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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
8 REPLIES 8
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.
 

Have a great day!

I'm an HP Employee.


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HP Recommended

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.


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HP Recommended

The 7602 is built differently than the other ink tank printers.  Everything is in the menu, with only one physical button - the power button.   

Since there seems to be no wifi or cancel button on a 7602 ... that hard reset  is not an option - both of those are buried in the menu and are not physically on the outside of the printer - see https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_4512643-3983801-16

This started with a power interruption with low ink.  I filled the ink tanks.  I turn on the printer and it asks me to fill all the ink tanks.  I lift the lid and reset all the ink caps, close the lid, and the printer starts looking for ink, and never finishes. The check ink message will stay on for days if i let it sit.  I have cycled the power many times - same result every time.

I have done a

firmware update,

power reset,

a hard reset using the long press on the power button,

reset the ink caps,

reset the ink heads,

tried to remove ink bubbles in the ink lines,

and there is no change.   

There are no error codes as they would display on the screen that is stuck looking for ink.  

The front light fades in and out in kind of an amber color as it always does while it is "thinking."

The desktop smart app thinks it is communicating, and I have tried to send the printer commands like to align print heads, and the app thinks the commands are being done, but the printer actually does nothing.  

I have not resolved this issue.  

 

 

The_questioning_hp_user
HP Recommended

Thank you so much for the update @aaauser 

Since all troubleshooting steps have already been performed and considering that the issue still persists, we recommend having it evaluated at an authorized HP service center where our certified technicians can provide a thorough diagnosis and offer the best solutions to address the issue. 

 

You can locate the nearest HP service center using our Service Centre Locator:

 

🔗 HP Service Center Locator

 

If you need further assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!

I'm an HP Employee.


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HP Recommended

I see no official service centers that work with smart tank printers, as it is not one of the choices in the drop down menu

The_questioning_hp_user
HP Recommended

Thank you so much for the response @aaauser 

 

We request that you select Consumer Printer option in the drop down menu  as the Smart Tank printers come under the same and choose the location accordingly.

Have a great day!

I'm an HP Employee.


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HP Recommended

In the USA that menu choice is not an option.  I did mention that it was not an option already.  Anything near Fife WA USA?

The_questioning_hp_user
HP Recommended

Hi @aaauser,

 

we understand the confusion. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.

 

In US, the Service Center Locator may not specifically list Smart Tank printers as a separate category. You can try selecting the closest available Consumer Printer or Inkjet Printer option, if available.

If you dont see the option then to get you the best assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name. Alternatively, you can click on this link. 

You can use this link as well: 

Private Messages - HP Support Community

 

I hope this helps.  


 

I'm an HP Employee.


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