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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Printer says printhead is missing, not detected or incorrect...

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03-19-2025 12:48 PM
I installed new ink cartridges and one popped out when it slid over. I pushed it back in and closed the cover. I then pulled the cartridges out and reinstalled, it slid to the right, but it says print head appears to be missing, not detected or incorrectly installed. The pop up screen says printhead problem. I have shut it off but no change!!
03-24-2025 12:24 PM
Hi @John103020,
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.
Check Ink Cartridges
Turn Off the Printer:
- Power off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
Remove Ink Cartridges:
- Open the ink cartridge access cover.
- Carefully remove all ink cartridges.
Inspect Cartridges and Printhead:
- Check the cartridges for any debris or damage.
- Inspect the printhead area for any leftover packaging material or debris.
- Ensure the ink cartridges are compatible with your printer model.
Reinstall Ink Cartridges:
- Reinsert the ink cartridges one by one, ensuring they are firmly seated in their respective slots.
- Close the ink cartridge access cover.
Reset the Printer
Disconnect Power:
- With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the power source.
Wait:
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
Reconnect Power:
- Plug the power cord back into the power source.
- Reconnect the power cord to the back of the printer.
- Turn on the printer.
Clean the Printhead
Access Printhead:
- Open the ink cartridge access cover.
- Remove the ink cartridges.
Remove Printhead:
- Lift the latch handle on the print carriage, if applicable.
- Carefully remove the printhead from the printer.
Clean Contacts:
- Using a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water, gently clean the electrical contacts on the printhead and inside the printer carriage.
- Allow the contacts to dry.
Reinstall Printhead:
- Align the printhead and place it back into the printer.
- Lower and secure the latch handle.
- Reinstall the ink cartridges.
Update Printer Firmware
Kindly refer to this link to update your printer firmware.
Perform a Printhead Alignment
- Use Printer’s Menu:
- On the printer's display screen, navigate to the setup menu.
- Select "Printer Maintenance."
- Choose "Align Printhead" and follow the prompts to complete the alignment process.
I hope this helps.
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,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee
03-24-2025 12:43 PM
Hi @John103020,
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.
Try these steps:
Check Ink Cartridges
- Power off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
- Open the ink cartridge access cover.
- Carefully remove all ink cartridges.
- Check the cartridges for any debris or damage.
- Inspect the printhead area for any leftover packaging material or debris.
- Ensure the ink cartridges are compatible with your printer model.
- Reinsert the ink cartridges one by one, ensuring they are firmly seated in their respective slots.
- Close the ink cartridge access cover.
Reset the Printer
- With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the power source.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the power source.
- Reconnect the power cord to the back of the printer.
- Turn on the printer.
Clean the Printhead
- Open the ink cartridge access cover.
- Remove the ink cartridges.
- Lift the latch handle on the print carriage, if applicable.
- Carefully remove the printhead from the printer.
- Using a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water, gently clean the electrical contacts on the printhead and inside the printer carriage.
- Allow the contacts to dry.
- Align the printhead and place it back into the printer.
- Lower and secure the latch handle.
- Reinstall the ink cartridges.
Update Printer Firmware
Kindly refer to this link to update your printer firmware.
Perform a Printhead Alignment
- On the printer's display screen, navigate to the setup menu.
- Select "Printer Maintenance."
- Choose "Align Printhead" and follow the prompts to complete the alignment process.
I hope this helps.
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,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee