Why is My HP Printer Not Printing?
HP Printer has various awards and recognition for its products especially, and HP is well-known for its wireless or wired printers. But, in a situation when the HP printer doesn’t respond or work what should be the initial step to fix your problem? Before doing anything, the HP printer holder needs to recognize their issue or query and then, apply the right steps. Here you may find the best possible solutions and troubleshooting guide to fix your HP printer issue and learn why Is My HP Printer Not Printing. There are various reasons why HP printers do not print anything
Such as:
· If the connectivity issue is faced by the user.
· Due to outdated software or drivers.
· Incorrect configuration.
· Physical issue.
· In case of a virus or infection and so on.
Why is my HP printer working but not printing?
If your HP printer is working properly but, not printing or the printer has blank pages there are several reasons such as:
· Incorrect setting of the paper.
· Alignment of the papers.
· Due to the low quality or empty ink cartridges
· Print head issue.
· Firmware problem.
· Incorrect settings or many more things.
· If you wish to fix not printer issue so just read the mentioned solutions.
Fix the HP printer, not the printer issue using the given solutions:
· Check the proper alignment of the paper: Clear the paper tray and again, put the bundle of the white paper and check the alignment of the papers.
· Check the level or brand of the Ink: Ensure that, you are using the branded ink cartridges also, you must access the ink tank and check the level of the ink.
· Adjust the settings: Ensure that, you have checked the print settings from the control access panel.
· Reboot your device: if you connected your printer with your mobile/computer then, after applying the above-presented solutions, just reboot your device.
· Reset or Update your Firmware: You need to reset your printer firmware from the control display panel or you may update your firmware from the HP smart app or directly from the HP website.
Why is my printer connected but not printing?
If you are not getting the printer after pressing the print button, you may reset your HP printer using the below-given steps.
· First of all, you have to disconnect your HP printer from the power cord and electric outlet. (Wait for 30 seconds)
· Again, connect to all the disconnected power cords and provide the electricity to your HP printer.
· Now, hold at least 10 to 20 seconds on the power button.
· If the light is blinking and showing green then, your HP printer has updated.
Why is my printer not printing even though it has ink?
If you have checked the ink level but, after pressing the print button, your HP printer is not printing. If you are encountering a similar issue so just, follow the mentioned solutions.
Use HP printer assistant tools:
· Before doing anything, you must perform the HP printer assistant tools and detect your issue:
· First of all, you must download Printer Assistant on your PC/laptop.
· Tap on the menu option and hit on the Estimated ink levels.
· The graph will provide your current health update on the Ink.
Inspect the Control display panel of the Printer: After visiting the control display panel of the HP printer, just check the ink level, toner level, estimate ink, and many more things.
Use the HP Smart App: Install the HP Smart application and select the status of the cartridges.
HP Printer Not Printing
If your HP printer isn’t printing, there could be several reasons behind the issue, ranging from hardware malfunctions to software problems. Below, I’ll explore common causes and troubleshooting steps to help you diagnose and possibly resolve the problem. The explanation will be divided into hardware issues, software issues, and connectivity problems.
1. Hardware Issues
a. Power Supply Problems
One of the most basic yet overlooked issues is related to the power supply. If your printer is not turning on or is unresponsive, the first step is to ensure that it’s properly plugged in and that the power outlet is functioning. Try using a different outlet or testing the outlet with another device.
b. Paper Jams
A common problem that halts printing is a paper jam. Even a small piece of paper stuck inside the printer can prevent it from functioning. Open the printer and check all paper paths, including the input and output trays, for any stuck paper. Ensure you remove any debris or small pieces of paper that might be causing the jam.
c. Empty or Low Ink/Toner
If your HP printer uses ink or toner cartridges, low or empty cartridges can prevent printing. Check the ink or toner levels through the printer’s control panel or software on your computer. Replace any cartridges that are low or empty, and ensure they are installed correctly. Sometimes, even if the ink or toner isn’t entirely depleted, the printer might refuse to print if the levels are too low.
d. Faulty Hardware Components
In some cases, faulty hardware components such as the printer head, rollers, or other internal parts might cause issues. If the printer has been used extensively or is old, wear and tear might have taken a toll on these parts. Listen for unusual noises or observe any error messages that might indicate hardware failure. If hardware problems are suspected, it might be necessary to contact HP support or a professional technician.
2. Software Issues
a. Driver Problems
Printer drivers are essential for the proper communication between your computer and the printer. If your HP printer isn’t printing, the issue might lie in the drivers. This could be due to outdated, corrupt, or incompatible drivers. Visit the HP website and download the latest drivers for your printer model. After installing the updated drivers, restart your computer and try printing again.
b. Printer Spooler Service
The printer spooler is a service that manages print jobs sent to the printer. If the spooler service is not functioning correctly, it can cause printing issues. To check if the spooler is the problem:
Open the Run dialog box (Windows key + R) and type `services.msc`.
Scroll down to find Print Spooler.
Right-click and select Restart.
If this solves the problem, but the issue recurs, the spooler settings might need to be reconfigured, or the spooler service might be getting interrupted by other software on your computer.
c. Print Queue Issues
Sometimes, print jobs can get stuck in the queue, preventing new jobs from being processed. You can clear the print queue by:
Opening the Devices and Printers section in the Control Panel.
Right-clicking on your HP printer and selecting See what’s printing.
Cancelling all pending jobs.
After clearing the queue, try printing again.
d. Operating System Updates
Operating system updates can sometimes cause conflicts with printer drivers or settings. If your printer stopped working after an update, check for any new drivers or patches from HP that might address the compatibility issue. Alternatively, you might need to roll back the update if the problem persists.
3. Connectivity Problems
a. Wireless Network Issues
For wireless HP printers, connectivity problems are a common cause of printing issues. If the printer is not connected to the Wi-Fi network or if there is a network disruption, the printer won’t receive print jobs. Here are steps to troubleshoot:
Check the Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure that your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. You can usually do this through the printer’s control panel.
Restart Your Router: Sometimes, network issues can be resolved by simply restarting the router.
Reconfigure Wireless Settings: If the printer has lost connection to the network, you might need to go through the setup process again.
b. USB Connection Problems
If your printer is connected via USB, ensure that the cable is properly connected to both the printer and the computer. Try using a different USB port or cable to rule out any issues with the connection. Additionally, check if the USB port is functioning correctly by connecting another device to the same port.
c. Firewall or Antivirus Software
Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software might block communication between your computer and the printer, especially in network printing scenarios. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software to see if that resolves the issue. If it does, you’ll need to adjust the settings to allow communication between your devices.
4. Printer Settings and Configuration
a. Default Printer Selection
If your HP printer is not set as the default printer, print jobs might be sent to a different device or not processed at all. Go to the Devices and Printers section of the Control Panel and ensure your HP printer is set as the default.
b. Printer Offline
Your printer might be set to offline mode, preventing it from printing. In the Devices and Printers section, right-click on your HP printer and check if the “Use Printer Offline” option is selected. If it is, deselect it.
c. Incorrect Paper Size or Type Settings
If the paper size or type set in the printer’s settings doesn’t match the actual paper loaded in the tray, the printer might not print. Double-check these settings and adjust them if necessary.
If your HP printer is not printing, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including hardware malfunctions, software issues, or connectivity problems. By systematically troubleshooting each potential cause — starting with the simplest solutions like checking the power supply and paper jams — you can often resolve the issue without the need for professional assistance. If, after trying all these steps, your printer still isn’t working, contacting HP support or a qualified technician might be the best course of action.
