Printers have become an essential tool in homes and offices. However, there is nothing more frustrating than needing to print an important document only to find that your printer is not responding. HP printers are known for their reliability and quality, but sometimes they can run into issues that affect their functionality. Why is my HP printer not printing? In this blog, we’ll explore common reasons why your HP printer won’t print and provide detailed troubleshooting steps to help you get back to printing.
How to Know If Your HP Printer Is Not Printing?
Before we dive into potential causes and solutions, it’s crucial to recognize the signs that your HP printer won’t print.
No Printouts: One of the most obvious signs is that despite sending a print command from a computer or mobile device, no printout occurs. This can be frustrating, especially when there are no obvious error messages. In this case, checking the status and connection of the printer should be the first step.
Error Messages on the Printer Display: HP printers often display error messages on the screen to indicate possible problems. These messages can include paper jams, low ink levels, or even more complex problems like printhead problems. Paying attention to the message and understanding its meaning can help you diagnose the problem.
Blinking Lights: For certain models like HP DeskJet 2132, HP printers communicate their status through indicator lights. A blinking or flashing light usually indicates an error condition that requires attention. For example, a blinking orange light might indicate a paper jam, while a blinking ink light might mean that one of the ink cartridges is empty or incorrectly installed.
What Printing Problems May Occur?
HP Printer Not Printing Black
This problem can be particularly annoying when color prints come out fine, but any printing that requires black ink is missing or faded. The problem could be caused by an empty black ink cartridge, a clogged print head, or incorrect print settings.
HP Printer Not Printing Color
Conversely, when a printer fails to print in color, it could be because the color ink cartridge is depleted, incorrectly set up, or there is a problem with the printhead. Making sure the printer is set to color mode in the print settings is a simple but often overlooked step.
HP Printer Not Printing Although Ink Is Full
Sometimes, your HP printer won't print even though the ink cartridges are full. This situation can be confusing and may point to a deeper problem, such as a printhead alignment issue, a software glitch, or a firmware issue.
Why Is My HP Printer Not Printing?
Now that we have identified the symptoms, let’s explore the potential causes behind these issues.
HP Printer Not Online
A common problem is that the printer is in an "offline" state, which prevents it from receiving print jobs. This can happen due to a network outage, a power outage, or if the printer settings have been accidentally changed. Checking the printer's status in the "Devices & Printers" section of the computer's Control Panel can confirm whether it is online or offline.
HP Printer Not Connecting to WiFi
Connectivity issues can be a major hurdle for wireless printers. If the printer is not connected to WiFi, it will not be able to communicate with your computer or mobile device. This issue can stem from a variety of factors, including signal interference, incorrect network settings, or outdated firmware. It is critical to ensure that the printer is within range of the router and that the correct network credentials are entered.
Other Reasons for Printing Problems
Ink or Toner Issues: Low ink or toner levels are one of the most common causes of printing problems. Even if the printer indicates that there is some ink left, it may not be enough to print a high-quality photo. Ink clogs or a clogged printhead can also prevent ink from flowing properly, causing incomplete or streaked prints.
Paper Feeding Problem: Paper Jams. Paper jams are another common problem, especially in high-use environments. Paper jams can be caused by incorrect paper size, an overloaded tray, or debris stuck in the paper path. Careful identification and clearing of jams is critical to avoid damaging the printer.
Driver and Software Issues: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause communication disruptions between your computer and printer. Additionally, software conflicts or malware can disrupt the operation of your printer. Regularly updating drivers and ensuring your computer's software environment is clean and conflict-free can help prevent these problems.
How to Fix HP Printer Not Printing
Here is a step-by-step guide to resolving common HP printer not printing issues:
1. Check Power and Connections
Make sure the printer is turned on. The power light should be on, indicating that the device is functioning properly.
Check that the power cord is securely plugged into the printer and the electrical outlet. If the printer is connected to a power strip, make sure the power strip is turned on.
For a wired connection, verify that the USB cable is securely connected to the printer and the computer. If using an Ethernet connection, check that the cable is properly connected to the printer and the router. For wireless printers, make sure WiFi is enabled and that the printer is connected to the correct network. The WiFi light on the printer should be solid, not blinking.
2. Restart Devices
Turn off the printer using the power button. Then, turn off the computer and, if you are using a wireless connection, restart the router. Wait about 30 seconds to a minute and turn on the router (if applicable), then the printer, and finally the computer. This sequence helps ensure that the network devices are ready before the computer attempts to connect.
3. Check Printer Status
Step 1: On your computer, go to the Devices and Printers or Printers and Scanners section in Control Panel or Settings.
Step 2: Find your HP printer in the list of devices. Right-click the printer icon and select See what's printing.
Step 3: Make sure the printer is not set to Offline mode. If it is, right-click the printer icon and select Use Printer Online.
Step 4: Check if there are any paused print jobs. If there are, you can resume them by right-clicking the job and selecting Resume. Alternatively, you can clear the print queue by selecting Cancel All Documents.
4. Update or Reinstall Drivers
Step 1: First, visit the HP official support website and go to the “Drivers & Downloads” section.
Step 2: Enter your printer model and download the latest driver software.
Step 3: After downloading, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver. If prompted, restart the computer after installation.
Step 4: If updating the driver does not solve the problem, consider uninstalling the printer driver. To do this, go to the “Devices and Printers” section, right-click your printer, and select “Remove device.” Then reinstall the driver using the downloaded installer.
5. Check Ink and Toner Levels
You can check ink or toner levels by accessing the printer's control panel or using the HP Smart app on a computer or mobile device. If any ink cartridges are low or empty, replace them. We recommend using high-quality compatible HP ink cartridges or genuine ink cartridges for best performance. Having trouble checking HP printer ink levels? Check out our blog How To Check Ink Levels On HP Printer.
After replacing the ink cartridges, do a test print to make sure the printer is functioning properly. If the printer still does not print, remove and reinstall the ink cartridges to make sure they are properly seated.
6. Clean the Printhead
Step 1: On the printer, navigate to the "Setup" or "Tools" menu (name may vary depending on model) and look for the “Maintenance” or “Printer Maintenance” option.
Step 2: Select “Clean Printhead” or similar option. The printer will perform a cleaning cycle, which may take several minutes.
Step 3: After the cleaning cycle is complete, print a test page to check for improvement. If the problem persists, consider performing a second cleaning cycle or manually cleaning the printhead according to the printer's manual instructions.
Step 4: If manual cleaning is required, gently remove the printhead (if your model allows it) and clean it with distilled water and a lint-free cloth. Allow it to dry completely before reinserting it into the printer. Check How to Clean HP Printer Heads for more information.
7. Resolve Paper Jams
Step 1: Turn off the printer and disconnect the power source to prevent any accidents.
Step 2: Open all accessible panels and carefully remove any jammed paper. Always pull the paper in the direction of the paper path to avoid damaging the internal components of the printer.
Step 3: Check the inside of the printer for any small pieces of paper or other obstructions, especially around the rollers.
Step 4: After removing all visible paper and obstructions, check the paper tray to make sure the paper is properly loaded and aligned. Make sure the paper guides are set correctly to match the paper size.
Step 5: Close all panels and reconnect the printer to the power source. Turn the printer back on and try to print a test page to confirm that the paper jam has been resolved.
Refer to our blog How to Fix Epson Printer Paper Jam to help you solve the paper jam problem.
8. Reset the HP Printer
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider resetting the printer to factory settings. This can clear persistent issues related to setup or firmware. To reset, locate the "Settings" or "Setup" menu on the printer's control panel. Navigate to the "Reset" or "Restore Settings" option. Select "Restore Factory Defaults" or a similar option. Confirm the reset when prompted.
Note that this will clear all customized settings and may require reconfiguring the printer's network settings. After resetting, reconfigure the printer's settings as needed, including reconnecting to your WiFi network if applicable. Print a test page to verify that the printer is functioning properly. By the way, the blog How to Reset HP Printer provides a detailed step-by-step reset method.
9. Advanced Troubleshooting and Professional Help
If you've tried all of the above steps and your printer is still not working properly, you may need to explore more advanced troubleshooting options. This may include checking the HP website for firmware updates, which can sometimes fix bugs or compatibility issues.
Use diagnostic tools provided by HP, such as the HP Print and Scan Doctor, a free tool designed to diagnose and fix common problems with printing, scanning, and connectivity.
If the problem persists, contact HP Customer Support for assistance. Be prepared to provide details about your printer model, the problem you're experiencing, and the troubleshooting steps you've taken. If your printer is still under warranty, you may be eligible for a repair or replacement.
Conclusion
Printer problems can be a major inconvenience, especially if you rely on your HP printer to perform important tasks. However, with a systematic approach to troubleshooting, you can often restore full functionality to your printer without professional help. If the problem persists, it's best to contact HP Customer Support or a qualified technician for assistance.
