Printhead is Missing, Not Detected, or Not Properly Installed

[DJP10]

Printhead is Missing, Not Detected, or Not Properly Installed

[Max3Aj]

@DJP10, Welcome to the HP Support Community – it’s great to have you here!

I appreciate you taking the time to share your question. I'm more than happy to assist with this and provide a solution that works for you.

The error message “Printhead is Missing, Not Detected, or Not Properly Installed” on your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 typically indicates a communication issue between the printer and the printhead. Let’s walk through the steps to resolve this:

Reset the Printer

A simple reset can often clear temporary errors.

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear.
2. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and then into the printer.
5. Turn the printer back on.

Reseat the Printhead

If the error persists, reseating the printhead may help.

Important: Be gentle and avoid touching the copper-colored contacts or ink nozzles.

1. Open the ink cartridge access door.
2. Wait until the carriage stops moving.
3. Remove all ink cartridges.
4. Lift the latch handle on the printhead carriage.
5. Carefully remove and then reinsert the printhead, ensuring it is seated properly.
6. Lower the latch and reinstall the cartridges.
7. Close the access door and check if the error clears.

Clean the Printhead Contacts

Dust or ink residue can interfere with detection.

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
2. Remove the cartridges and printhead.
3. Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water to clean the copper-colored contacts on the printhead and inside the carriage.
4. Let everything dry for 5 minutes.
5. Reinstall the printhead and cartridges.

Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause detection issues.

• Visit the Official HP® Support
• Download and install the latest firmware update for your printer.
  Update the firmware on an HP printer | HP® Support

If none of the above steps work, the printhead may be faulty. In that case, please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United Kingdom | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode)

I hope your issue is now resolved. If not, feel free to reply and we’ll continue helping until everything’s sorted!

If the post helped, please click “Accepted Solution” to help other users easily find it. And if you’d like to say thanks, just tap the “Yes” button!

Cheers,

Max3Aj

HP Support

[DJP102]

I have done all the below and still not working, when I put the old printhead back the printer recognises it and will print