print head missing

[mw08sti]

I have a HP 6001. It worked great for about a year then a code for printheads came up. I replaced the print heads and primed the ink tubes with fresh ink. Now my printer says printhead missing (when a new one was just installed). looking for any help to trouble shoot this issue. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @mw08sti 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I'm truly sorry you're facing this—when a freshly installed printhead triggers a “missing” error, especially after careful priming, it can feel incredibly disheartening. 

Let’s walk through a few focused steps to help your HP Smart Tank 6001 recognize the new printhead and get back to printing smoothly.

Step 1: Power Reset the Printer

1. Turn off the printer using the power button.
2. Unplug the power cord from both the printer and the wall outlet.
3. Wait for 60 seconds.
4. Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors).
5. Turn the printer back on and check the control panel.

This clears internal memory and may reset the printhead detection logic.

Step 2: Reseat the Printhead

1. Open the printhead access door.
2. Carefully remove the printhead and inspect:
   • Electrical contacts: Ensure they’re clean and dry.
   • Protective tape: Confirm all seals have been removed.
3. Reinsert the printhead firmly until it clicks into place.
4. Close the access door and wait for initialization.

Step 3: Check Ink Tube Connections

• Confirm that the ink tubes are securely connected to the printhead.
• Avoid over-priming, which can cause pressure issues.
• If ink levels are low, refill using the correct bottles and allow the system to stabilize.

Step 4: Run Printhead Cleaning and Alignment

Download and open the HP App from:
https://www.hp.com/in-en/shop/apps/hp-app.html

Add your printer and go to Printer Maintenance → Printhead Cleaning.

Follow the guided steps to clean and align the printhead.

Step 5: Update Firmware (if accessible)

Visit the official HP support page for your printer:
https://support.hp.com/in-en/product/hp-smart-tank-6001-all-in-one-printer/2100187686

Select Windows as your operating system.

Download and install the latest Firmware Update Utility.

This may resolve detection issues caused by outdated firmware.

Let me know how the printer responds after these steps. You’re doing everything right by checking early—let’s bring back the vibrant, reliable printing your Smart Tank 6001 was built to deliver.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye