Have a error message: printhead are missing not detected

[ITAJr]

Error message: Printhead not appear or is missing

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @ITAJr 

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

Thanks for sharing the error message. I understand how frustrating it must be to see a message like “Printhead is missing or not detected,” especially when you're ready to print. I appreciate any steps you've already tried—it really helps narrow things down. 

Let’s walk through a few thorough steps to get this sorted:

 

Step 1: Power Reset the Printer

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cable from the rear.
2. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
3. Wait for at least 60 seconds.
4. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet first, then into the printer.
5. Turn the printer back on and check if the error clears.

 

Step 2: Reseat the Printhead

1. Open the ink cartridge access door and wait for the carriage to move to the center.
2. Without forcing anything, gently lift the latch that secures the printhead.
3. Carefully lift the printhead slightly and then reseat it firmly back into place.
4. Lower the latch and close the access door.
5. Restart the printer and see if the message disappears.

 

Step 3: Clean the Electrical Contacts

1. Power off the printer and unplug it.
2. Open the access door and remove the ink cartridges.
3. Gently lift the latch and remove the printhead.
4. Using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water, gently clean the electrical contacts on the printhead and inside the carriage.
5. Let everything dry completely (about 10 minutes).
6. Reinsert the printhead and cartridges, close the latch, and power the printer back on.

 

Step 4: Update Firmware via HP App (Windows)

1. Open the HP App on your Windows computer.
2. Select your printer, then go to “Printer Settings” or “Advanced Settings.”
3. Look for “Printer Updates” or “Firmware Updates” and follow the prompts to install any available updates.

 

Step 5: Align the Printhead

1. From the printer’s control panel or the HP App, navigate to the maintenance or tools section.
2. Select “Align Printhead” or “Printer Maintenance” and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the message persists after these steps, the issue may be with the printhead hardware or its connection. Let’s see how the printer responds after this round of steps. 

I’m here to guide you through the next phase if needed.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye