“Gathering Printer Information” stalled on iPad

The issue is with the iOS/iPadOS/MacOS software version. I actually tested this. I tested it on the same device with the same settings but with a different software version. Airprint was working perfectly on 16, then when I upgraded to the iOS/iPadOS 17 beta, it broke, and has still not been fixed as of 17.1.1. Based on other's feedback, it seems that this same issue was introduced with 16.5.

I have isolated the issue as being caused by iOS and only iOS. When you select the printer, it says "Gathering printer information..." then it freezes for half a second, and deselects the printer. I tested in the same day on a 16.4 device and a 17.1 device. The 16.4 printed perfectly, while the 17.1 had the above described issue.

I hope Apple fixes this soon.

Tested on iPad Pro (M1, 8GB ram, 128GB storage), iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and Macbook Pro (M1).

I agree with ‘Hudsonfrombishop’. My iPad and iPhone won’t print to my Canon printer, after the latest Apple iOS update. The ‘gathering information’ problem is the same and while the printer is recognised, it won’t continue to printing. Very frustrating. I opened my old Windows desktop with cable connection. The printer responded and printed perfectly. I checked the wifi connection and then connected my newish Windows laptop wirelessly and the printer worked perfectly. Windows connections are OK apparently but that latest IOS update has caused a major problem for our various Apple iPad and phones. We hope Apple fixes this quickly as it is a real ‘downer’!

If your printer supports AirPrint - and is set-up correctly - should you continue to experience difficulties your WiFi Router may be unexpectedly failing to pass Apple Bonjour traffic on you local network - or your WiFi Router or Network Switch may be blocking this (or other) device discovery protocol(s) for one or more devices.

This can occur for a number of reasons. Ensure that your wired and wireless network segments are part of the same IP-subnet, are not defined as separate VLANs - or that one or other are defined as “guest” networks, or placed in a DMZ. You may find that your router has a setting that limits/restricts broadcast and network discovery traffic; by example, if your Router has an IGMP Snooping setting, try toggling this or similar settings. Your Router WiFi settings may also have privacy settings that isolate WiFi clients from each other; if present, ensure these settings are disabled.

The Apple Bonjour protocol uses mDNS (Multicast DNS) UDP port 5353.

You may find that restart of your network components will resolve the problem. You’ll need to restart your network devices in the correct order. Assuming that you WiFi Router provides DNS services for your network, restart devices in this order - allowing time for devices to fully boot/restart prior to restarting other devices:

• WiFi Router
• Upstream wired Network Switch(es)
• WiFi Access Points / Network Extenders
• Other fixed infrastructure devices - such as Printers
• Client devices

Restarting your iPad, after restarting other devices in the correct sequence, is most simply achieved by a forced-restart of the iPad:

• On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

• On an iPad with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

If you continue to have difficulties, check to see if your iPad is using the new WiFi Private Address feature. This feature is intended to provide additional privacy and security when using “public” (untrusted) WiFi networks.

Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the “i” icon - Private Address

The Private Address feature is largely unnecessary for your home WiFi network; if enabled, Private Addressing can interfere with anticipated operation of other devices, such as AirPrint/Airplay. In such circumstances, you may need to disable this feature - and can be enabled or disabled for each individual network.

Use private Wi-Fi addresses in iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and watchOS 7 - Apple Support

My HP OfficeJet pro 8610 continues to tell me it is gathering supplies information and will not let me print.

hudsonfrombishop wrote:

The issue is with the iOS/iPadOS/MacOS software version. I actually tested this. I tested it on the same device with the same settings but with a different software version. Airprint was working perfectly on 16, then when I upgraded to the iOS/iPadOS 17 beta, it broke, and has still not been fixed as of 17.1.1. Based on other's feedback, it seems that this same issue was introduced with 16.5.

I have isolated the issue as being caused by iOS and only iOS. When you select the printer, it says "Gathering printer information..." then it freezes for half a second, and deselects the printer. I tested in the same day on a 16.4 device and a 17.1 device. The 16.4 printed perfectly, while the 17.1 had the above described issue.

I hope Apple fixes this soon.

Tested on iPad Pro (M1, 8GB ram, 128GB storage), iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and Macbook Pro (M1).

Speaking of personal experience with multiple iPad with iPadOS 17.1.1, including a fifth generation iPad Pro 12.9", AirPrint works without issue with modern AirPrint-enabled printers.

If you have installed a beta version of iPadOS, you should have every expectation of encountering bugs or other issues.

Re my problem, I am located in Australia. I also note that ‘Hudson…’ in this thread reported this back in November but it is still a problem here in Australia in early January 2024. Any answers out there?