I have two wireless printers that frequently show as offline even though the Wi-Fi works normally for my other devices. Sometimes a document left in the print queue eventually prints hours later, but I can't rely on that. I'm expecting documents by email that I need to print, sign, scan, and return promptly, so I'm worried the printers will remain unavailable when I need them. They're about eight years old, including an HP OfficeJet Pro 6970, and I use a MacBook Air. Would replacing them with a hardwired printer solve the problem, or is there something I should troubleshoot first?
5 Answers
If you need a dependable setup, a printer with Ethernet can avoid many wireless problems, provided you can run a network cable to it. However, a hardwired replacement isn’t the only option. Poor signal, mesh roaming, overlapping Wi-Fi channels, or an older printer’s wireless hardware can all cause intermittent failures. Testing one printer near the main router will help identify whether the network is the problem.
For signing and returning documents, you may not need to print and scan every time. You can sign a blank sheet once, scan the signature, and save it as an image. Then add that image to PDFs or documents with a suitable editor. You should still confirm that this is acceptable for the particular paperwork, but it can make the process much less dependent on the printer.
Many printers enter an aggressive sleep mode after sitting unused. They may stop responding to print jobs until they wake up or are power-cycled. Look through the HP printer settings or software for sleep, energy-saving, or wireless power-management options and reduce or disable them if possible. The OfficeJet Pro 6970 is old enough that compatibility with newer routers could also be a factor, so check for firmware updates.
A wired printer is usually more dependable, but the wireless issue may be caused by your network rather than the printer’s age. Extenders and mesh boosters can cause printers to lose their connection, and some older printers dislike routers that combine the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Since you’re using Eero boosters and a newer router, try moving a printer closer to the main router and, if possible, connecting it to a dedicated 2.4 GHz network.
That sounds plausible. I’ll try moving the printer or booster closer to the main router before replacing anything.
Before replacing the printers, try giving each one a reserved or static IP address and adding it manually to your Mac using that IP. Printers can appear offline when their address changes or when the computer loses track of them. Also check whether they have a deep-sleep or energy-saving setting that disconnects Wi-Fi; disabling that may help.
I’m using a MacBook Air only, so I’ll need to find the equivalent printer setup there.
I’ve had trouble waking them up, so I’ll look specifically for the sleep and energy-saving settings.