HP Smart Tank 7605 stuck on “The HP software is setting up your printer”

[Cerise4]

My HP Smart Tank 7605 is stuck on the printer display message “The HP software is setting up your printer.” The display is locked and shows no other options.

HP Smart on Windows is also stuck on “Finish setup” and loops. HP Smart on Android asked for the printer PIN but rejected it. HP Easy Start completed setup on Windows 11, and the printer driver now appears to be installed via USB, but the printer display still returns to the same setup message after a full power reset.

I am out of warranty, so I am looking for the correct reset/setup-clear procedure for the Smart Tank 7605, not a repair booking. Please can someone advise the official way to clear this stuck setup state?

[Cerise4]

I fitted new genuine HP printheads. The printer recognised them as genuine HP printheads, but then reverted to the same error/setup state. Also, when I now open the lid, the carriage moves but parks on the far right, so I can no longer access the printheads. I have not forced the carriage.

The printer was working normally before I tried setting it up with a new Windows 11 desktop, so I am still looking for the correct reset/setup-clear procedure for the HP Smart Tank 7605.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Cerise4,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for providing such a detailed description of the issue and the troubleshooting you've already completed. Based on what you've described, it appears the printer is stuck in the initial setup state, which is why the control panel continues to display "The HP software is setting up your printer."

Please try the following steps:

1. Power Reset the Printer 
   • Leave the printer powered on. 
   • Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and unplug it from the wall outlet. 
   • Wait for 60 seconds. 
   • Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds. 
   • Reconnect the power cord directly to a wall outlet (avoid using a surge protector if possible) and allow the printer to initialize.
      
2. Remove the Printer from the HP App and Windows 
   • Open the HP App and remove the printer if it is listed. 
   • In Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, remove the Smart Tank 7605. 
   • Restart the computer before attempting the setup again.
      
3. Reconnect Using USB 
   • Since HP Easy Start completed successfully and the USB driver is already installed, keep only the USB cable connected during the setup. 
   • Open the HP App and check whether it detects the printer and completes the setup without looping.
      
4. Check the Control Panel 
   • Since this model uses physical buttons, please let me know whether any of the buttons respond, or if the printer remains completely locked on the message "The HP software is setting up your printer."

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!

[Cerise4]

I have reseated both printheads several times (recognised by printer as genuine HP printheads), ensuring they are properly inserted and that the printhead cover/latch is closed. However, the HP app still reports “Printheads missing,” and setup cannot be completed.

Please advise whether this indicates a printhead, carriage/contact, or internal hardware fault, and whether replacement printheads (even though I installed new ones) or a printer repair/replacement are required.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Cerise4,

Thank you for the update and for taking the time to reseat both printheads multiple times. I appreciate the detailed information.
 

Since the printer recognizes both printheads as genuine HP printheads, but the HP App continues to report "Printheads missing" and the setup cannot be completed, it indicates that the printer is not able to establish proper communication with the printheads.
 

Based on the troubleshooting you've already completed, the issue could be related to one of the following:

• A faulty printhead (even if it is new).
• Contaminated or damaged electrical contacts between the printheads and the carriage.
• An issue with the printhead carriage or another internal printer component.
   

Before concluding that hardware service is required, I recommend one final inspection:

• Remove both printheads and carefully inspect the electrical contacts on the printheads and inside the carriage for any ink residue, debris, bent pins, or physical damage.
• If needed, gently clean the contacts with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water, allow them to dry completely, and then reinstall the printheads, ensuring they are fully seated, and the latch is securely closed.

If the printer continues to report "Printheads missing" after these checks, despite using genuine HP printheads, it is likely that the issue is with the printhead carriage or another internal hardware component rather than the printheads themselves.

[Cerise4]

Thank you. I carried out the final inspection and cleaned the electrical contacts on both the printheads and inside the carriage with a lint-free cloth, allowed them to dry, and reinstalled the printheads securely.

This temporarily restored the printer, and it successfully printed a double-sided draft Word document and a PDF invoice. However, there were pinkish lines through blue areas of the invoice. When I then attempted to print a small colour photograph, the display remained on “Printing,” nothing was produced, and the printer reverted to alternating between “Printheads missing” and “At least one of your printheads has a problem.”

A very similar issue also occurred while the printer was still under warranty, when HP supplied replacement printheads. Both sets of genuine HP printheads have now been tried. In view of the recurring fault after the recommended cleaning and reseating, please confirm that this is likely to be a printhead carriage or internal hardware fault requiring service or replacement.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Cerise4,

Thank you for taking the time to perform those additional checks and for providing such a detailed update.
 

I can see that cleaning and reseating the printheads only restored the printer temporarily, and the issue returned shortly afterwards. Since you've already tested both sets of genuine HP printheads, including the replacement set previously provided under warranty, and the printer continues to alternate between "Printheads missing" and "At least one of your printheads has a problem," this does point towards a possible issue with the printhead carriage or another internal hardware component, rather than the printheads themselves.
 

At this stage, I recommend taking the printer to an HP Authorized Service Center in your region. The service technicians will be able to perform a thorough hardware inspection and determine the appropriate repair or replacement options. They will also review the printer's warranty status and advise you on the service options available.
 

If you need assistance locating the nearest HP Authorized Service Center, please let me know your country or region, and I'll be happy to help you find the appropriate support location.

To contact HP Authorized Stores, click here: HP® Service Center Locator - United Kingdom | HP® Support.

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance.
 

Have a great day!

[Cerise4]

Thank you for confirming that the fault is likely to involve the carriage or another internal component rather than the printheads.

Before I take the printer to an authorised service centre, could you please confirm whether there will be a diagnostic or inspection charge, and whether HP would consider contributing towards the repair as a goodwill gesture? The printer is only around 21 months old, and the genuine replacement printheads previously supplied under warranty did not resolve the problem.

Please also let me know the nearest authorised service centre and whether the printer would need to be delivered there by me. I'm in Surrey, UK

[Deep_World]

Hi @Cerise4
 

Thanks for your response. 

Regarding your query HP Authorised Service Centres handle inspection and diagnostic and charges can vary depending on the location and the nature of the fault. They will also advise you if any goodwill contribution towards repair is possible, based on the printer’s age and service history. Tthe service centre will review your case and confirm further details.
 

For the nearest centre in Surrey, UK, you would need to click on the link  HP® Service Center Locator - United Kingdom | HP® Support. and you will be able to find the details . 

Regards

Deep_World

[Cerise4]

Thank you for the link. Unfortunately, the service-centre locator does not list consumer inkjet or Smart Tank printers among the supported products. The available printer categories are Commercial LaserJet, Business Print, A3 Printers and Samsung Printers.

Please provide the name and address of an HP-authorised service centre that specifically accepts the HP Smart Tank 7605 in the Surrey area, and confirm whether there is a diagnostic charge.