HP printer help and tips
Independent tips for HP printer owners: HP Smart sign-in problems, offline printers, cartridge messages and where to find HP's official help.
Independent guide. The Print Bench is not affiliated with HP. For warranty claims, repairs and official drivers, go to HP’s own support site: support.hp.com (opens in a new tab)
This page collects independent, practical tips for people who own HP printers. It is not written by HP and has no connection to HP. For warranty service, official drivers and model-specific instructions, use HP's official support site linked on this page.
HP’s own app for setup and mobile printing is HP Smart. Download it only from your phone’s official app store or HP’s website.
Common problems with HP printers
HP Smart sign-in and account prompts
The HP Smart app asks you to sign in with an HP account for many features, and sign-in loops or failed logins are a frequent complaint. Update the app, sign out and back in, and check that your device's date and time are correct. You don't need HP Smart for basic printing: Windows, macOS, iOS and Android can print to most HP printers with their built-in printing support.
Read the full fix: Print from your iPhone or Android phoneCartridges rejected after a firmware update
Many HP printers use a feature HP calls dynamic security, which is designed to block cartridges that don't have an HP chip or HP circuitry, and firmware updates can change which cartridges are accepted. Printers enrolled in HP+ also require an HP account, a continuous internet connection and Original HP cartridges. Check which of these applies to your model in its documentation before buying supplies.
Read the full fix: Printer doesn't recognize the cartridgePrinter shows offline on Wi-Fi
HP wireless printers often drop offline after a router change, a router restart that hands out a new IP address, or a long sleep. Reconnect the printer using the wireless setup option on its control panel or in HP Smart, then remove and re-add it on your computer so it uses the current address.
Read the full fix: Printer shows as offlineCarriage jam with no paper stuck
On many HP inkjets, a carriage jam message means something is stopping the cartridge carriage from moving, such as a torn scrap of paper, leftover packing material or a small object. Turn the printer off and unplug it, open the cartridge access door, and look carefully along the carriage path before turning it back on.
Read the full fix: Printer says paper jam but nothing is stuckFaded prints or missing colors
Run the print head cleaning tool from the printer's control panel or from HP Smart, then print a quality report to check the result. On ink tank models, check that the tanks aren't low and that any ink valves or transport settings described in the setup guide are in the printing position.
Read the full fix: Clogged print head or missing colorsFirmware updates installing automatically
Many HP printers can install firmware updates on their own. If you want to control this, look for the update settings in the printer's control panel or its Embedded Web Server, which you open by typing the printer's IP address into a web browser.
Read the full fix: How to update printer firmware safelyMessages you might see
| On-screen message | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Cartridge problem | The printer can't communicate properly with a cartridge or won't accept it. Remove and reseat the cartridge, make sure any protective tape is removed and the copper contacts are clean and undamaged, and confirm the cartridge number matches your model. |
| Incompatible cartridge | The installed cartridge isn't intended for this printer, may be set up for a different region, or is blocked by the printer's cartridge rules. Check the cartridge numbers listed for your model in its manual. |
| Carriage jam | Something is stopping the print carriage from moving. Turn the printer off, unplug it, open the cartridge access door and remove any paper or objects in the carriage path. |
| Ink system failure | A fault in the ink delivery system, usually shown with an error code. Turn the printer off, unplug it for a minute and restart. If it returns, note the code and look it up on HP's official support site for your model. |
| Printer failure | A general hardware error. Turn the printer off, unplug it for at least a minute and restart. If the message persists, write down any code shown and look it up on HP's official support site. |
Exact wording varies by model. Your printer’s manual has the definitive list.
Tips for HP owners
- Print a network configuration or wireless test report from the printer's control panel (menu names vary by model) to see its IP address and Wi-Fi status at a glance.
- Type the printer's IP address into a browser to open its Embedded Web Server, where you can check supply levels, firmware and network settings without any app.
- Check the cartridge numbers for your model in its manual, or on the label inside the cartridge access door on many models, before buying supplies; HP cartridges can differ by region.
- If you prefer not to sign in to HP Smart, use the printing built into your operating system for everyday jobs and the printer's own control panel for settings.
Common questions
Is this site part of HP?
No. This is an independent help site with no connection to HP. For official drivers, warranty and repairs, use HP's official support site.
Do I need the HP Smart app to print?
No. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and ChromeOS can print to most HP printers without it. HP Smart adds setup, scanning and account-based features.
Can I use refilled or third-party cartridges in an HP printer?
It depends on the model and its settings. Printers with dynamic security or enrolled in HP+ may reject cartridges without an HP chip, so check your model's documentation before buying.