A Paper Tray is Open. Close the Tray to continue

[JLC1234]

"A Paper Tray is Open. Close the Tray to continue" has overtaken everything about my $85 printer that I bought 5 years ago. I have watched every video on the internet and read every suggestion. One of the worst suggestions was Best Buy asking me if someone could look at it for $40. I can replace it for $65. 

I can do anything. Factory reset does nothing. A thorough cleaning. Hiding then adding again. Nothing. Been like this for 3 days now. It happened 2 times before but for only a minute, then again for an hour. 

I guess $85 for 5 years was a good run. But things should not just stop working. it just sat there, did its job for 5 years then decided to not want to work anymore.

Incredible, I am sucker and will buy another HP.

HP ENVY 5055 All-in-One Printer

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @JLC1234,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for your honest and detailed feedback. We understand how frustrating this issue must be, especially after years of reliable service, and we appreciate you taking the time to explain everything you've tried. This message typically appears when the printer detects that the input or output tray is not properly seated, even if it looks closed from the outside. However, if you’ve already tried reseating and resetting, and the issue persists, it could be a failure in the tray sensor switch.

1. Fully Remove and Reinsert the Paper Tray

• Power off the printer and unplug it.
• Remove the input tray completely from the printer.
• Check for:
  • Cracks or warping in the tray
  • Any broken tabs or foreign objects in the tray slot
  • Dust or bits of paper blocking the tray slot
• Gently but firmly push the tray back into place until you feel a definite "click" or stop.

2. Inspect the Tray Sensor (Internally)

• With the tray removed, shine a flashlight inside the tray bay.
• Look for a small plastic switch or lever on one side—this tells the printer the tray is closed.
• If it looks stuck, try gently nudging it back into its natural resting position.

3. Reset via HP Smart / Embedded Web Server (EWS)

• If you can still access the Embedded Web Server from a browser (using your printer’s IP address), try resetting the printer settings from there.
  • Go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Restore > Restore Factory Defaults

4. Update Firmware

If the printer can still connect to Wi-Fi:

• Go to HP Smart app > Printer Settings > Advanced Settings > Tools > Printer Updates
  Or visit: HP Software and Driver Downloads

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[JLC1234]

Thank you. I have done everything on here at least 3x. My only real chance here is the sensor. I have been through every inch of the printer and am not entire certain where EXACTLY it is and am having trouble seeing so online. Envy 5055. I will keep digging but after that i will just hope this goes away with a new update while i use the new HP Printer i had to buy

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @JLC1234,

Welcome to the HP support community.

Please help us with the Printer serial number or the product number in a private message for further assistance.
 

Here is the link to find the product number: - Click here

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon in the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number, because we value your privacy.
 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[JLC1234]

M2U85A product number

(edited)

I didnt see a private message

[zoey7886]

@JLC1234, I see you were interacting with @VikramTheGreat however, he's away for now and I'd love to help you out

Thanks for reaching out! I suggest you reach out to the nearest HP Authorised service center for personalized assistance. They can provide one-on-one help to fix the problem.

Note: There might be a nominal charge for the service they provide.

HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support

Regards,