Why does my HP printer say the error is that it is connected?

[Lily3in1]

Why does my diagnosis test page read that the error is that it is connected?

And it won't print 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Lily3in1,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand why this is confusing. When an HP printer says the error is “Connected” but won’t print, it means the connection is OK, but printing is being blocked by another condition. This is common and fixable.

QUICK FIXES

1.  Clear a stuck/paused print queue

1. On your computer, open Printers & Scanners
2. Select your HP printer
3. Click Open Print Queue
4. If you see: 
   • Paused
   • Offline
   • Old jobs stuck

👉 Cancel ALL jobs > Click Printer menu > Uncheck “Pause Printing” > Uncheck “Use Printer Offline”

Try printing again.

2. Restart the print system (simple but critical)

1. Turn the printer ON
2. Unplug the power cable from the printer
3. Unplug from the wall
4. Wait 60 seconds
5. Plug directly into the wall
6. Turn the printer ON

Now retry printing.

3. Check HP Smart / Printer App status

If using HP Smart:

• Open HP Smart
• Check the printer tile

If you see:

• Finish Setup
• Complete Activation
• Sign in required

👉 Complete it
(Some HP+ printers block printing until setup is finished)

4. Confirm the printer is set as the default

1. Go to Printers & Scanners
2. Select your HP printer
3. Click Set as default

This prevents jobs from going to a “virtual” printer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!