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Can't print on an HP+ or Instant Ink enrolled printer

The printer unexpectedly stops printing, and a connection issue or unknown status message displays in the HP Smart app or on the printer control panel.

  • Can't print, connect to the internet to continue printing with HP Instant Ink cartridges

  • Connection problem

  • Printer not connected to the internet

  • Printer status unknown

  • Cartridge problem

  • The indicated cartridge not communicating with the printer

HP+ printers and printers enrolled in Instant Ink require an active internet connection for Web Services to function properly. Web Services uses the internet to enable communication between your printer and its web-connected features, such as security, ink level, and page count monitoring. Disconnecting your printer from the internet for an extended period of time or using a USB-only connection can temporarily limit what the printer can do until the internet connection is restored.

If the error message is related to your Instant Ink account or cartridges, go to Why am I unable to print with HP Instant Ink cartridges? for more information.

Perform the following tasks in the order given. Use the printer after each task to see if the issue is resolved.

Remove and reinsert the ink cartridges

Remove and reinsert the ink cartridges to make sure the cartridges are seated properly in the carriage.

  1. Turn on the printer, and then open the door or lid to the cartridge access area.

  2. Wait until the carriage is idle and silent before you continue.

  3. Push the ink cartridge to remove it, and then push it into its slot until it snaps into place.

    Removing and reinserting the ink cartridge
  4. Repeat these steps to remove and reinsert the other cartridges.

  5. Close the door or lid to the cartridge access area.

Update the printer firmware

HP regularly releases new firmware versions with printer enhancements or issue fixes. Update firmware on a regular basis to make sure you are getting the most out of your printer.

CAUTION:

Do not turn off the printer during a firmware update. This can permanently damage your printer.

  • From the printer control panel (network printers only): Many HP printers with control panel menus can install updates directly from HP. Updating the firmware from the control panel varies by printer model.

    For example, touch the Setup icon , touch Printer Maintenance, touch Update Printer, and then touch Check Now. Any new updates install automatically.

  • From the HP Smart app: From the app home screen, click the image of your printer, and then click Advanced Settings. From the EWS, click the Printer Update tile or click Printer Updates under Manage, and then click Check Now. Any new updates install automatically.

  • From the HP website: Go to HP Software and Driver Downloads, follow the prompts to open the downloads page for your printer. Click Download next to any updates listed under Firmware, and then open and follow the HP Printer Update prompts to update the firmware.

    Clicking Download under the Firmware section

For more information, go to Update the firmware on an HP printer.

Restart devices

Restart your computer or mobile device, printer, and router to clear any error states.

Disconnect your computer or mobile device from the network name (SSID), and then reconnect it to the same network name your printer is connected to.

If the printer is available and has a ready status, the issue is resolved. You do not need to continue troubleshooting.

  1. Press the Power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer and from the power source.

  2. Turn off the computer or mobile device that the printer was set up with.

  3. Restart the router.

  4. Reconnect the power cord to the printer and to a wall outlet.

    Note:

    HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

  5. Turn on the computer or mobile device.

  6. Check the connection to make sure the same network is used by the printer and the device.

    • Computer or mobile device: Open the list of available networks and make sure it is connected to the correct network.

    • Printer: Check the Wireless light on the control panel. If it is solid blue the printer is connected.

Check the printer status in the HP Smart app

Check the printer connection status when there is an issue printing, connecting, or using features.

  1. Open the HP Smart app, and then make sure you are signed in to your account. An account is required to access all printer features and settings.

  2. Check the printer status icon next to the printer image. It might take a few minutes before the app displays the current printer status.

    • Green circle icon : Your printer is connected to your device and ready to print.

      Ready status for local connections in the HP Smart app
    • Green cloud icon : Your printer is connected to your device over the internet because they are on different network connections. Only remote features are available, such as Print Anywhere and select printer settings.

      To access all printer functions, make sure your device is on the same network as your printer. Do not use public or guest networks, like those used in colleges, hotels, and coffee shops, to prevent connection issues.

      Ready status for remote connections in the HP Smart app
    • Orange cloud icon : Your HP+ printer is connected to your computer with a USB-only connection, and the printer functionality is limited.

      To restore HP+ or Instant Ink services, disconnect the USB cable, and then reconnect the printer to the internet. You might need to remove your printer from the HP Smart app, and then set it up again over the internet.

      CAUTION:

      HP+ and Instant Ink enrolled printers must maintain an internet connection. Disconnecting the printer from the internet or using a USB-only connection can prevent the printer from functioning properly.

      Printer unknown status for remote connections in the HP Smart app
    • Black circle icon : Your printer is not connected to your device.

      To reconnect the printer, make sure the printer USB cable is connected directly to the computer, or the Wi-Fi light or icon ( or ) is solid blue on the printer control panel. If the issue persists, go to HP printer is offline or unavailable.

      Printer Unavailable or Offline status in the HP Smart app
    • Yellow triangle icon or Red circle icon: Your printer is connected to your device, but it needs attention before it can print. For example, the message might say Align the Printheads, Out of Paper, or Printer Door Open.

      Attention status for Align the Printheads in the HP Smart app

If you want to recheck the printer connection status, click the image of your printer, click Printer Information, and then click the Refresh icon next to Status.

Check the Web Services connection

Check the Web Services status from the advanced settings menu. Web Services uses the internet to enable communication between your printer and its web-connected features, such as Print Anywhere and Instant Ink.

  1. Choose one of the following methods to open the advanced settings for your printer.

    • HP Smart app: Click the image of your printer to open the settings and management tools, and then click Advanced Settings under Settings.

    • Printer EWS: Open the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS) using the printer IP address.

  2. From the printer home page, click the Web Services tab.

  3. If you are prompted to log in or enter the printer PIN, enter admin for the username (HP LaserJets only), enter the PIN from the printer label, and then click Submit or OK. This label is typically located inside the cartridge access area or printer door.

    Location of the PIN on the printer label
  4. Make sure Web Services is enabled.

    • If a Web Services Summary page displays, continue to the next step.

      Web Services Summary screen page
    • If a Web Services Setup page displays, click Continue or Enable, and then follow the prompts to turn it on. If enabling Web Services fails, go to Can't connect an HP printer to Web Services.

      Clicking Continue on the Web Services tab
  5. From the Web Services Summary page, check the Internet connection status.

    • If the Internet connection status is Connected, continue to the next step.

    • If the Internet connection status is Disconnected, continue with these steps.

  6. Disconnect any USB cables from the printer, and then reconnect the printer to the network using the Wireless Setup Wizard.

    1. From the EWS, click the Network tab, and then click Wireless (802.11).

    2. Select Wireless Setup Wizard, and then click Next on the Welcome page.

      Clicking Next
    3. Follow the prompts to select your network and connect your printer.

Reset the Web Services connection

Reset the Web Services connection to help clear any server connection issues or errors.

  1. Choose one of the following methods to open the advanced settings for your printer.

    • HP Smart app: Click the image of your printer to open the settings and management tools, and then click Advanced Settings under Settings.

    • Printer EWS: Open the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS) using the printer IP address.

  2. From the printer home page, click the Web Services tab.

  3. If you are prompted to log in or enter the printer PIN, enter admin for the username (HP LaserJets only), enter the PIN from the printer label, and then click Submit or OK. This label is typically located inside the cartridge access area or printer door.

    Location of the PIN on the printer label
  4. Under Web Services Settings, click Remove Web Services or Reset Web Services (HP+ only).

    • On the Remove Web Services page, click Remove Web Services > Yes, and then continue with these steps.

      Clicking Reset
    • On the Reset Web Services page, click Reset. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

      Clicking Reset
  5. When the Web Services Setup page displays, click Continue or Enable, and then follow the instructions to turn it back on.

    Clicking Continue on the Web Services tab

    For most printers released before 2020, an ePrint and claim code information page automatically prints after enabling Web Services.

  6. If enabling Web Services fails, go to Can't connect an HP printer to Web Services.

Check the HP Smart account dashboard

Open your HP Smart account dashboard to check the printer connection and status.

  1. From the HP Smart app home screen, click the Account icon or the icon with your initials , and then click Manage HP Account. You might need to sign in first.

  2. From the account dashboard, click Printers (HP+ only), or HP Instant Ink > Overview.

  3. Check the printer status under the printer name.

    • If Ready to print displays with a green circle icon , continue to the next step.

    • If Ready to print displays with a grey circle icon , turn the printer off then on to reset the connection, and then continue with these steps.

    • If Not ready to print or Unable to print displays with a red circle icon , continue with these steps.

  4. Click the Refresh icon in the top-right corner to check the printer status again. Refresh the connection up to 5 times to see if it changes.

    Location of the Refresh icon from the Printers (top) or Instant Ink Overview (bottom) page

    Location of the Refresh icon from Printers (top) or Instant Ink Overview (bottom) page

Contact HP Customer Support

If the previous steps did not resolve your issue, contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

  1. Go to HP Customer Support - Contact.

  2. Enter your product serial number to view warranty status and to change your location, if necessary.

  3. Select a support option. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.