4 x 6 Photo keeps telling me the paper is too short

[Mike132Thor]

I have an ENVY laptop and 8020 printer. When I try and print It prints fine with 8.5 x 11 paper. When I try and print 4 x6 Glossy photo paper. It keeps telling me the paper is too short. When I hit print it takes me to the page where I change the paper size and the type of paper. It continually provides the same "Short paper" pop up.

Ive done all the suggestions from here and still the same issue.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Mike132Thor 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining everything so clearly—and I’m genuinely sorry you’re running into this. When your HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e insists that 4x6 glossy photo paper is “too short,” despite correct settings and tray alignment, it’s more than frustrating—it blocks your ability to print precisely when you need it most. 

Let’s walk through a deeper recovery process that targets both software and hardware-level causes.

 

Step-by-Step Recovery for “Short Paper” Error with 4x6 Glossy Photo Paper

1. Confirm Tray and Paper Alignment

• Load the 4x6 paper into the main input tray, not the photo tray (if applicable).
• Adjust the paper guides snugly against the edges of the paper.
• Ensure the glossy side is facing down and the short edge is fed first.

Even slight misalignment can trigger a false “short paper” error.

 

2. Set Paper Size and Type in HP Smart or Print Dialog

• Open the HP Smart app or your print dialog from the application you’re using.
• Select:
  • Paper Size: 4x6 in (102 x 152 mm)
  • Paper Type: HP Glossy Photo Paper or equivalent
  • Print Quality: Normal or Best
• Disable any borderless printing options temporarily to test standard output.

 

3. Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware may misinterpret tray dimensions or paper type.

• Visit the HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Driver and Firmware page.
• Download and install the latest firmware and driver updates.
• Restart the printer and retry the print job.

 

4. Reset Tray Settings via Control Panel

• On the printer’s touchscreen:
  • Go to Settings > Tray and Paper Management.
  • Select the tray in use and manually set:
    • Paper Size: 4x6 in
    • Paper Type: Glossy Photo
• Save changes and exit.

This forces the printer to reinitialize tray detection.

 

5. Run HP’s Diagnose & Fix Tool

This tool scans for misconfigured settings and firmware faults.

• Open the HP Smart app.
• Go to Printer Settings > Diagnose & Fix.
• Let it complete the scan and apply any recommended fixes.

You’ve already done everything right—let’s make sure your printer responds accordingly.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye