Quick Fixes - Try These First
Before diving into specific issues, try these universal fixes that resolve most HP printer problems in under 5 minutes.
The 60-Second Power Reset
This simple reset fixes 70% of HP printer issues:
- 1. Turn off your HP printer using the power button
- 2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer
- 3. Wait exactly 60 seconds (this clears the printer's memory)
- 4. Plug the power cord back in
- 5. Turn on the printer and wait for it to fully initialize
- 6. Try printing a test page
HP Printer Showing Offline
Quick Fix (2 minutes):
- Open Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners
- Click your HP printer → Open queue
- Click Printer menu → Uncheck "Use Printer Offline"
- Right-click your HP printer → Set as Default
- Print a test page to verify
HP Printer Not Printing
Quick Fix (3 minutes):
- Cancel all documents in the print queue
- Check ink/toner levels on printer display
- Restart Print Spooler: Win+R → services.msc → Print Spooler → Restart
- Run HP Print and Scan Doctor (download from HP)
- Print a test page
HP Printer Paper Jam
Quick Fix (5 minutes):
- Turn off printer and unplug it
- Open all printer doors, trays, and rear access panels
- Gently remove all visible paper (pull in direction of paper path)
- Check for torn paper pieces inside - use flashlight to see
- Close all doors, plug in, and turn on
- Load fresh paper and print test page
HP Printer Offline - Complete Fix Guide
The "HP printer offline" error is the most common issue HP printer owners face. Here's a complete guide to get your HP printer back online.
Why Your HP Printer Shows Offline
Software Causes
- • "Use Printer Offline" accidentally enabled
- • Print Spooler service stopped
- • Corrupted or outdated HP drivers
- • Windows Update changed settings
- • Stuck print jobs blocking queue
Connection Causes
- • WiFi network disconnected
- • Printer IP address changed
- • USB cable loose or faulty
- • Firewall blocking printer
- • Router settings changed
Step-by-Step Offline Fix
1 Disable Offline Mode (Windows 10/11)
- 1. Press Win + I to open Settings
- 2. Go to Devices (Win 10) or Bluetooth & devices (Win 11)
- 3. Click Printers & scanners
- 4. Select your HP printer → Click Open queue
- 5. Click Printer menu at top
- 6. Uncheck "Use Printer Offline" if it's checked
2 Restart Print Spooler Service
- 1. Press Win + R
- 2. Type
services.msc→ Press Enter - 3. Find Print Spooler in the list
- 4. Right-click → Restart
- 5. Right-click → Properties → Set Startup type to Automatic
Command line alternative:
net stop spooler && net start spooler
3 Run HP Print and Scan Doctor
- 1. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor from support.hp.com
- 2. Run the downloaded HPPSdr.exe file
- 3. Click Start and select your HP printer
- 4. Click Fix Printing
- 5. Follow any additional prompts to resolve issues
4 Remove and Re-add Printer
- 1. Go to Settings → Printers & scanners
- 2. Click your HP printer → Remove device
- 3. Restart your computer
- 4. Click Add a printer or scanner
- 5. Wait for Windows to detect your HP printer
- 6. Select your printer and click Add device
Still offline? See our detailed Printer Offline But Connected guide for advanced solutions.
HP Printer Not Printing - Fix Guide
When your HP printer won't print, work through these solutions from simplest to most comprehensive.
1. Check Ink/Toner Levels
Low or empty cartridges are the #1 reason HP printers stop printing.
- • Check levels on printer display or HP Smart app
- • HP printers may refuse to print if ANY cartridge is empty
- • Some HP printers won't print black if color is empty (and vice versa)
- • Replace cartridges showing as empty or very low
2. Clear Print Queue
Stuck print jobs can block all new prints.
- 1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners
- 2. Click your HP printer → Open queue
- 3. Click Printer menu → Cancel All Documents
- 4. Wait 30 seconds for queue to clear
- 5. Try printing again
3. Verify Correct Printer Selected
Windows may be sending prints to the wrong printer.
- • Check that your HP printer is set as default
- • In the print dialog, manually select your HP printer
- • Look for duplicate printers (HP XXXX vs HP XXXX (Copy)) and remove copies
- • Disable "Let Windows manage my default printer"
4. Update HP Printer Driver
Outdated drivers cause printing failures, especially after Windows updates.
- 1. Go to support.hp.com
- 2. Enter your HP printer model number
- 3. Download the Full Feature Driver (not basic driver)
- 4. Run the installer and follow prompts
- 5. Restart your computer after installation
5. HP Printer Prints Blank Pages
If your HP printer feeds paper but prints nothing:
- • New cartridges? Remove the orange/yellow protective tape from contacts
- • Clogged printhead: Run cleaning cycle 2-3 times from printer menu
- • Cartridge seated properly? Remove and firmly reinstall all cartridges
- • Print a nozzle check pattern to identify clogged nozzles
- • Try different paper - some paper types don't absorb ink properly
HP Printer WiFi Connection Issues
WiFi connectivity problems are common with HP wireless printers. Here's how to diagnose and fix them.
Important: Your HP printer and computer must be connected to the same WiFi network. Most printers only work on 2.4GHz networks, not 5GHz.
Connect HP Printer to WiFi
Method 1: Wireless Setup Wizard
- 1. On printer panel, touch Setup or gear icon
- 2. Select Network or Wireless
- 3. Choose Wireless Setup Wizard
- 4. Select your WiFi network from list
- 5. Enter your WiFi password
- 6. Wait for "Connected" confirmation
Method 2: WPS Push Button
- 1. Find the WPS button on your router
- 2. Press and hold the router's WPS button
- 3. Within 2 minutes, press the WiFi button on your HP printer
- 4. Hold until the WiFi light starts blinking
- 5. Wait for solid blue light (connected)
Fix WiFi Connection Problems
HP Printer Won't Connect to WiFi
- • Check WiFi band: HP printers typically only work on 2.4GHz, not 5GHz
- • Move printer closer to router (within 20 feet)
- • Restart router: Unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in
- • Check WiFi password: Ensure no typos, watch for caps
- • Restore network defaults on printer and try setup again
HP Printer Keeps Disconnecting from WiFi
- • Assign static IP: Prevents router from changing printer's address
- • Disable sleep mode: Printer Settings → Energy Savings → extend or disable
- • Update router firmware: Check manufacturer's website
- • Disable AP isolation on router if enabled
- • Use HP Smart app to maintain connection
Assign Static IP to HP Printer
- 1. Print a Network Configuration page from printer menu
- 2. Note the current IP address and MAC address
- 3. Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1)
- 4. Find DHCP Reservation or Static IP settings
- 5. Add printer's MAC address with a fixed IP (e.g., 192.168.1.200)
- 6. Save and restart printer
HP Print Quality Problems
Fix faded prints, streaks, lines, smudges, and other HP print quality issues.
Faded or Light Prints
- • Check ink/toner levels - replace if low
- • Run printhead cleaning cycle
- • Change print quality to "Best" in settings
- • Use correct paper type setting
- • Shake toner cartridge gently (laser printers)
Streaks or Lines on Pages
- • Run printhead cleaning 2-3 times
- • Clean scanner glass and ADF (for copies)
- • Check for debris on printhead contacts
- • Replace low or empty cartridges
- • For laser: replace drum unit if worn
Smudged or Blurry Prints
- • Let prints dry before handling (inkjet)
- • Use correct paper for your printer type
- • Run printer alignment from maintenance menu
- • Clean paper rollers with damp lint-free cloth
- • For laser: clean or replace fuser unit
Colors Wrong or Missing
- • Check all color cartridge levels
- • Run color calibration from printer menu
- • Clean printhead (focus on problem color)
- • Replace the specific color cartridge
- • Check print settings aren't set to grayscale
How to Clean HP Printhead
Automatic Cleaning (Try First)
- 1. On printer panel: Setup → Tools → Clean Printhead
- 2. Wait for cleaning cycle to complete (2-3 minutes)
- 3. Print a test page to check results
- 4. If still streaky, run cleaning again (up to 3 times)
- 5. Wait 30 minutes between cleanings to let ink settle
Manual Printhead Cleaning
- 1. Turn off printer and unplug it
- 2. Open access door and remove all cartridges
- 3. If printhead is removable, unlatch and remove it
- 4. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water
- 5. Gently wipe the printhead nozzles (copper/gold area)
- 6. Also clean the electrical contacts on printhead and carriage
- 7. Let dry completely (15-20 minutes)
- 8. Reinstall printhead and cartridges
HP Printer Paper Jam Solutions
Paper jams in HP printers can occur in multiple locations. Here's how to clear them and prevent future jams.
Warning: Always turn off and unplug your HP printer before clearing paper jams. Pull paper slowly to avoid tearing it inside the printer.
Clear Paper Jam Step-by-Step
1. Input Tray Area
- • Remove paper tray completely
- • Look for jammed paper in the tray opening
- • Pull paper gently in direction of paper path
- • Check paper guides are adjusted correctly
2. Inside the Printer
- • Open front/top access door
- • Remove ink cartridges or toner to see inside
- • Use flashlight to spot jammed paper
- • Gently pull out any visible paper
- • Check for small torn pieces
3. Rear Access Area
- • Open rear access door or remove rear panel
- • Most jams occur here - check thoroughly
- • Pull paper out toward the back
- • Check rollers for debris or damage
4. Output Tray Area
- • Check paper exiting the printer
- • Clear any partially ejected pages
- • Ensure output tray isn't overloaded
Prevent Future Paper Jams
- • Fan paper before loading - separates stuck sheets
- • Don't overfill trays - stay below max line
- • Use correct paper size - match tray settings
- • Store paper flat - humidity warps paper
- • Adjust paper guides snugly - not too tight
- • Clean rollers monthly - use damp cloth
- • Use quality paper - avoid cheap copy paper
- • Don't use damaged paper - wrinkled, torn edges
HP Printer Error Codes Explained
Common HP error codes and their solutions. Find your error code below.
| Error Code | Meaning | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 0xc19a0003 | Ink system failure | Power cycle printer, clean cartridge contacts, reinstall cartridges |
| 0x610000f6 | Printhead problem | Clean printhead contacts, run cleaning cycle, replace printhead if damaged |
| 49.4c02 | Firmware/software error | Update firmware from HP website, perform cold reset |
| 13.20.00 | Paper jam in fuser area | Open rear door, carefully remove jammed paper, check fuser |
| 59.F0 | Motor failure | Check for obstructions, power cycle, may need service |
| 79.00FE | Critical firmware error | Disconnect network, remove USB, power cycle, update firmware |
| E0/E1/E2 | Paper feed problem | Check paper tray, adjust guides, clean rollers |
| Oxc4eb827f | Ink cartridge error | Remove cartridges, clean contacts with alcohol, reinstall |
HP Factory Reset (Clears Most Errors)
A factory reset returns all settings to default and often clears persistent errors.
Touchscreen Models:
- 1. Setup → Printer Maintenance
- 2. Restore → Restore Factory Defaults
- 3. Confirm when prompted
Non-Touchscreen Models:
- 1. Turn off printer
- 2. Hold Power + Cancel buttons
- 3. Turn on while holding
- 4. Release when lights cycle
Troubleshooting by HP Printer Series
Each HP printer series has specific issues and solutions. Find your series below.
LJ HP LaserJet Series
Business laser printers - fast, high-volume
- • Toner smudging: Clean fuser unit, check fuser temperature
- • Ghost images: Replace drum unit if worn
- • Network issues: Reset network via EWS (Embedded Web Server)
- • 49.xxxx errors: Update firmware, isolate network
DJ HP DeskJet Series
Home inkjet printers - affordable, versatile
- • Dried ink: Run cleaning cycle, soak printhead if needed
- • Cartridge errors: Clean contacts, reseat cartridges
- • WiFi drops: Use HP Smart app for stable connection
- • Paper feed issues: Clean rollers with alcohol
OJ HP OfficeJet Series
All-in-one - print, scan, copy, fax
- • Scan failures: Update scanner driver separately
- • ADF jams: Clean document feeder rollers
- • Fax not working: Check phone line, disable VoIP features
- • Slow printing: Reduce print quality, check WiFi signal
EN HP ENVY Series
Photo-focused - premium home printing
- • Photo quality: Use HP photo paper, select "Best" quality
- • Mobile print fails: Enable HP ePrint, check WiFi Direct
- • Touch screen issues: Calibrate from settings, clean screen
- • Color mismatch: Run color calibration, update ICC profiles
HP Diagnostic Tools
HP provides free diagnostic tools that automatically detect and fix printer problems.
HP Print and Scan Doctor
The #1 tool for fixing HP printer issues on Windows.
- • Automatically diagnoses printer problems
- • Fixes connection and driver issues
- • Clears print queue and restarts services
- • Works with all HP printers
HP Smart App
Manage your HP printer from any device.
- • Easy WiFi setup and management
- • Check ink levels and order supplies
- • Print and scan from mobile devices
- • Diagnose and fix common issues
HP Printer Maintenance & Prevention
Regular maintenance prevents most HP printer problems before they start.
Weekly Tasks
- • Print at least one page (prevents ink drying)
- • Check ink/toner levels
- • Clear any pending print jobs
Monthly Tasks
- • Run printhead cleaning cycle
- • Clean exterior and scanner glass
- • Wipe paper rollers with damp cloth
- • Check for firmware updates
Quarterly Tasks
- • Deep clean printhead (if needed)
- • Run printer alignment
- • Update drivers from HP website
- • Check all cables for wear
Best Practices
- • Use genuine HP cartridges for best results
- • Store paper flat in dry environment
- • Keep printer dust-free with a cover
- • Avoid extreme temperatures
Test Your HP Printer
Use our free test pages to verify your HP printer is working correctly: