printer wont work after power outage. Getting error message on laptop. restarted all devices

[Tomster55]

Operating an HP 6500 smart tank from an HP Omnibook fliptop X laptop.   Laptop gets error message when I try to print.  Had power outage last night but I don't know if that's what caused the problem.  The massage is something like "Can't connect to printer".

I've disconnected and restarted the laptop, printer, modem and router.  In the past, I once had to press a button on the back of the router to get the printer working.  I don't know if it's the same problem.

What should I try?

[Tomster55]

The message says "Please wait for printer connection or cancel connection."

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Tomster55,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

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

I understand your HP Smart Tank 6500 printer stopped working after a recent power outage, and your laptop is now showing “Please wait for printer connection or cancel connection.” Let’s go through a few steps to reconnect your printer and get it printing again.

a. Check Printer’s Wireless Connection
 1. On the printer’s control panel, press and hold the Wireless button for 3 seconds to print a Wireless Network Test Report.
 2. Check if the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your laptop (SSID should match your home Wi-Fi).
 3. If not connected, go to Wireless Settings → Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer and reconnect it to your Wi-Fi.

b. Restart the Network in Correct Order
 1. Turn off the printer.
 2. Unplug the router and modem for 60 seconds.
 3. Power on the modem, then the router.
 4. Wait for all lights to stabilize.
 5. Turn on the printer and then your laptop.
 6. Try printing again through the HP Smart app.

c. Verify Printer IP Address
 1. From the printer control panel, print a Network Configuration Page.
 2. Note the IP Address (example: 192.168.x.x).
 3. On your laptop, open a web browser and type the IP address into the address bar.
  - If the printer’s Embedded Web Server opens, your printer is correctly connected to Wi-Fi.
  - If not, reconnect the printer using the Wireless Setup Wizard.

d. Re-Add the Printer in Windows
 1. On your laptop, go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
 2. Select your printer → Remove device.
 3. Click Add device → Add manually → choose Add a printer using TCP/IP address.
 4. Enter the printer’s IP address (from step c).
 5. Complete setup and try printing a test page.

e. Check for Smart App Connection
 If you use the HP Smart app:
 1. Open HP Smart → Printer Settings → Advanced Settings.
 2. If it shows “Offline” or “Not connected,” select Reconnect Printer and follow the on-screen instructions.

I hope this helps.

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