My printer is saying Pen Failure and incompatible cartridge

[LP550]

HP Phtosmart Printer C4700 Series it is saying Pen failure and incompatible cartridge  which was working last week

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @LP550,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand you have trouble using an HP Photosmart C4700 printer displaying a "pen failure" error, Please try the steps shared below and let me know.

1. Check for Obstructions and Clean the Carriage:

• Open the printer and wait for the carriage to move to the center. 
• Ensure there are no obstructions in the carriage path. 
• Remove and clean the ink cartridges and the print head with a cotton swab dipped in hot water. 
• Clean the contacts on the cartridges and the carriage. 
• Repeat cleaning until no ink residue comes off on the swab. 
• Allow the cleaned parts to dry completely before reinstalling them. 
   

 2. Try a hard reset, HP Smart App re-installation & Firmware update:
Please remove the Cartridges from the Printer if possible, and try a Hard Reset. Do keep us posted to help you better

** Hard reset :
1. Turn the printer on, if it is not already on.
2. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.
3. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
4. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
5. Wait at least 60 seconds.
6. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
NOTE: HP recommends connecting the printer power cord directly to the wall outlet.
7. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
8. Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on. The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.
9. Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed.
 

Please uninstall the HP Smart app --> restart the Device, Wi-Fi router and printer --> install it back and add the printer
 

Please update the Firmware from the link, This will help with how to update the firmware on the printer or devices
 

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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VikramTheGreat

HP Support