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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- How do I locate the printhead to clean it?

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01-29-2025 09:18 AM
I've tried everything suggested to clear the "there is a problem with printer or ink system."
Turn off and on. replace cartridges. there is no way to reboot with this error.
How do I locate and clean printer head?
Robert M from NY
01-29-2025 12:31 PM - edited 01-29-2025 12:32 PM
Welcome to HP Support Community,
Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue:
- Open the HP printer software: You can do this by either clicking on the printer icon on your desktop (if you have the software installed) or by accessing it through the Start menu or Applications folder.
- Access the Maintenance menu: Once the software is open, look for the maintenance or tools menu. The location of this menu might vary depending on the version of the software you have, but it's usually under a "Settings" or "Tools" tab.
- Select "Clean Printhead": Within the maintenance menu, you should find an option labeled "Clean Printhead" or something similar. Select this option to initiate the cleaning process.
- Follow on-screen instructions: The software will guide you through the cleaning process, which typically involves printing a test page before and after cleaning to assess the improvement. Follow the instructions provided by the software.
- Evaluate the results: After the cleaning process is complete, check to see if the issue has been resolved. If the error persists, you may need to perform the printhead cleaning process again or consider manual cleaning or replacement of the printhead.
If the software cleaning process doesn't resolve the issue, you can try manually cleaning the printhead. Here's how.
Note: Consult your printer's manual for specific instructions on manually cleaning the printhead.
- Turn off the printer: Make sure the printer is turned off and unplugged from the power source to avoid any accidents.
- Access the printhead: Open the printer cover to access the printhead. The printhead is usually located near where the cartridges are installed.
- Remove the cartridges: Carefully remove all ink cartridges from the printhead.
- Clean the printhead: Using a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water or isopropyl alcohol, gently wipe the printhead to remove any dried ink or debris. Be careful not to touch the nozzles or contacts.
- Reinstall the cartridges: Once the printhead is clean and dry, reinstall the ink cartridges back into their respective slots.
- Turn on the printer: Plug in the printer and turn it on. Follow any on-screen instructions that may appear.
- Test the printer: Print a test page to see if the issue has been resolved.
Remember, manual cleaning of the printhead should be done with caution, as mishandling can cause damage to the printer.
I hope these steps help resolve the issue 😇.
Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please click “Accepted 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!
Regards,
Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee