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HP Recommended
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

Trying to print using non hp photo paper keeps saying tray empty, works fine if i load hp photo paper? Happened before but someone bought it for me to print photos for them, fix? Or new printer?

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@Mick641 

 

Welcome to the HP Community --

 

Were it mine to do, I'd check the possibilities before I trashed a printer in favor of photo paper.

 

That said, sure -- if you have a printer you don't want or one that you dislike, replace it.

 

We don't judge what people decide.

 

True - different printers support different features and options.

 

For example,

If your printer only supports photo paper to 250gsm and you have been gifted photo paper that is 300 gsm, the printer won't accommodate the unsupported paper.

 

If the value of the gifted paper is more than the printer, replace the printer so you can perhaps use the paper.

 

Details / Examples...

 

================================

Printer - Specifications and Paper

 

If the paper size, paper type, print surface, and paper weight are supported by the printer,

then

In general, HP printers will accept high-quality printer paper manufactured by other than HP.

 

Caveat: If you have an Envy Inspire printer and it supports HP matte 2-sided photo paper -- the printer might NOT accept any other brands of matte 2-sided photo paper.

 

First thing,

Check the printer specifications to be sure the paper size, type, and weight are supported.

 

Print surface is not always provided in the specifications document -- generally glossy photo paper is supported.

 

What else?  Paper Checks...

Paper too dry / too damp / not flat / damaged / incorrectly stored / “old”

HP Printers - How to Store and Handle Paper to Avoid Paper Jams

 

================================

Printer - Tray and Paper

 

Next,

Check that the printer is aware of the paper size / type loaded in the tray.

Tray and Paper settings can usually be done using either the Printer Control Panel (if the printer has such)

OR

Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to check / adjust the Tray and Paper settings.

 

EWS > HP Document / How-to

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

 

EWS – Browser – Tray and Paper Management

 

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Settings > Preferences > Tray and Paper (Management)

Select / Adjust settings for Paper Size / Type

Model Dependent:  Advanced section

Click Apply to save changes

 

Tray and Paper – Paper Size / Paper Type / Paper Weight

 

Reminder

HP Smart Mobile requires that paper size / type is adjusted before the content is opened to be printed.

 

Paper Size, Type, and Weight loaded in the printer tray must be supported for use in that tray.

 

EWS provides access and control to check / adjust Tray and Paper Settings.

 

Note

Depending on the printer model, the Printer Control Panel might provide access to Paper Size / Type settings immediately after the paper is (re)loaded into the appropriate printer intake tray.

 

Custom size?

If EWS does not allow setting the paper size or size “Custom”, look for the setting to do so in the Printer Control Panel after (re)loading the paper to be used

 

What? 

Paper Size, Type, and Weight must be appropriate for the tray in which that paper is to be used.

 

Depending on the printer model, Tray 1 might be used for Custom media. 

In this scenario, Tray 2 might only support Plain paper.

OR

If the "Custom Paper Tray" is Tray 2, then Tray 1 might only support Plain paper.

 

Printers that include a Photo Tray generally place limitations on the size and type of paper that the Photo Tray supports.  Example:  Depending on the printer model, the Photo Tray might support only 4x6 inch photo paper.

 

One Sample - EWS - Tray and Paper

EWS_7855_Preferences_Tray_and_Paper_Management_All_3EWS_7855_Preferences_Tray_and_Paper_Management_All_3

 

================================

Printer - App / Software

 

If the source is not able to be selected automatically, select the source / tray during job configuration.

 

One sample - HP Smart - Windows - Simple Photo Print

HP_Smart_Win_Print_Photo_A4_All_4HP_Smart_Win_Print_Photo_A4_All_4

 

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

References / Resources

 

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software / Drivers / Firmware Updates , Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open

 Printer Product Home

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

 

 

Dragon-Fur

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.