# 1-866-203-7571 HP Deskjet 4255e Not Printing (How to Fix)

**helpline number** **1-866-203-7571**

If your **HP DeskJet 4255e printer** suddenly stops printing, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues faced by HP printer users, especially after updates, paper jams, or low ink levels. Whether your printer isn’t printing at all, printing blank pages, or showing offline or error messages, this guide will help you fix the problem easily.

This detailed article explains **why your HP DeskJet 4255e is not printing** and provides **step-by-step solutions** to restore it to full functionality. If you’ve tried everything and still need expert help, you can also reach HP printer support at **1-866-203-7571** for real-time technical assistance.

## **1. Common Causes of HP DeskJet 4255e Not Printing**

Before jumping into solutions, it’s essential to understand **why** your printer has stopped printing. The cause might be software-related, hardware-related, or even a simple connectivity issue.

Here are some common reasons your **HP DeskJet 4255e** may not print:

1. **Printer is offline or paused.**
Sometimes the printer status is set to “Offline” or “Paused” due to network interruptions or driver errors.

2. **Connectivity issues.**
Wireless printers rely on Wi-Fi networks. If your printer and computer aren’t on the same network, printing will fail.

3. **Empty or low ink cartridges.**
Low ink levels, clogged nozzles, or faulty cartridges can prevent proper printing.

4. **Outdated or corrupted printer drivers.**
Outdated drivers can conflict with your operating system or print spooler.

5. **Paper jam or hardware blockage.**
Even small pieces of jammed paper can stop the printer mechanism from functioning.

6. **Print queue errors.**
A stuck print job can block all subsequent print requests.

7. **Firmware or software bugs.**
Firmware glitches, especially after automatic updates, can temporarily disable printing functions.

8. **Incorrect default printer setting.**
If another printer is selected as default, your print jobs may not go to the DeskJet 4255e.

9. **Wi-Fi signal interference or weak connectivity.**
Weak signal strength or interference from other devices may disrupt print communication.

Understanding these causes makes troubleshooting more effective.

## **2. Preliminary Checks Before Fixing the Problem**

Before proceeding to advanced fixes, perform these **basic checks**:

### ✅ **Check Power and Cable Connections**

* Make sure your printer is turned **ON** and the power light is steady.
* If using a USB cable, ensure it’s firmly connected to both your printer and computer.
* For Wi-Fi printing, confirm your printer’s **blue wireless light** is on and not blinking.

### ✅ **Restart Devices**

A simple restart often fixes minor bugs:

1. Turn off your printer and unplug it for 30 seconds.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Reconnect and turn on the printer.
This resets the connection and clears minor system errors.

### ✅ **Check for Error Messages**

Look at your printer’s **control panel** or **HP Smart app** for any warning icons or messages like “Paper Jam,” “Low Ink,” or “Cartridge Problem.”
Resolving these first may automatically restore printing.

## **3. Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix HP DeskJet 4255e Not Printing**

### **Solution 1: Set HP DeskJet 4255e as the Default Printer**

If another printer is set as default, print jobs won’t go to your DeskJet 4255e.

#### On Windows:

1. Open **Control Panel → Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click on **HP DeskJet 4255e**.
3. Select **Set as Default Printer**.
4. Try printing a test page.

#### On Mac:

1. Go to **System Preferences → Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select **HP DeskJet 4255e** and click **Default Printer**.

### **Solution 2: Clear Print Queue**

A jammed print queue is one of the most common reasons for printing issues.

#### On Windows:

1. Press **Windows + R**, type `services.msc`, and press **Enter**.
2. Locate **Print Spooler**.
3. Right-click → **Stop** the service.
4. Open `C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS` and delete all files inside.
5. Go back to the **Print Spooler**, right-click → **Start**.
6. Now, print a test document.

#### On Mac:

1. Go to **System Preferences → Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select **HP DeskJet 4255e** → **Open Print Queue**.
3. Click the **X** next to any pending print job to cancel them.

### **Solution 3: Check Wi-Fi or Network Connection**

If your printer isn’t connected to Wi-Fi properly, it won’t print wirelessly.

#### Verify Connection:

* On the printer’s control panel, make sure the **blue Wi-Fi light** is **solid** (not blinking).
* If it’s blinking, reconnect your printer to the network.

#### Reconnect Using HP Smart App:

1. Open the **HP Smart app** on your PC or smartphone.
2. Tap **+** to add your printer.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your HP DeskJet 4255e to Wi-Fi again.
4. Ensure both your **printer and computer** are on the **same Wi-Fi network**.

#### Optional:

You can also print a **Wireless Network Test Report** directly from the printer’s control panel to verify signal strength.

### **Solution 4: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers**

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your printer to malfunction.

#### Update Drivers Automatically:

1. Visit **support.hp.com**.
2. Enter **HP DeskJet 4255e** in the search bar.
3. Download the latest driver package compatible with your OS.
4. Install it and restart your system.

#### Or Reinstall via Device Manager (Windows):

1. Press **Windows + X → Device Manager**.
2. Expand **Printers**.
3. Right-click **HP DeskJet 4255e → Uninstall device**.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Reinstall using the HP Smart app or downloaded driver.

> 💡 **Tip:** Always use the **HP Smart app** for easy setup and automatic driver updates.

### **Solution 5: Check Ink Cartridges**

If your printer is printing blank pages or not printing colors, the cartridges may be low or clogged.

#### Steps to Inspect Ink Levels:

1. Open the **HP Smart app**.
2. Select your printer → **Estimated Ink Levels**.
3. If any cartridge is empty or near empty, replace it.

#### Reseat the Cartridges:

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Open the front ink cartridge access door.
3. Remove each cartridge carefully.
4. Clean the electrical contacts with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
5. Reseat the cartridges properly until they click into place.
6. Close the door and print a test page.

#### Run the Printhead Cleaning Utility:

* Open **HP Smart → Printer Maintenance → Clean Printhead**.
* Follow the prompts and print a test page to check improvement.

### **Solution 6: Check for Paper Jams or Blockages**

Even small bits of paper can cause mechanical errors.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Open all access doors and remove any jammed paper.
3. Check the rear access door and input tray for scraps.
4. Clean the rollers gently with a lint-free cloth.
5. Reload fresh paper and try printing again.

> ⚠️ **Do not use sharp tools** to remove paper; it can damage the internal parts.

### **Solution 7: Run HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows Only)**

HP provides an automated tool that detects and fixes printing issues.

1. Download **HP Print and Scan Doctor** from the official HP website.
2. Install and open the tool.
3. Click **Start** → select your **HP DeskJet 4255e printer**.
4. Let the tool detect problems.
5. Follow on-screen prompts to fix any issues automatically.

This utility can fix driver, network, or spooler-related problems quickly.

### **Solution 8: Update Printer Firmware**

Firmware updates can fix known bugs and improve performance.

#### Using HP Smart App:

1. Open **HP Smart**.
2. Click **Printer Settings → Advanced Settings**.
3. Select **Tools → Printer Updates**.
4. If an update is available, install it.

#### Alternatively:

Visit [HP Support Firmware Page](https://support.hp.com) → Enter **DeskJet 4255e** → Download and install the latest firmware manually.

> 🕒 Firmware updates may take a few minutes. Do not turn off your printer during the process.

### **Solution 9: Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode**

If your printer is stuck in **Offline Mode**, printing won’t start.

1. Go to **Control Panel → Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click **HP DeskJet 4255e → See What’s Printing**.
3. Click **Printer** in the top menu.
4. Uncheck **Use Printer Offline** and **Pause Printing**.
5. Try printing again.

### **Solution 10: Reset HP DeskJet 4255e Printer**

If all else fails, perform a **factory reset** to clear all settings and glitches.

#### To Reset:

1. Turn on your printer.
2. Press and hold the **Cancel (X)** and **Wireless (⚡)** buttons simultaneously for 5–10 seconds.
3. The printer will restart and reset its network settings.

After resetting, you’ll need to reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network using the HP Smart app.

## **4. Fix HP DeskJet 4255e Not Printing Black Ink**

If your printer prints color but not black ink, the issue is usually due to the **black cartridge** or printhead.

**Try these steps:**

1. Ensure the black ink cartridge is not empty.
2. Run **Clean Printhead** from the HP Smart app.
3. Print a **diagnostic page** to check ink pattern.
4. If still not printing black, replace the **black cartridge**.

> 🧠 **Tip:** Always use **original HP cartridges** (HP 67 or HP 67XL) for best results.

## **5. Fix HP DeskJet 4255e Printing Blank Pages**

Sometimes, your printer prints blank pages even though it seems to work fine.

**Possible reasons:**

* Empty cartridges
* Clogged printhead
* Incorrect paper size settings
* Low ink or air bubbles in cartridge

**Solutions:**

1. Remove and reinstall cartridges.
2. Run printhead cleaning 2–3 times.
3. Make sure paper settings in your print dialog match the actual paper.
4. Print a test page to confirm the fix.

## **6. Fix HP DeskJet 4255e Printing Slow or Faded Output**

If your printouts are faint, slow, or uneven:

1. Open **HP Smart → Printer Settings → Print Quality Tools**.
2. Select **Align Printhead** and **Clean Cartridges**.
3. Adjust **print quality** in the Print dialog from “Draft” to “Normal” or “Best.”
4. Ensure you’re using genuine HP ink and high-quality paper.

## **7. Fix HP DeskJet 4255e Offline Issue**

If your printer shows **Offline**, here’s what to do:

1. Ensure both your printer and computer are connected to the **same Wi-Fi**.
2. Restart your router, computer, and printer.
3. Disable VPN if active.
4. Run **HP Print and Scan Doctor** to bring the printer online automatically.
5. Make sure “Use Printer Offline” is **unchecked** as mentioned earlier.

## **8. Fix HP DeskJet 4255e Printing from Smartphone**

If you’re trying to print from your phone and it doesn’t work:

### For Android:

1. Install **HP Smart App** from Google Play.
2. Open app → Add Printer → Select **HP DeskJet 4255e**.
3. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Try printing a photo or document.

### For iPhone/iPad:

1. Ensure printer supports **AirPrint** (HP DeskJet 4255e does).
2. Connect iPhone and printer to same Wi-Fi.
3. Open the file → Tap **Share → Print → Select HP DeskJet 4255e**.
4. Print your document.

If it fails, reset the Wi-Fi connection on both devices and try again.

## **9. Fix HP DeskJet 4255e Not Recognized by Computer**

If your computer doesn’t detect your printer:

### For USB Connection:

* Try a different USB port or cable.
* Reinstall the driver using HP Smart.

### For Wireless Connection:

* Ensure printer is connected to Wi-Fi.
* Disable firewall temporarily and re-add the printer.

### Add Printer Manually (Windows):

1. Go to **Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners**.
2. Click **Add a printer or scanner**.
3. Wait until **HP DeskJet 4255e** appears, then click **Add device**.

## **10. Fix HP DeskJet 4255e Stuck in Error State**

When the printer shows “Error State,” it often indicates a communication or software problem.

**Steps to Fix:**

1. Restart your printer and computer.
2. Ensure no paper jams or open covers.
3. Update printer driver and firmware.
4. Check that the USB/Wi-Fi connection is stable.
5. Disable any active antivirus that might block communication.

If the issue persists, perform a **hard reset** (unplug for 60 seconds and reconnect).

## **11. Preventive Maintenance Tips for HP DeskJet 4255e**

Keep your printer healthy by following these maintenance practices:

* **Use the printer regularly** to prevent ink drying.
* **Keep it dust-free**; cover it when not in use.
* **Use genuine HP cartridges** to ensure long-lasting performance.
* **Clean the printhead** every few months.
* **Update firmware and drivers** regularly.
* **Avoid overfilling paper trays** to prevent jams.

## **12. When to Contact HP Printer Support**

If you’ve tried all troubleshooting methods and your HP DeskJet 4255e still won’t print, it’s time to contact a professional.

Call the **HP Printer Support Helpline at 1-866-203-7571** for:

* Printer not responding even after reset
* Frequent error codes or blinking lights
* Network setup failure
* Printhead or cartridge sensor issues
* Paper feed or hardware malfunction

Certified technicians can guide you through advanced repairs or arrange service if necessary.

## **13. Conclusion**

Your **HP DeskJet 4255e printer not printing** can be caused by many factors—network errors, driver conflicts, or hardware problems. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved with the troubleshooting steps outlined above.

Start with **basic checks** like connections and ink levels, then move on to **driver updates, printhead cleaning**, and **network resets**. Use the **HP Print and Scan Doctor** for quick automatic fixes, and if nothing works, don’t hesitate to get professional assistance.

For immediate expert help with your HP DeskJet 4255e or any HP printer issue, call the **HP printer support number 1-866-203-7571**. Experienced technicians are available to help you restore your printer to perfect working condition.

**📞 1-866-203-7571**