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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- continuous aligning printer message

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12-31-2025 10:08 AM
Hi @bookman511,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.
That sounds frustrating, especially after resolving the missing printhead message only to get stuck with a continuous alignment prompt. Here’s what’s happening and how to fix it:
Why This Happens
- The HP Officejet Pro 8610 printer detected a printhead issue earlier, and now it’s trying to complete an alignment cycle after reinstalling or replacing the printhead.
- If the alignment process fails or doesn’t confirm properly, the printer keeps prompting.
Steps to Resolve
- Check Printhead Installation
- Power off the printer.
- Open the access door and ensure the printhead is seated firmly and locked in place.
- Verify cartridges are installed correctly.
- Run Alignment from Printer Menu
- On the printer’s touchscreen:
Setup → Printer Maintenance → Align Printhead. - Load plain white paper and let the printer complete the alignment page.
- If prompted, scan the alignment page using the scanner glass.
- On the printer’s touchscreen:
- Clean Printhead
- If alignment fails repeatedly, clean the printhead: Setup → Printer Maintenance → Clean Printhead.
- You may need to run multiple cleaning cycles.
- Update Firmware
- Use HP App or the printer’s Embedded Web Server to check for firmware updates.
- Updated firmware can fix alignment loop issues.
- Reset the Printer
- With the printer on, unplug the power cord.
- Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and restart.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have an amazing day!
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Regards,
VikramTheGreat
I'm an HP Employee.
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