Stuck on "checking the ink tanks ..." on HP Smart tank 7605. Any help would be appreciated.

[EddieLFC]

My Smart Tank 7605 has been working well for the last year. Suddenly when I switched it on it went into setup mode and told me I had to finish a setup. It got to filling the ink tanks. I filled them all and now it is stuck on a message saying " checking ink tanks ...."  I can't get past this. Can anyone help please?

[Pallipurath]

Hi @EddieLFC 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

I understand that your HP Smart Tank 7605 is stuck at the "checking ink tanks" stage, I would request you to please follow the steps:

Verify Ink Tank Levels

• Low or empty ink tanks can prevent the printer from completing the check.
• Open the ink tank cover
• Ensure each tank is filled to the recommended level
• Top up any tank that appears low

Check for Error Indicators

• Error lights or messages can point to specific issues.
• Look for blinking lights on the control panel
• Read any error message displayed on the screen
• Note down the error code if show.

Restart the Printer

• A power cycle often clears temporary glitches.
• Turn off the printer completely
• Unplug it from the power source
• Wait at least 60 seconds
• Plug it back in and power on

Re-seat the Ink Tanks

• Improperly seated tanks can block detection.
• Gently remove each ink tank
• Check for leaks or obstructions
• Re-insert them firmly into place

Update Printer Firmware

• Outdated firmware may cause setup issues.
• Open the HP Smart app
• Navigate to printer settings
• Check for firmware updates and install if available

Complete Setup via HP Smart App

• The app can guide you through pending setup steps.
• Open the HP Smart app on your phone or PC
• Follow on-screen instructions to finish setup
• Resolve any highlighted issues.

Check for Blockages or Air Bubbles

• Ink flow problems can stop the check process.
• Inspect ink tubes for visible blockages
• Tap gently to release trapped air bubbles
• Ensure smooth ink flow

Factory Reset

• On touchscreen: Setup → Service → Restore Factory Settings.
• Reconfigure Wi‑Fi and preferences from scratch.

Hope this helps, Please revert if the issue persists.

Take care and have an amazing day!

[EddieLFC]

Thank you for this help Pallipurath. I;m sorry that I have not replied to you before now but I have been ill.

I checked the ink levels and topped them up. The HP app tells me that the black ink is only at 10% but it seems to be full because when I try to put more ink in it won't accept it and looks to be full.

The panel says "checking ink tanks ..." and is stuck on this. 

I restarted the printer as you suggested but it made no difference.

Can you tell me how to remove each ank. I cannot see how to do it.

I have updated the firmware.

I can't complete setup via the HP app because I csn't get to the menu on the control panel of the printer. It is stuck on the message "checking ink tanks ...".

I can;t see any blockages. I have tried tapping the lines but I don't know if I am doing it correctly.

I can't do a factory reset because I can't access the menu on the  touchscreen control panel.

I hope you can help with this,

Eddie Gorman

[Pallipurath · Accepted solution]

Hi @EddieLFC

Thank you for responding.

I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been unwell. Regarding your concern about the black ink levels showing as low, there could be several possible causes. I understand how frustrating it must be to have the printer stuck on “checking ink tanks…” without being able to access the menu, since this prevents both setup and reset options. To help you move forward, here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue.

Verify Ink Cartridge Installation

• Power off the printer and unplug it.
• Open the cartridge access door.
• Remove the black ink cartridge and check that it is seated correctly.
• Reinsert the cartridge firmly until it clicks into place.
• Close the access door and restart the printer.

Update Printer Software & Firmware

• Open the HP App 
• Check for updates under Settings → Updates.
• Install any available firmware or driver updates.
• Restart the printer after updates are applied.

Restart the Printer

• Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
• Wait at least 60 seconds.
• Plug the printer back in and power it on.
• This clears minor software errors.

Check Printer Settings in HP App

• Open the HP App on your PC or mobile device. https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers 
• Navigate to Printer Settings → Supplies Status.
• Confirm that the app recognizes the cartridge correctly.
• If the ink level still shows incorrectly, reinstall the HP Smart app to refresh its connection.

Hope this helps, Please revert if the issue persists.

Have a good day.

[User10292026]

Many of the responses to questions on how to Factory Reset this device mention physical buttons which are not present on this device.

Power Off the Device.

Hold the power button while it is turning on, the status light should turn green, and a Red X and White Back Arrow should appear on the touch panel.

Press the Red X 5 times in a row.

You can then use the menu to navigate to a full factory reset, even if the web interface is unavailable, and standard interface is unavailable in regular operations.

I was able to use this method to correct the "stuck on checking ink levels" error.