Blinking lights needs user to tap power button to reset. Why isn’t this in the app?

[Anonymous7725]

Blinking lights, needs user to tap power button to reset. Why isn’t this in the app? I know I’m not the only one experiencing this!

[Max3Aj]

@Anonymous7725 Hi and welcome to HP Support Community!

Thank you for reaching out with your concern. I'm glad to assist you today.

I understand your frustration with the blinking lights on your HP printer and the need to manually press the power button to reset it. You're absolutely right, this can be inconvenient, especially when it happens frequently.

Blinking lights on HP printers typically indicate an error state or a status alert that requires user attention. Depending on your printer model, this could be due to:

• Ink or toner issues
• Paper jams or misfeeds
• Network connectivity problems
• Firmware or internal errors

For example:

• On HP DeskJet 2700/4100/4800 series, a fast blinking power light may mean the ink cartridge door is open or there's a general error.
  HP DeskJet 2700, 4100, 4800 printers - Blinking lights and error codes | HP® Support
• On HP LaserJet M139-M142 series, a blinking "Attention" light often means the printer needs user input or has a connection issue.
  HP LaserJet MFP M139-M142 printers - Blinking lights | HP® Support

Why This Isn’t Always in the HP Smart App

While the HP Smart app does provide error notifications and troubleshooting tools, not all hardware-level alerts (like blinking lights or physical jams) are captured in real-time. This is especially true if:

• The printer is offline or disconnected from Wi-Fi.
• The error occurs before the app can sync with the printer.
• The issue is firmware-level and not exposed via the app interface.

That said, HP is continuously improving the app experience. You can use the Diagnose & Fix tool in the HP Smart app (Windows/macOS) to automatically detect and resolve many issues: Use Diagnose & Fix in the HP app to repair common printing issues (Windows, macOS) | HP® Support

Recommended Steps

Reset the Printer:

• Turn off the printer using the power button.
• Unplug the power cord for 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in and turn the printer on.

Check for Firmware Updates:

• Open the HP Smart app.
• Go to Printer Settings > Advanced Settings > Tools > Printer Updates.

Run Diagnose & Fix:

• In the HP Smart app, select your printer.
• Click Diagnose & Fix and follow the prompts.

Reconnect to Wi-Fi (if applicable):

• Restore wireless setup mode by pressing and holding the Wireless and Cancel buttons for 5 seconds (model-dependent).

If the suggestions helped solve the problem, please let us know by clicking “Accepted Solution.” It really helps fellow users find quick answers.

A quick “Yes” also goes a long way in showing appreciation!

Take care and happy computing!

Best regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support