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HP LaserJet Pro M304, M305, M404, M405, M454, 4001- 4004, MFP M329, M428, M429, M479, 4001- 4004, 4101-4103 - Unable to enter sleep mode when paper tray is empty or cartridges are missing

Learn how to resolve the issue when an HP LaserJet Pro printer detects a paper tray is empty or a cartridge is missing and cannot be set to sleep mode.

Issue

The printer cannot be set to sleep mode and displays warning messages on the printer control panel "Load paper" and/or "Cartridges Missing" .

Examples of messages on the printer control panel

"Load paper" message on M479 printer control panel

Load paper message on M479 printer control panel

"Cartridges Missing" message on printer control panel

Cartridges Missing message on printer control panel

"Load paper" message on M404 printer control panel

Load paper message on M404 printer control panel

Message on printer control panel when a toner cartridge is missing

Message on printer control panel when a toner cartridge is missing

Cause

This issue occurs when the printer cannot detect any paper in a tray and/or cannot detect a toner cartridge.

Applicable printers

This issue applies for the following printer series:

  • HP LaserJet Pro M304-M305

  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP M329

  • HP LaserJet Pro M404-M405

  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428-M429

  • HP Color LaserJet Pro M453-M454

  • HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M478-M479

  • HP LaserJet Pro 4001-4004n/dn/dw/d

  • HP LaserJet Pro 4001-4004ne/dne/dwe HP+

  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101-4104dw/fdn/fdw

  • HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101-4104dwe/fdne/fdwe HP+

Resolve the sleep mode issue when a paper tray is empty or cartridges are missing

Learn how to resolve the issue when the printer does not enter sleep mode.

  1. Check whether there is paper loaded in a tray.

  2. Ensure to use the following guidelines when loading paper in a tray:

    • Adjust the paper guides to the correct size and do not overfill the tray. Ensure that the top of the stack is below the tray full indicators.

      Note:

      If the tray is not adjusted correctly, an error message might display during printing or the paper might jam.

    • Adjust the paper guides to the indentations or markings in the tray.

      Note:

      Do not adjust the paper guides tightly against the paper stack.

  3. Remove and reinsert the toner cartridge.

    Note:

    Make sure to insert genuine HP cartridges.

    To purchase cartridges or check cartridge compatibility for the printer, go to www.hp.com/go/suresupply. Scroll to the bottom of the page and verify that the country/region is correct.

    After completing the above tasks, the printer will be able to enter sleep mode.

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