Why is ? on my printer screen

[Sallymac12]

Not printing from phone to printer

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Sallymac12,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your printer screen displays a "?" or a similar symbol and you're having trouble printing from your phone, this could indicate an issue with the printer's settings or connectivity. Here’s how you can address this issue:

1. Check Printer Status and Messages

• Printer Screen Symbols:
  • A "?" symbol usually means the printer is in an error state or waiting for user input. Check if there are any specific messages or error codes displayed alongside the "?".
  • Consult your printer’s manual for the meaning of the "?" symbol and any associated error codes.

2. Verify Printer Connection

Ensure Printer is Online:

• Make sure the printer is connected to the network and powered on. The screen should not be showing any error messages.

Check Wireless or Network Connection:

• Ensure that your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.

3. Restart Devices

Restart the Printer:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug it from the power source.
3. Wait for about 60 seconds.
4. Plug it back in and turn it on.

Restart Your Phone:

• Restart the phone from which you're trying to print.

Restart Your Router:

• Restart the router to refresh the network connection.

4. Check Printer and App Settings

Verify Printer Settings:

1. On the printer's control panel, go to the settings menu and check if there are any errors or notifications that need attention.
2. Ensure that the printer is set to the correct network.

Update or Reinstall Printer App:

• Ensure the app you are using to print from your phone (e.g., HP Smart) is updated to the latest version.
• Uninstall and reinstall the app if necessary.

5. Check Printer Firmware

• Update Printer Firmware:
  • Ensure that your printer has the latest firmware. You can check and update firmware via the printer’s control panel or through the HP Support website.

6. Re-add the Printer

• Remove and Re-add Printer:
  1. On your phone, go to the app you use for printing.
  2. Remove the printer from the list of available printers.
  3. Re-add the printer by following the setup instructions in the app.

7. Ensure Correct Printer Driver

• Check Printer Driver:
  • Ensure that the correct printer driver is installed on your device. This is particularly relevant if you're printing from a computer.

8. Check Printer Network Configuration

• Verify Network Settings:
  1. Access the printer’s network settings through the control panel.
  2. Ensure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and check for any network issues.

9. Perform a Printer Reset

• Reset the Printer:
  • Refer to the printer’s manual for instructions on how to perform a factory reset or network reset. This can help resolve any persistent connectivity issues.

10. Consult the Printer Manual

• Refer to the Manual:
  • Look up troubleshooting steps specific to your printer model in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s support website.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support