printhead errors

[ANLM09]

I have the hp smart tank 7000 series and it has been working fine until yesterday its saying theres a printhead issue. it will not let me run a cleaning or anything because of the error. ive inspected the heads and everything seems fine, but I did check my date of purchase and its been exactly 1 year, so is this an issue that is set to happen after 1 year? Is this going to happen yearly? how do I fix this issue asap as I have to print my daughter's homeschool work daily?!!! 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @ANLM09 

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

Thank you for checking the printheads and staying calm despite the urgency. I understand how vital it is to keep your daughter’s homeschool printing uninterrupted.

The printhead error on your HP Smart Tank 7000 series is not a timed or recurring issue—it’s typically caused by a miscommunication between the printer and the printhead or a physical contact issue. You can resolve it with a careful reset and inspection.

Let’s work through a few focused steps to restore your printer’s readiness.

Step-by-Step Recovery for Printhead Error

1. Power Reset the Printer

• Turn off the printer using the power button.
• Unplug the power cord from the printer and wall outlet.
• Wait at least 60 seconds to allow internal memory to clear.
• Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors).
• Power on the printer and check if the error persists.

 

2. Reseat the Printheads

• Open the ink access door and wait for the carriage to stop moving.
• Lift the latch securing the printheads.
• Carefully remove both printheads (Black/Yellow and Magenta/Cyan).
• Gently clean the copper contacts on the printheads and inside the carriage using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
• Let them air dry for 5 minutes.
• Reinsert the printheads firmly and lower the latch.
• Close the access door and restart the printer.

 

3. Check for Ink Flow and Tank Levels

• Ensure all ink tanks are above the minimum fill line.
• Confirm that tank caps are securely closed.
• Gently tap the side of each tank to release any trapped air bubbles.

 

4. Update Firmware via HP App

• Open the HP App on your Windows PC or mobile device.
• Go to Printer Settings > Advanced > Printer Updates
• Install any available updates and restart the printer

 

5. Run Printhead Cleaning (If Error Clears)

• If the error disappears, go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead
• Print a diagnostic page to confirm color output

This issue is not designed to occur annually—it’s more likely a result of environmental factors, ink flow, or contact misalignment. You’ve done a great job staying proactive and observant. 

Let’s keep going until your printer is back to delivering crisp, colorful pages every day.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye