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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Printhead Problem

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09-11-2025 10:48 AM
My printer displays a message "printhead problem" although its working correctly. What to do?
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
09-14-2025 08:57 AM
Hi @Ken2788
Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.
Thanks for explaining the situation—it's understandably frustrating when your HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e shows a “printhead problem” message even though it’s printing normally. This kind of alert often stems from a sensor misread, firmware sync issue, or cartridge contact fault, and can usually be resolved with a few targeted steps.
Here’s a structured recovery plan to help clear the error:
Step-by-Step Fix for “Printhead Problem” Message
1. Power Cycle the Printer
This clears temporary memory and forces the system to reinitialize.
- With the printer powered on, unplug the power cord from the back
- Unplug it from the wall outlet as well
- Wait 60 seconds
- Plug it back into a wall outlet (not a surge protector)
- Reconnect the printer and power it on
2. Inspect and Reseat Ink Cartridges
Poor contact or dried ink can trigger false printhead errors.
- Open the ink cartridge access door
- Wait for the carriage to stop moving
- Remove each cartridge and inspect for:
- Leaks or dried ink around the copper contacts
- Damaged or bent contact pins
- Gently clean contacts with a lint-free cloth
- Reinsert cartridges firmly until they click
- Close the access door and check for changes
3. Update Printer Firmware
Outdated firmware may misreport printhead status.
- Visit the HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Driver Page
- Download and install the latest firmware update for your model
- Restart the printer after installation
4. Run HP Printhead Cleaning Utility
This helps recalibrate ink flow and printhead sensors.
- On the printer’s control panel, go to:
Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead - Follow the prompts and allow the cycle to complete
- If prompted, print a diagnostic page to verify output
5. Check Cartridge Authenticity
HP+ printers require genuine HP cartridges—third-party or refilled units may trigger errors.
- Confirm you’re using original HP 910 or 910XL cartridges
- If enrolled in Instant Ink, ensure the cartridges are part of the subscription set.
You deserve a printer that works without false alarms—let’s get your OfficeJet Pro 8025e back to smooth, reliable operation.
If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊
Take care, and have an amazing day!
Regards,
Hawks_Eye
09-14-2025 08:57 AM
Hi @Ken2788
Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.
Thanks for explaining the situation—it's understandably frustrating when your HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e shows a “printhead problem” message even though it’s printing normally. This kind of alert often stems from a sensor misread, firmware sync issue, or cartridge contact fault, and can usually be resolved with a few targeted steps.
Here’s a structured recovery plan to help clear the error:
Step-by-Step Fix for “Printhead Problem” Message
1. Power Cycle the Printer
This clears temporary memory and forces the system to reinitialize.
- With the printer powered on, unplug the power cord from the back
- Unplug it from the wall outlet as well
- Wait 60 seconds
- Plug it back into a wall outlet (not a surge protector)
- Reconnect the printer and power it on
2. Inspect and Reseat Ink Cartridges
Poor contact or dried ink can trigger false printhead errors.
- Open the ink cartridge access door
- Wait for the carriage to stop moving
- Remove each cartridge and inspect for:
- Leaks or dried ink around the copper contacts
- Damaged or bent contact pins
- Gently clean contacts with a lint-free cloth
- Reinsert cartridges firmly until they click
- Close the access door and check for changes
3. Update Printer Firmware
Outdated firmware may misreport printhead status.
- Visit the HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Driver Page
- Download and install the latest firmware update for your model
- Restart the printer after installation
4. Run HP Printhead Cleaning Utility
This helps recalibrate ink flow and printhead sensors.
- On the printer’s control panel, go to:
Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead - Follow the prompts and allow the cycle to complete
- If prompted, print a diagnostic page to verify output
5. Check Cartridge Authenticity
HP+ printers require genuine HP cartridges—third-party or refilled units may trigger errors.
- Confirm you’re using original HP 910 or 910XL cartridges
- If enrolled in Instant Ink, ensure the cartridges are part of the subscription set.
You deserve a printer that works without false alarms—let’s get your OfficeJet Pro 8025e back to smooth, reliable operation.
If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊
Take care, and have an amazing day!
Regards,
Hawks_Eye
09-16-2025 03:44 AM
You are Welcome!
I am delighted to hear the issue is now resolved!
Classic move—and still undefeated! Power cycling really is the IT equivalent of a deep breath and a reset. I'm glad that did the trick.
A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help!
Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 😊
Regards,
Hawks_Eye