Update in progress - Stuck in a loop, never updates and can't print

[hooverblue]

My HP ENVY ALL IN ONE displays this message on its screen: Update in progress.

It's seems to be stuck in a loop, never updates and can't print but scanner works.

This happened just as my warranty/support ended, now suddenly the printer needs this update (that I never initiated) in order to print, It's been a month and it never updates. I've tried all the basic rebooting stuff like unplugging power, connecting printer to computer via USB etc. Any suggestions? I'm thinking this is some firmware that need to be updated? I'm ready to give up on HP at this point!! Thanks in advance!  UPDATE FIXED: I asked CHAT GTP for solution and it gave me the below in for, #2 solution: On the printer screen; disabling web services worked for me. So disabling web services  and then re enabling it. made it work again.  Here are the solutions CHat GPT suggested: 

Below are the most effective fixes for this exact HP ENVY 4500 “Connect Printer → Update in Progress” loop. This issue is common when the printer gets stuck in a firmware-update state or when HP’s web services/Instant Ink connection fails. Try these steps in order:

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✅ 1. HARD RESET + NVRAM RESET (Different from power cycle)

You've already unplugged the printer, but HP printers require a specific reset:

Steps

1. Turn the printer ON.

2. Unplug the power cord from the back while it’s still on.

3. Unplug power from the wall outlet.

4. Wait 60 seconds.

5. Press and hold the Power button for 20 seconds (discharges capacitors/reset NVRAM).

6. Plug directly into a wall outlet only (no surge strip).

7. Reconnect the power to the printer and turn it on.

Try printing again.

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✅ 2. DISABLE “HP Web Services” (this often causes the loop)

This model uses HP ePrint/Web Services. When HP discontinued support for older ePrint servers, some printers got stuck trying to connect/update.

Try disabling it:

1. On the printer, go to Setup (gear icon).

2. Select Web Services.

3. Choose Remove Web Services or Disable Web Services.

If the update screen prevents reaching the menu:

• Try pressing the Back button or touchscreen upper-left corner repeatedly after the “dismiss” screen.

After disabling Web Services, try printing again.

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✅ 3. REMOVE ALL INSTANT INK FEATURES

Even if you are not enrolled, HP firmware sometimes gets stuck trying to check Instant Ink status.

Do this:

1. Go to Settings > HP Instant Ink.

2. Turn off or unregister anything in that menu.

If you used Instant Ink at any point in the past, fully removing it often fixes the loop.

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✅ 4. UPDATE FIRMWARE USING USB (without the printer UI)

If the printer is stuck, you may be able to force-flash firmware from a computer using USB.

Steps:

1. Go to HP’s driver page for the ENVY 4500 A9T80A.

2. Download the Firmware Update Utility (Windows or Mac).

3. Connect the printer using USB only.

4. Run the firmware updater.

Important:
If the updater doesn't list your printer, unplug/replug the USB and restart the update tool.

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✅ 5. REINSTALL PRINTER DRIVER LOCALLY (NOT WiFi or ePrint)

Your printer might be trying to communicate with HP’s online service before printing. Forcing a local connection avoids the failing Web Services calls.

Windows

1. Remove the HP printer in Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers.

2. Download HP Basic Drivers Only, not the HP Smart App.

3. Install and choose USB connection or Local Wi-Fi Only (not HP Web Services).

macOS

1. Remove the printer in System Settings → Printers.

2. Re-add using “HP ENVY 4500 Series – AirPrint” or “Generic PCL”.

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✅ 6. FULL FACTORY RESET (service menu)

If nothing works, try the internal reset menu.

Steps:

1. Tap Back, Home, Back, Home quickly on the touchscreen.

2. Enter the Support Menu.

3. Choose Reset Menu → Semi-Full Reset.

This clears corrupted firmware settings but keeps page count.
You will need to reconnect WiFi afterward.

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🛑 If the printer restarts but returns to the “Connect Printer → Update” loop

Then the printer firmware is stuck in a failed or incomplete update.

In that case:

✅ 7. FORCED FIRMWARE RECOVERY MODE

Some HP models allow forced recovery:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Hold down:
   Back button + Power

3. Keep holding until a blank or diagnostic screen appears.

4. Re-run the HP firmware update tool via USB.

This does not always work on the ENVY 4500 but is worth trying.

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If none of these work

Then the internal firmware partition is corrupted and stuck in a non-recoverable update state. Unfortunately, HP stopped supporting ePrint for older printers, causing a number of ENVY 4500s to brick in this exact way.

But in most cases, disabling Web Services or forcing a firmware update via USB resolves it.

[hooverblue · Accepted solution]

Hey, I got it fixed by disabling web service and then when it asked me to enable it again I clicked yes and then it all worked again, printing and everything! I updated my post as well if you wanna see. Good luck!