The cartridge shows a red smudge so ink is there. Printer often says can't see printer head.

[Mac366]

The cartridge shows a red smudge so ink is there. Printer often says can't see printer head.  Advises turn printer off & back on.  Sometimes that gets it back on line & I can black print a document.  

[Mac366]

Printer now says printer head failed, missing, or not properly installed.  Any more comments or suggestions.

My conclusion is I do indeed have a magenta printer.

Printer is several years old.  Is this worth repairing?

[sandytechy20]

@Mac366

Welcome to the HP support community.

I understand that you are getting printhead error, I am glad to assist you.

Reset the printer

• Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.
• If your printer has a rechargeable battery, remove it.
• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the power source.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.
• NOTE:HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.
• Turn on the printer to complete the reset.

Update the printer firmware

• HP regularly releases new firmware versions with printer enhancements or issue fixes. Update firmware on a regular basis to make sure you are getting the most out of your printer.
• Update from the printer control panel: Many HP printers with touchscreens or menus can connect directly to HP to find and install updates. Make sure the printer is on a network with an active Internet connection. If the printer is connected with a USB cable, use one of the other options.
• On the printer, locate the Product Update or Check for Updates menu by pressing the HP ePrint icon or button ( or ). Or open the Setup, Service, or Settings menu, select Preferences, Printer Maintenance, or Tools, and then select Web Services, Printer Update, or LaserJet Update.
• Download updates from HP Customer Support: With the printer turned on and connected to the computer or a network, go to HP Software and Driver Downloads to check for and install available updates listed under Firmware.
• Install updates through the HP Smart app: Open the HP Smart app, and then create an account or sign in. If you do not have HP Smart, download it from 123.hp.com or your app store. After adding the printer, click the printer image, click Printer Home Page (EWS) or Advanced Settings, click Tools or Web Services, and then click Printer Updates.

Refer to this HP document for further assistance:- Click here

Keep me posted.

If this helps, please mark the public post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.