hp9020 printer says paper tray is full when it is not. Printer hesitates to print

[nimrodml]

Paper tray on 9020 printer is empty, but window says empty paper tray.  Printer refuses to print

[Sneha_01]

Hi @nimrodml 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like your HP 9020 printer is having trouble recognizing the paper in the tray, even though it’s empty, and it’s causing printing to be blocked. There could be several potential causes for this issue. Here’s a checklist of troubleshooting steps to help resolve it:

1. Check Paper Tray Sensors

• Check for any obstructions around the paper tray. Sometimes, dust, paper bits, or even misalignment can cause the printer to incorrectly register the paper tray as empty.
• Look for the paper sensors in the paper tray and inside the printer. These sensors tell the printer whether or not there is paper. They may be dirty or misaligned, which could cause the issue. Gently clean these sensors with a soft cloth or cotton swab.
• Ensure that the paper is loaded properly. Sometimes, if the paper is loaded too far to the back or not aligned properly, the printer might not detect it correctly.

2. Try Resetting the Printer

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Wait about 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on.
• Once the printer is powered on, try printing again to see if the issue persists.

3. Check Paper Size Settings

• Ensure the correct paper size is selected in the print settings. If the printer is set to print a different paper size than what’s in the tray (e.g., A4 instead of Letter), it may not recognize the paper properly.
• You can check this by going into the printer’s control panel or the printer driver settings on your computer to confirm the paper size matches.

4. Remove and Reload Paper Tray

• Remove the paper tray completely and inspect the interior for any loose paper or debris that could be interfering with the tray’s sensor.
• Reload the paper tray with a small stack of paper, making sure it's properly aligned and not overfilled. Some printers have a sensor that detects the height of the paper stack, and it may show as empty if the paper is not properly inserted.

5. Update Printer Firmware

• It’s always a good idea to make sure the printer’s firmware is up to date, as sometimes these types of issues can be caused by software bugs.
• You can update the printer firmware either through the HP Smart app, the printer’s control panel, or by visiting the HP website.

I hope this helps.

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