7720 Locked on Startup Screen, No MacOS driver available

[mark732]

My HP 7720 is stuck on the startup screen and I have not been able to force a restart. The instructions I've found for a hard reset have not worked for me, because I've not been able to find a MacOS driver for the printer. Please help! Thank you. 

[Deep_World]

Hi  @mark732,
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

I understand how  it must be to see your HP OfficeJet 7720 stuck on the startup screen, especially when you’re eager to get it working with your Mac.

Here are some  steps you can try right away:

1.Perform a Power Reset

This clears temporary memory and can often resolve startup freezes.

Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer while it is still on

Unplug the cord from the wall outlet

Wait at least 60 seconds

Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and then the printer

Press the power button to turn it back on

2.Check for Jammed Hardware

A paper jam or carriage obstruction can prevent the printer from completing startup.

Open the front access door and check for stuck paper

Ensure the ink carriage moves freely

Remove any debris or obstructions

3.Disconnect External Connections

Sometimes USB or network cables interfere with startup.

Disconnect all USB cables

Disconnect Ethernet cable if connected

Restart the printer with only the power cord attached

4.Update Firmware via HP Smart

If the printer starts but remains unstable, updating firmware can help.

On your Mac, install HP Smart from the App Store

Connect the printer via Wi-Fi or USB

Check for firmware updates under printer settings

If the printer still won’t move past the startup screen after these steps, it may indicate a hardware issue

I hope this helps. 

[mark732]

Thanks Deep_World, for the tips. I tried your process, but I encountered a problem when reconnecting the power cord, because the printer automatically turned on - I wasn't able to power it on myself using the power button. Any ideas for what might be the problem with this? 

[Deep_World]

Hi @mark732,
 

Thanks for your response. 

I understand that when reconnecting the power cord, your printer powers on automatically instead of waiting for you to press the power button. This behaviour can sometimes occur due to the printer’s internal power management system. Let’s go through a few checks to help narrow down the cause and get your printer working as expected:

1.Check Power Source

Ensure the outlet and surge protector (if used) are functioning correctly.

Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet, bypassing any surge protector or extension cord

Confirm the outlet is not controlled by a wall switch

2.Inspect Power Cord

A faulty or loose power cord can cause irregular startup behaviour.

Verify the cord is securely connected to both the printer and the outlet

If possible, test with another compatible HP power cord

3.Reset Printer

Performing a reset can clear temporary glitches in the power system.

Disconnect the power cord from the printer

Wait at least 60 seconds

Reconnect the cord and observe whether the printer powers on automatically

4.Check Printer Settings

Some HP printers have settings that affect startup behaviour.

Navigate to the printer’s control panel

Look for options related to 'Auto Power On/Off' and adjust accordingly

5.Firmware Update

Outdated firmware can cause unexpected power behaviour.

Visit HP’s official support website - https://support.hp.com/ . 

Download and install the latest firmware for your printer model
 

If after these steps your printer continues to power on automatically, it may indicate a hardware issue with the internal power circuitry.

I hope this helps.