Error Message: The Printhead installed is not intended for use in this printer or is damaged.

[jbuck1]

I'm getting an error message that the printerhead is either not intended for this printer or is damaged. The error message comes with a tutorial animation showing how to remove the printerhead, but it is for a different model, and this one can not be easily removed. The error message is preventing access to the menu or any of the settings.

[TEJ1602]

@jbuck1, Welcome to HP Support Community!

Reset the printer

In some cases, a printer reset can clear the error message.

1. Turn the printer on, if it is not already on.

2. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.

3. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.

4. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

5. Wait at least 60 seconds.

6. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.

7. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.

8. Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.

9. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Remove the ink cartridges

Removing the ink cartridges and checking for an error message can help diagnose the printer issue. Take the ink cartridges out of the printhead, and then check the printer control panel or computer for an error message.

1. Open the ink cartridge access door.

   The carriage moves to the left side of the access area.

2. Wait until the carriage is idle and silent before proceeding.

3. Push in on the front of one of the ink cartridges to release it, and then pull the ink cartridge toward you to remove it.

   Figure: Removing the ink cartridge

   

4. Repeat these steps for the other ink cartridges.

5. Close the ink cartridge access door.

6. Check the control panel to see if an error message displays.

   • If the printer displays an Ink System Failure message on the control panel, skip to the step to Update the printer firmware.

   • If the message has changed to Replace the or Ink Cartridge, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Clean the ink cartridges, and then check the error message

Cleaning the ink cartridge contacts, and then reinstalling the ink cartridges one at a time can help determine if a specific ink cartridge is causing the error message.

1. Gather the following materials:

   • A clean, lint-free cloth

   • A clean, dry cotton swab

   • Distilled or bottled water

2. Lightly dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with bottled or distilled water.

3. Gently wipe the copper-colored contact on one of the ink cartridges.

   Figure: Wiping the copper-colored contact

   

4. Wipe the contact with a dry, lint-free cloth before proceeding to the next step.

5. Repeat these steps for the three remaining ink cartridges.

6. Carefully reinsert one of the ink cartridges into its slot, and then push the ink cartridge forward until it clicks into place.

   Figure: Reinserting the ink cartridge

   

7. Make sure each colored dot on the ink cartridge label matches the colored dot on the print carriage.

   Figure: Matching the colored dot on the print carriage

   

8. Close the ink cartridge access door.

9. Check the printer control panel to see if the error message persists.

   • If the message is to Replace the or Ink Cartridge, remove the specified ink cartridge(s) and clean the copper-colored contact again, and then reinsert the ink cartridge(s).

   • If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Update the printer firmware

HP regularly releases new printer firmware versions with product enhancements or issue fixes. Depending on your printer, apps on the printer control panel might also receive updates. Update firmware and apps on a regular basis to make sure you are getting the most out of your printer. Refer to this link for help.

Let me know the outcome.

Cheers 🙂

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[jbuck1]

Tried all the steps including updating the firmware, but it's still not working. What next?

[TEJ1602]

@jbuck1

I am afraid it could be a hardware issue with the printer. Try our other support options for further assistance.

Follow the steps below to reach out to our HP Support team:

1) Click on this link - https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp
2) Select your product type below.
3) Enter the serial of your device. 
4) Select the country from the drop-down. 
5) Select the appropriate option based on your preference. 
6) Fill the web-form and proceed further. 

Thank you. 

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