I can't find any way to start the maintenance of HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 PCL-3. On the display of the

[TOBIAS5]

First: I don't understand why it says again and again 6978 although it is 6970. Second: I can't find any possibility to make the (necessary) maintenance like cleaning, alignment, etc. Nothing happens when I click on cleaning / alignment inside of hp print and scan doctor my PC. On the screen of the printer, there is nowhere "maintenance". What can I do ?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @TOBIAS5,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!  

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Absolutely, let's get that maintenance menu to show up for you! Here's what you can try:

Access Printer Maintenance from the Printer Menu: On your printer’s control panel, tap the Setup (⚙️) or Menu option. Look for Printer Maintenance or Tools. Select Clean Printhead or Align Printhead and follow the on-screen steps.

Use HP Printer Software on Your PC: Open HP Smart or HP Print & Scan Doctor. Click on Printer Maintenance (if available). Try running Printhead Cleaning or Alignment.

The HP 6970 and 6978 are part of the same printer series, so the software may show 6978 by default. If you want to confirm your model, check the sticker on the back or bottom of the printer.

Let me know if you need more help! 😊

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[TOBIAS5]

Hi Kuroi Kenshi,
Thank you for answering me. Unfortunately, it doesn't help me. When I tap on Setup, I get only a choice between "Programm" (with access to "non planified print apps" or "update print apps") or "Infos" (with access to my serial number and IP) - it's in French, I gave my translation. I can find nowhere the maintenance or tools. It's really ennoying.
Best,
Gérard Gabert

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @TOBIAS5,

Thank you for the response.

It sounds like the Maintenance / Tools menu is not accessible as expected on your HP OfficeJet Pro 6970. Since you've already checked the Setup menu and HP Print & Scan Doctor isn't helping, try the following steps:

1. Access the Maintenance Menu via a Workaround

Sometimes, certain maintenance features are hidden or accessible in an alternative way:

Using the Printer Panel (Alternative Method)

1. Tap the Home button on the printer.
2. Swipe left or right to look for Printer Maintenance or Tools.
3. If not visible, try these steps:
   • Go to Copy or Fax mode.
   • Tap on Settings (⚙️) or a small wrench icon.
   • Look for Printhead Cleaning or Alignment.

Using the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

If the printer panel doesn’t work, you can access the maintenance options through a web browser:

1. Find your printer’s IP address:
   • On your printer, tap Wi-Fi icon (📶) or go to Settings → Network Information.
   • Note down the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
2. Open a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
3. Type your printer's IP in the address bar and press Enter.
4. The HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) should open.
5. Navigate to Tools → Maintenance and try Cleaning / Alignment.

2. Kindly refer to the steps on this link to update the printer firmware

3.  If the issue still persists, refer to the steps on this link to restore factory defaults.

If the problem persists, let me know, and I’ll guide you further! 😊

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[TOBIAS5]

Hello, thank you again. One solution you gave worked indeed (using the way through copy mode and settings). But I must say somebody explained me that the "normal, short way" was to click on Settings - what I was doing - but then clicking again a second time... To me, it's again a situation where I can only ask: who and why imagine such a counterintuitive procedure?

Best, Gérard

[Kuroi_Kenshi · Accepted solution]

Hi @TOBIAS5,

I'm really glad to hear that one of the solutions worked for you! 🎉 I completely understand your frustration, sometimes, these settings are not as intuitive as they should be. Your feedback is absolutely valid, and I appreciate you sharing your experience.

Thanks for letting us help you out! If you're all set, please mark this post as 'Accepted Solution' so I can do a virtual happy dance! 

If you ever need help with anything else, feel free to reach out. I'm always here to assist you! 😊

You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today! 

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best Regards,

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @TOBIAS5,

A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 

Best Regards,