format

EWS_9125_Network_Wi-Fi_IP_Config_IPv4_1

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software / Drivers / Firmware Updates , Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer  

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