HP LaserJet pro 3301 - Defaults to Tray 1

[krisjohnson8]

When I print from my iPhone and Windows desktop to this printer, it defaults to Tray 1 (manual feed). How do I set it to Tray 2 (which is full of paper)? I've looked in settings, but do not see a way to set the default paper tray (tray 2).

This problem has been submitted in the past, and 26 people have shared that they are experiencing the same problem, yet the HP rep took the discussion private. Can someone please share a solution??

[Sneha_01]

Hi @krisjohnson8 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It seems like you're running into an issue where your HP LaserJet Pro 3301 is defaulting to Tray 1 (manual feed) instead of Tray 2, which has the paper. Let's go through a few steps to try and resolve this:

1. Check Printer Settings in the Printer’s Control Panel:

• On the printer itself, access the Control Panel.
• Go to Settings or Paper Handling (the exact wording might vary).
• Look for an option to set the default tray. There should be an option to select Tray 2 as the default paper source. If it’s not there, it might be under Tray Settings or Preferences.

2. Configure Paper Source on Windows:

When printing from Windows, you can specify the tray from the print dialog:

• Open the Print dialog (from any application).
• Click Printer Properties or Preferences (it may vary depending on the program you’re printing from).
• Under the Paper/Quality tab (or similar), check for a Paper Source option.
• Select Tray 2 instead of Tray 1 (Manual Feed).
• Click OK and then print.

3. Configure Paper Source on iPhone (AirPrint Settings):

When printing from an iPhone, the options are more limited:

• Open the document or photo you want to print.
• Tap the Share icon and select Print.
• In the print dialog, look for a Paper Size or Paper Source option.
• If Tray 2 is available, select it. If it's not listed, it might be an AirPrint limitation, as AirPrint typically defaults to the printer's default settings.

4. Check HP Smart App:

If you’re using the HP Smart app (for both iPhone and Windows), ensure that the printer’s settings are updated and that the correct tray is selected in the app:

• Open the HP Smart app.
• Go to Printers and select your printer.
• Check under Print Settings for any tray-specific options.
• Set Tray 2 as the default if available.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[PWPW1]

I have the same question. We have a brand new 3301. Print jobs sent from either our Mac desktop or our Macbook laptop print from Tray 2 just fine over AirPrint, without needing any use of a separate app, but we cannot print from iPhone or iPad because those are defaulting to Tray 1 and saying it's empty which of course it usually is. I've managed to fudge this by turning off the switch in the mobile device print dialog for double-sided printing, which then permits printing from Tray 1, but this obviously only works for single-page print jobs and shouldn't be necessary at all.

The rep's comments in the previous reply about how to get the printer itself to default to Tray 2 are no help because most of the suggestions don't match what actually appears on the printer's screen. 

If this is indeed an "AirPrint limitation," why is it only affecting mobile devices and not desktop or laptop?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @PWPW1,

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:

Adjust Tray Settings

Access Printer Settings via Embedded Web Server (EWS):

• Ensure your printer is connected to your network.
• Obtain the printer’s IP address by printing a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel.
• Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device and type in the printer’s IP address to open the Embedded Web Server (EWS).

Configure Tray Settings Through EWS:

• Navigate to the Settings or System tab in EWS.
• Find the Paper Handling or Tray Configuration settings.
• Set Tray 2 as the default tray for print jobs.

Update AirPrint Settings:

• On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Printers & Scanners or directly access the printer settings via the HP Smart app.
• Look for Default Tray settings and set it to Tray 2.

Use HP Smart App

If the issue persists, try using the HP Smart app to manage tray preferences:

Download HP Smart App:

• Install the HP Smart app from the Apple App Store.
• Ensure the app is up-to-date.

Configure Printer Preferences:

• Open the HP Smart app and select your printer.
• Go to Printer Settings and configure tray preferences, ensuring Tray 2 is set for print jobs.

Remember

• Ensure Tray 2 is properly loaded with paper and recognized by the printer.
• Avoid turning off double-sided printing as a workaround; rather, ensure proper tray settings are in place.

Following these steps should help resolve the issue of your HP LaserJet Pro 3301 defaulting to Tray 1 when printing from iPhone or iPad.

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,