---
# System prepended metadata

title: How to Troubleshoot an HP Printer That Won’t Print

---

# HP Printer Not Printing? What to do

If your HP printer isn’t printing, contact 1-888-560-3111, check power, ink, paper, and connections. Restart devices, clear print queue, and reinstall drivers if needed.

## 1. Introduction

Few things are more frustrating than pressing “print” and having nothing happen. HP printers—across LaserJet, DeskJet, OfficeJet, and Envy lines—are generally reliable, but issues happen. This guide explores every possible angle: from basic hardware issues to advanced configuration problems, ensuring you have the tools to get your printer working again.

---

## 2. Understanding the Printing Process

A print job usually flows like this:

1. You hit **Print** on your device (PC, Mac, tablet, phone).  
2. The operating system sends a **print job** to the printer driver.  
3. The printer driver formats it into a printer-friendly language (PCL, PS, ZPL).  
4. Your printer receives the job—via USB or over a network.  
5. The printer processes and prints the job.

When printing fails, the break can happen at any stage. Your goal is to isolate where the process stops.

---

## 3. Common Symptoms & What They Reveal

- **Nothing happens when you print** – May indicate connection or driver issues.  
- **Print job stuck in queue** – Suggests driver malfunction or communication error.  
- **Printer shows “Offline”** – Could be a connection or network discovery issue.  
- **Error message on screen or PC** – Often a clue to cartridge, paper, or firmware problems.  
- **Only some pages print** – Could be data corruption, resource limitations, or firmware bugs.  
- **Bad print quality** – Usually ink/toner or hardware malfunction.

---

## 4. Quick First Steps

Before deep investigation:

- **Restart everything**: Printer, computer, router, switch.  
- **Check human basics**: Power on, paper loaded, ink/toner present.  
- **Test with a simple text file** print, not a PDF or image.  
- **Try printing from another device** or application.  
- **Test another cable or connection** (USB/network cable).

These quick checks often resolve most problems.

---

## 5. Gathering Printer Details

Knowing specifics helps focus troubleshooting:

- HP model and serial number  
- Connection type (USB, network, wireless)  
- Operating system version  
- Symptoms and error messages  
- Last changes (software updates, cartridge replacement, etc.)

---

## 6. Check Hardware Basics

### Power & Startup  
Ensure printer powers on fully—no stuck lights. Look for network or USB activity.

### Paper & Tray Setup  
Check paper type/size is set correctly in settings.

### Cartridges / Toner  
Remove, shake gently if toner, reinstall firmly. Avoid mixing old/new cartridges.

### Internal Errors  
Look for error lights and remove any paper jams or debris.

---

## 7. Inspect Connection Method

### USB  
Try another USB port or cable. Dell USB ports vary in power and speed.  
Remove USB hubs—connect directly to the PC.

### Wired Network  
Use a cable tester if available. Borrow a known-good cable.  
Verify link lights at both ends.

### Wireless  
Move the router close temporarily.  
Check wireless signal strength.

---

## 8. Confirm Printer Status & Settings

Use HP control panel or embedded web server:

- Check **print queue** for stuck jobs. Clear queue if needed.  
- Ensure **Ready** or **Idle** status.  
- Check **network settings**: IP, subnet, gateway.  
- Make sure it's using DHCP or a valid static IP.  
- On Wi-Fi, confirm SSID and security match router settings.

---

## 9. Address Software & Driver Issues

### Printer Driver  
Use official HP drivers.  
Uninstall any generic drivers from Device Manager (Windows) or Printers & Scanners (macOS).  
Download latest drivers from hp.com.

### Print Spooler (Windows)  
Restart the Print Spooler service.  
Clear spooler folder contents (C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS).

### macOS Resets  
Delete the printer and re-add it from System Settings.

### Driver Mode  
Try using HP PCL vs PostScript drivers.

### Printer Port  
Ensure correct port (USB001, IP path) is selected.

### OS Updates  
Optional updates may include bug fixes.

---

## 10. Troubleshoot Through HP Tools

### HP Print and Scan Doctor  
Diagnoses and resolves driver, service, spooler, and network issues.

### HP Smart App  
Can detect printer, show status, and enable print/copy/scan.

### Embedded Web Server  
Access printer’s internal page via IP address. Look for job history, settings, and logs.

---

## 11. Network Printing Troubles

### Ping Test  
Use Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) to ping IP.

### Firewall Check  
Temporarily disable software firewalls on PC. Check port 9100/IPP open.

### Multicast & Bonjour  
If Bonjour/Windows Print Services disabled, enable them.  
Ensure multicast on network is allowed.

### IP Conflicts  
Use router to check DHCP leases. Assign static IP outside DHCP pool.

### Subnet Issues  
Printer and PC must be on same network segment for discovery.

---

## 12. Wireless Printing Troubles

- Ensure WPA2-PSK (AES) encryption on router.  
- Check 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz bands—older HP models may only use 2.4 GHz.  
- WPS is convenient but less secure.  
- Move printer < 3 ft from router during setup.  
- Use router logs to check association.

---

## 13. Advanced Configuration Checks

- Developer menus (service menu on control panel) have system logs.  
- SNMP enabled? HP uses it to communicate settings.  
- Check network switch firewall/VLAN block.  
- Use telnet to port 9100 to simulate print stream.

---

## 14. Paper, Ink & Consumable Problems

- Confirm correct **paper type/size** selected in driver and tray.  
- Replace cartridges without modifying their chips.  
- Use original HP supplies to avoid firmware lockouts.  
- Toner cartridge not seated can block printing.  
- Cleaning rollers and sensors can resolve paper-feed ghosts.

---

## 15. Print Job Troubleshooting

- Print simple plain-text to eliminate PDF/fonts issues.  
- Split large files across multiple jobs.  
- Hover a Word doc over USB to check direct vs embedded formats.  
- Check for software (like PDF printers or locators) interfering.

---

## 16. Error Messages & Codes

HP printers often show numeric errors:

- **49.xxxx** – Firmware or print job corrupt  
- **13.xxxx** – Paper jam  
- **79.xxxx** – Firmware crash  
Resolve via paper cleaning, reboot by removing power, and firmware reset.

---

## 17. Firmware Updates

Firmware resets behavior and fixes bugs:

- Download update from HP for your model.  
- Use HP Embedded Web Server or USB flash method if available.  
- Avoid interruptions during update.  
- Test printing afterward.

---

## 18. Uninstall & Clean Install

Windows:

1. Remove printer entry  
2. Control Panel / Apps / Devices & Printers  
3. Open Print Server Properties → Drivers tab → Remove HP drivers  
4. Reboot  
5. Reinstall using HP-supplied driver

macOS:

1. Remove printer  
2. Open Library/Printers/HP → move HP directory to Trash  
3. Restart and re-add the printer

---

## 19. Advanced Tools & Logs

### HP OXPd Logs  
Enterprise printers keep logs accessible via EWS > Logs.

### Wireshark  
Capture SNMP/DNS/mDNS/IPP/JetDirect printing events to identify host communication issues.

### HP JetAdvantage  
Cloud-managed fleets show alerts & usage data.

---

## 20. Preventive Measures

- Regularly inspect paper path.  
- Clean rollers per maintenance kit instructions.  
- Use HP/quality supplies.  
- Keep firmware, drivers, OS up to date.  
- Set static IP and reserved DHCP leases.  
- Configure auto-restart on power failure.

---

## 21. Real‑World Scenarios & Solutions

### Home USB printer won’t print  
—Cable bad; resolved by replacing USB cable.

### Office laserjet shows offline  
—Firewall disabled port 9100; white‑listing fix solved it.

### Wireless envy randomly drops jobs  
—Dual‑band router defaulted to 5 GHz; switching to 2.4 GHz fixed it.

### Print jobs delayed, stuck in queue  
—Spooler service hung; cleared queue and restarted spooler service.

---

## 22. Should You Replace or Repair?

Consider replacement if:

- Printer >10 years old with communication ports/software obsolete  
- Frequent paper jams or mechanical failure  
- High service costs outweigh a new unit

Repair if:

- Under warranty  
- Issue is parts consumable (roller, belt, cartridge assembly)  
- Firmware or simple hardware alignment issue

---

## 23. Summary

- **Restart everything**  
- **Check hardware & connections**  
- **Verify settings on printer & OS**  
- **Run reinstall and driver clean‑up**  
- **Fix network configuration**  
- **Update firmware**  
- **Monitor logs & diagnostics**  
- **Maintain and use quality supplies**

---

## 24. Appendix A: HP Printer Maintenance

- Monthly: remove paper dust, wipe rollers  
- Replace toner/ink per page count  
- Clean corona wires inside the toner cartridge  
- Replace maintenance kits per recommended cycle

---

## 25. Appendix B: USB vs Network vs Wireless

| Connection Type | Pros | Cons |
|-----------------|------|------|
| USB             | Plug and play, fastest | Cable limitation, one‑to‑one |
| Wired Network   | Shared access, stable | Needs proper infrastructure |
| Wireless        | Convenient | Signal issues, band limitations |

---

## 26. Appendix C: Glossary

- **Spooler**: Print job manager  
- **IPP**: Internet Printing Protocol  
- **SNMP**: Simple Network Management Protocol  
- **PCL/PS**: Printer languages  
- **Multicast/Bonjour**: Network discovery protocols

---

## 27. Closing Thoughts

Troubleshooting an HP printer requires diligence, patience, and a step‑by‑step systematic approach. Most issues resolve within 10–30 minutes once the root cause is identified. For stubborn or hardware‑level problems, HP support or professional maintenance kits become the next step. By understanding how printing works and following this guide, you’re equipped to tackle virtually any printing challenge—ensuring reliable performance and maximum uptime.