HP Smart Tank 530 can’t start after firmware update

[Flashadmin]

I have HP Smart Tank 530 printer. Just made firmware update via setting menu of the printer and the process stuck on updating screen. Tried a lot of restarts, turning on with pressed power button, pressed left or right corner of touchscreen and so on. Firmware update utility for PC doesn’t see printer and in usb device list I see it as HP Firmware Update Device.

I would like to try reset NVRAM first, but can’t find any information how to do this. I tried to remove cr2032 battery from main board, but it doesn’t clean my settings — I still see selected language and the printer connects to my wifi for 5 seconds…

Also I can’t find any information about special usb device mode (HP Firmware Update Device) and can’t find any software that works with the printer in this state.

Any suggestions how to make hard reset or reflash firmware?

[zoey7886]

@Flashadmin, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your HP Smart Tank 530! 

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

I understand how frustrating this must be. Since your HP Smart Tank 530 is stuck on the firmware update screen and is being detected as "HP Firmware Update Device," I wouldn't recommend attempting a firmware reflash. There's a risk of bricking the printer permanently. Instead, let's try some troubleshooting steps first.

Power Cycle the Printer:

• Unplug the power cable while the printer is turned on.
• Wait for about 5 minutes before plugging it back in.
• Turn it on and check if it exits the update screen.

Reset the Printer to Default Settings:

• If the touchscreen is responsive, navigate to:
  Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore
• If not, try holding Power + Cancel + Resume buttons for 10-15 seconds.

Try a Different Power Source:

• Connect the printer directly to a wall outlet instead of a surge protector.

Disconnect Network & USB:

• Unplug USB cables and disconnect WiFi.
• Restart the printer and check if it proceeds past the update screen.

Attempt Recovery Mode:

• Turn off the printer.
• Press and hold the WiFi + Cancel buttons, then power it on.
• Release the buttons when the HP logo appears.

Since the printer is detected as HP Firmware Update Device, it suggests that it is stuck in a recovery mode.  

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[Flashadmin]

Hi @Zoey7886, thank you for answer.

Already tried all these ways, but nothing, let me try to describe what I did already:

1. A lot of power cycles. Unplugged for 5-10-30 minutes, hours and even few days!

2. Tried to start printer with power button pressed, with cancel button (sensor place) pressed, with question mark button (sensor place) pressed, with home button (sensor place), place with wifi led and also wifi symbol pressed. Combination of pressed buttons: cancel+home, cancel+wifi (two different spots), cancel+question, home+question, home+wifi, hp logo on display pressed, right/left bottom/upper corner of display pressed, as well as these combination plus power button pressed on startup, or when HP logo appears first time, or when screen deems for few seconds, of when HP logo appears second time. Or tried to press these combination after 5-10-15 mins after printer stuck. And, of course, tried to remove CR2032 battery from main board for 10-30 mins.

3. Different power outlets, different rooms (but the same city and country 🙂 )

4. Don’t have any cables connected, as well tried with usb cable connected. Also tried to 0 or 1 to usb device with cat. Also tries to install firmware again by editing usb IDs for Firmware update utility to allow this device in sort list, but update utility is unable to send firmware or even get printer status.

5. I tried to enter to recovery mode with proposed wifi+cancel combination before first appear of HP logo, but zero reaction.

Generally, I can’t find ANY combination to access bootloader/reset options or even change in any way printer behavior — every time I see HP logo and moving progress bar (moving around line, not filling), after that I see a message about 100% completion and after that a message about updating and do not turn printer off.

Also, as I said, I can’t find ANY technical documentation about this platform (Posseidon, as I understand) and ANY information about USB device in this mode, as well ANY software to reflash firmware in this mode. It’s pretty strange and absolutely unacceptable in modern world with Right To Repair! Absolutely never again to have HP printer product and I truly believe there is no place for companies like this in modern world. Shame, HP! Lessons learned.

P.S. If you still have any ideas how to make something with this printer, except to recycle it, I’ll be happy to try — special software to update firmware via USB/JTAG/direct nand flashing is absolutely ok for me. 

[zoey7886]

@Flashadmin, I truly understand how frustrating this situation must be, and I appreciate your patience and the detailed troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.

Since your HP Smart Tank 530 is stuck in an update loop and is being detected as "HP Firmware Update Device," it appears the printer is in a recovery mode but is unable to complete the process. At this stage, let’s explore a few advanced recovery methods:

Perform a Forced Firmware Recovery Mode Update

Download the Latest Firmware

• Visit the HP Software & Drivers page and enter your printer model (HP Smart Tank 530).
• Download the latest firmware update utility for Windows.

Prepare the Printer

• Ensure the printer is powered off.
• Connect it to the computer using a USB cable (avoid using hubs).

Enter Recovery Mode

• Press and hold the Power + Cancel + WiFi buttons simultaneously.
• While holding the buttons, turn the printer on.
• Wait until the printer is recognized as HP Firmware Update Device.

Run the Firmware Update Utility

• Open the firmware updater and check if the printer appears in the list.
• If it does, proceed with updating the firmware again.

 Try a Semi-Full Reset (If Screen is Responsive)

If the touchscreen is responding:

1. Go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore and select Restore Factory Defaults.
2. If you can’t access the menu, try pressing Power + Cancel + Resume for 15 seconds to reset the printer.

Check for Firmware Recovery Tools

Some HP printers have a hidden Recovery Tool that can be triggered:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Hold down the WiFi + Resume buttons and turn it on.
3. Release the buttons once the HP logo appears.
4. If successful, the printer may enter a firmware recovery mode and allow you to reload the firmware.

If the Issue Persists

Since you mentioned removing the CR2032 battery, it’s clear that some settings are still retained. This could indicate a deeper firmware corruption. Unfortunately, HP does not provide public tools for direct NAND flashing or JTAG recovery, and any third-party tools could risk permanently bricking the device.

I appreciate your patience, and I sincerely regret the inconvenience this has caused. Please let me know if any of these steps help!

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Best regards,