Printer Not Working

[MaryAI]

TLDR: My printer keeps printing blank pages.

I recently plugged in my HP OfficeJet 5255 that was in storage for a while. I connected it to Wifi by selecting my network and putting in the password on the printer's touchpad. I downloaded the HP Smart app on both fo my devices - laptop (Dell XPS 13; Windows 11 Home Version 10.0.22631) and my mobile phone (iPhone 13; iOS18.3.1) - and selected my printer. On both apps it says that I have ample ink in my printer. So I tested out a document to print, and it printed the same number of pages as my document (3 double sided) completely blank. I selected the Print Quality Report option on the Printer itself, and it started printing, but the page came out completely blank. It even said "wait, the paper is drying" but there is no ink on the paper. I've already tried updating the printer via my HP App on my computer, and the message came on the printer that the printer is up to date. The current date even shows on the home screen of the printer's touchpad. What should I do? 

[zoey7886]

@MaryAI, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer not printing! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

It sounds like your HP OfficeJet 5255 is recognizing the ink cartridges but not actually delivering ink to the paper. Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue:

Check the Ink Cartridges

• Open the printer’s cartridge access door.
• Remove both ink cartridges (black & color).
• Check if there’s any protective tape still on the nozzle. If so, remove it.
• Reinsert the cartridges firmly into their slots.
• Close the access door and restart the printer.

Run a Cleaning Cycle

• On the printer’s touch screen, go to:
  • Setup → Printer Maintenance → Clean Printhead
• Follow the on-screen instructions.
• The printer will attempt to unclog dried ink from the nozzles.
• Try printing a test page.

Manually Clean the Printhead

If the automatic cleaning doesn’t work, try this:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
2. Remove the ink cartridges.
3. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water.
4. Gently wipe the copper-colored contacts on the cartridges and the printhead.
5. Let them dry for a few minutes before reinserting the cartridges.
6. Plug the printer back in and try printing again.

Check for Clogged Nozzles

• Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Report:
  • On the printer screen, go to Setup → Reports → Print Quality Report.
• If nothing prints, it confirms a printhead issue.

Try Different Paper & Restart

• Ensure you're using the correct paper type (plain white, not glossy).
• Restart your printer, router, and computer.
• Try printing again.  

I hope this helps!

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,