Deskjet 3636 second hand and can’t now set up

[Lildizzle]

I bought a second hand HP Deskjet 3636 printer from Facebook marketplace, and I can’t for the life of me set up the printer.

i have flashing lights galore, and have checked the ink cartridges and they are producing ink when you rub the section where the ink comes from. But there ink lights are flashing and the screen is not recognising the ink it appears. I’ve done all the trouble shooting. 

I cannot seem to physically set up the WiFi either, the internal WiFi is working, but there is an error message on the screen where the WiFi signal bars are, which I think is maybe why I can’t connect. 

I can’t print the wifi page details, but luckily found the universal password online. But when im in the app, I can’t connect the printer. There’s no Ethernet either so I can’t override it or anything.

what could be the issue? Should I scrap it? Did I purchase a faulty printer? The woman said it was working a few months back but hasn’t been used since.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Lildizzle,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand the issues you describe with the HP DeskJet 3636 printer could stem from several causes, ranging from setup missteps to hardware problems due to inactivity or mishandling. Here's a detailed guide to troubleshoot:

Step 1: Address the Ink Cartridge Error

Flashing ink lights typically indicate an issue with the cartridges. Here's what to do:

1. Check Cartridge Compatibility: Ensure the cartridges installed are compatible with the DeskJet 3636 (HP 302 or HP 302XL for most regions).
2. Reinstall Cartridges:
   • Turn the printer off and unplug it.
   • Open the cartridge access door and remove both cartridges.
   • Clean the copper contacts gently with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
   • Reinsert the cartridges and ensure they click into place.
3. Check for Damage: If the cartridges or the cartridge holder appear damaged, they may need replacement.

Step 2: Reset the Printer

Resetting can resolve many errors:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from power.
2. Wait 60 seconds.
3. Plug the printer back in, turn it on, and check if the error persists.

Step 3: Troubleshoot WiFi Setup

The error on the WiFi signal bars indicates the printer isn’t correctly connected to the network. Here’s what to try:

1. Restore Network Settings:
   • Press and hold the WiFi and Cancel buttons together for 3 seconds to reset the network settings.
2. Reattempt Wireless Setup:
   • Download the latest HP Smart app on your device.
   • Use the app to reconnect the printer to your WiFi network. Ensure the printer and your device are on the same WiFi network.
3. Manually Connect via WiFi Direct:
   • Enable WiFi Direct by pressing the WiFi Direct button (if applicable).
   • Connect your device to the printer's WiFi Direct network (it typically starts with "DIRECT-").
   • Reattempt the connection via the app.

Step 4: Print a Test Page

Since you can’t print the WiFi details page, try a simple printer reset and print a test page:

1. Press and hold the Resume button for 3 seconds to print the Wireless Test Report and Network Configuration Page (if the error is resolved).

Step 5: Test the Printer with a Different Device

If the printer still doesn’t connect:

• Try connecting it to another device (PC, smartphone, etc.) using the HP Smart app.

Step 6: Evaluate the Printer’s Condition

If none of these steps resolve the issues:

• The printer may have been mishandled or damaged during its idle period.
• The ink cartridge sensors or WiFi module might be faulty, require repair.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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