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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Re: HP 6001 printhead issues

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10-29-2025 07:37 AM
Hi @pah79,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
I understand your HP Smart Tank 6001 printer is showing a printhead failure error, even though it’s less than a year old and lightly used. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.
a. Power Reset
With the printer powered on, disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Wait for 60 seconds.
Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors).
Reconnect it to the printer and turn it back on.
b. Reseat the Printheads
Open the ink access door and wait for the carriage to move to the center.
Gently lift the printhead latch.
Remove both black and tri-color printheads.
Check for any ink buildup, protective tape, or debris on the electrical contacts.
Wipe the copper-colored contacts on the printheads and inside the carriage using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
Let the contacts dry for a few minutes, then reinstall the printheads and close the latch securely.
c. Check Ink Flow and Levels
Ensure all ink tanks have adequate ink and that the ink flow lines appear full (no air bubbles or gaps).
If air bubbles are visible, gently perform a printhead cleaning from the printer’s Tools or Maintenance menu.
Avoid performing multiple cleanings in a row, as it can waste ink.
d. Update Printer Firmware
Open the HP Smart App on your computer or mobile device.
Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Tools → Printer Updates.
Check for any firmware updates and install them if available.
Once updated, restart the printer and check if the error clears.
I hope this helps.
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,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee