My HP Officejet Pro 8020 is printing blank sheets of paper

[awgaydos]

My printer is printing blank paper.  The black ink gauge was at 1/2 with the old ink cartridge.  It is registering 1/2 empty with the new ink cartridge.  It is still printing blank paper.

[Tzaidi]

A printer printing blank pages despite a new ink cartridge usually points to a clogged printhead, improper cartridge installation, or software/driver issues, not necessarily the ink level itself. The ink gauge can be unreliable, especially with non-genuine or refilled cartridges.

Initial Cartridge and Printer Checks

• Remove protective tape/seal: New cartridges have a small plastic sealing tape or cap over the nozzles or an air vent that must be removed before installation. Failure to do so will block ink flow.
• Ensure correct installation: Take the new cartridge out and reinsert it, ensuring it is seated properly and clicks securely into place. A loose cartridge may not make a proper electrical connection.
• Perform a test page (from the printer itself): Printing a test page directly from the printer's control panel (check your manual for instructions) helps determine if the issue is with the printer hardware or the computer software/connection.
• Restart the printer and computer: A simple power cycle can sometimes resolve communication glitches. Turn off the printer, unplug it for a minute or two, then plug it back in and turn it on.

Printhead Maintenance

Clogged nozzles are a very common cause of blank pages, particularly if the printer hasn't been used in a while.

• Run the built-in cleaning cycle: Most printers have a "Clean Printhead" or "Nozzle Check" utility in their settings menu （either on the printer's control panel or through the printer software on your computer）. Run this utility one or two times and then print a test page to check for improvement.
• Manual printhead cleaning: If the automatic cleaning doesn't work, you can gently clean the printhead manually. Turn off and unplug the printer, remove the cartridge, and use a lint-free cloth or cotton swab dampened with warm water to gently wipe the printhead contacts and nozzles. Allow everything to dry completely before reinstalling.

Software and Settings

• Update printer drivers/firmware: Outdated drivers can cause communication issues. Visit your printer manufacturer's official website to download and install the latest software and firmware for your specific model.
• Check print settings: In your computer's print dialog box, ensure the correct paper size, type, and print quality settings are selected, and that options like "print to file" or "skip blank pages" are not enabled unintentionally.
• Verify the document: Make sure the document you are trying to print does not contain unintended blank pages. 

If the problem persists after these steps, the new ink cartridge may be faulty or the printer's printhead unit may need replacement or professional servicing.