• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Join the HP Community Solve‑a‑thon | Help Others & Share Your Solutions | Live on Zoom | 2:30 PM to 2:30 AM IST | Every Wednesday Click here to know more
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs AND MORE.
HP Recommended

I have the same problem -  you can't get to the menu when it stalls out at the ink check.   Anything that can be done that does not include the menu?

The_questioning_hp_user
1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @aaauser,
 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for your update. We understand that your HP Smart Tank 7600 becomes stuck on "Check Ink Levels", preventing you from accessing the printer menu. Since the menu is unavailable, the troubleshooting needs to be performed directly on the printer itself.
 

If the printer remains stuck on "Check Ink Levels" during startup, it is typically unable to complete its initialization process. This can be caused by a temporary firmware issue, an ink tank sensor not detecting the ink system correctly, or an interruption during the startup sequence.
 

Step 1: Perform a Power Reset

A power reset clears temporary hardware and firmware states that may be preventing the printer from completing the ink level check.

  1. Turn the printer off, if possible.
  2. Unplug the power cord from both the printer and the wall outlet.
  3. Wait at least 60 seconds.
  4. Reconnect the power cord directly to a wall outlet.
  5. Turn the printer back on and check whether it completes the startup process.

Step 2: Perform a Hard Reset

If the printer is still stuck, perform a hard reset to refresh the printer's internal hardware state.

  1. With the printer powered off, press and hold the Wi-Fi and Cancel (X) buttons simultaneously.
  2. While continuing to hold both buttons, turn the printer on.
  3. Keep holding the buttons for 10–15 seconds, then release them once the printer begins to restart.

This process can help clear temporary startup conditions that prevent the printer from progressing beyond the ink level check.
 

Step 3: Check the Ink Tank Caps

The printer verifies the ink system during startup. If an ink tank is not properly sealed, the initialization process may not complete.

  1. Open the ink tank access area.
  2. Verify that each ink tank cap is fully closed.
  3. Press each cap firmly until you hear or feel it click securely into place.
  4. Close the access cover and allow the printer to restart.

After completing these steps, the printer should finish the "Check Ink Levels" process, complete its initialization, and return to the home screen, allowing normal access to the printer menu.
 

If the printer continues to remain on "Check Ink Levels", please let us know:

  • Are there any blinking lights or error codes displayed on the control panel?
  • Approximately how long has the printer been stuck on the spinning "Check Ink Levels" screen?
  • Did the issue begin after refilling the ink tanks, replacing a printhead, or following a firmware update?

Have a great day!

 

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.