5100 Smart tank won't print , on button flashing, no jams, no error message, just locked up

[Stein46]

My HP Smart tank 5100 has not worked  properly since its install.  When jobs are sent it just gets stuck in print mode, says, printer busy, or says error message when there aren't any error messages.  Then the on button flashes.  I'm trying to print from iOS 18.1.1 and Mac OS Sequoia.  It's very frustrating as I have to unplug the machine and replug it in every time to reset the printer.  Can someone tell me what's up?

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Stein46,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I'm sorry to hear that your HP Smart Tank 5100 has been giving you such a frustrating experience, especially when you need it to work smoothly. I understand how inconvenient it is to have to constantly reset the printer just to get it functioning. Let's try to get to the bottom of this.

• Have you tried connecting the printer via a USB cable instead of Wi-Fi to see if the issue persists?
• When the power button flashes, do you see any messages in the HP Smart app or on the printer display?
• Have you checked for firmware updates for your printer through the HP Smart app?

Let's try these steps. 

Power Reset the Printer:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait for about 2-3 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on.
• Try printing a test page to see if it works properly.

Check Printer Connection:

• Ensure the printer is properly connected to your Wi-Fi network or via USB.
• For Wi-Fi, restart your router and reconnect the printer using the HP Smart app > Add Printer > Connect via Wi-Fi.
• If connected via USB, try using a different port.

Reset Printing System (on Mac):

• Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-click your printer, and select Reset Printing System.
• Re-add the printer and set it as the default device.

Update Printer Firmware and Drivers:

• Open the HP Smart app, check for any firmware updates, and install them.
• Visit the HP Support website and download the latest drivers for macOS Sequoia and iOS compatibility.

Run HP Print and Scan Doctor (on Mac):

• Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool from HP's website to diagnose and fix any potential software issues.

You may also refer to Blinking Lights for more information. 

If the problem persists, you may want to consider reaching out to HP phone support to discuss service/ warranty options since the printer has been problematic since installation.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

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

[Slimfifty]

It is great that HP monitors this site to try to help the customers.  It is often painful to call tech support on items like this.  I tried once and they did not fix the problem

[763Jim]

My printer has the same issue. I have to reset it every single time I want to print something. Every time I get in contact with tech support it’s always the same **bleep**. “Let’s try to reset it” “Unplug it and plug it back in”. I’m starting to believe that Hp printers just suck 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @763Jim,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

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

It sounds like your HP Smart Tank 5100 is getting stuck in an unresponsive state, requiring a reset every time you print. Let’s go beyond the basic "unplug and plug back in" routine and try some deeper troubleshooting steps.

Perform a Hard Reset

Since a normal power cycle doesn’t seem to work long-term, try this hard reset:

1. Turn off the printer using the power button.
2. Unplug it from the wall socket (not just the back of the printer).
3. Press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds to discharge residual power.
4. Plug it directly into a wall outlet (not a surge protector).
5. Turn it back on and see if it prints.

Check for Firmware Updates

Kindly refer to the steps on this link to update the printer firmware

Remove and Reinstall the Printer Drivers (Windows/Mac)

Sometimes, the driver can cause the printer to freeze. Reinstalling it might fix the issue.

For Windows

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your printer and select Remove Device.
3. Go to Device Manager, find Print Queues, and uninstall any HP drivers.
4. Download and install the latest drivers from HP’s website.

For Mac

1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
2. Select the HP Smart Tank 5100 and click Remove.
3. Reinstall it via HP Easy Start.

Check for Overheating or Sensor Issues

• If the power button keeps flashing, the printer may be overheating.
• Let it cool down for 15 minutes before trying again.
• Make sure no paper is stuck in the rollers, even if there’s no "Paper Jam" message.

If the issue still persists, refer to the steps on this link to restore factory defaults.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,