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Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended

printer stopped working

error came up as printerhead problem and in view screen both print heads flashing

did the clean heads thing reset etc. and nothing works???

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

Hi @dann03,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand how frustrating this is, especially when both printheads are flashing and cleaning/reset hasn’t helped. From what you’re seeing, a flashing printhead error usually indicates that the printer is not detecting the printhead correctly or that it may be faulty

Let’s go through the correct recommended steps to try to recover the printer:

 

Step 1: Perform a full power reset (important)

  1. Turn the printer ON 
  2. Disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer 
  3. Unplug from the wall 
  4. Wait at least 60 seconds 
  5. Plug directly into a wall outlet and turn it back ON 

This helps clear internal errors and is the first required step. 

 

Step 2: Check and reseat the printheads

  1. Open the printer access door 
  2. Wait for the carriage to stop 
  3. Remove the printheads (only the ones showing error)  
  4. Reinsert them firmly into the correct color slot
  5. Close the latch and cover 

👉 A loose or misaligned printhead can trigger this error.

 

Step 3: Clean printhead electrical contacts

If the issue continues:

  • Remove the printheads again 
  • Use a lint-free cloth slightly damp with water
  • Gently clean: 
    • Copper contacts on the printhead 
    • Contacts inside the carriage 
  • Let them dry and reinstall 
    Cleaning the printhead contacts

Dirty contacts are a very common cause of this issue. 

 

Step 4: Check cartridges

  • Remove and reinstall all cartridges 
  • Make sure they are: 
    • Properly seated 
    • Genuine HP (non-HP ink can sometimes cause detection issues) 

 

HP Source Guide: HP Inkjet printers - Printhead errors | HP® Support

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!

I'm an HP Employee.


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HP Recommended

Hi, thanks for the reply and I tried this 4 times in the last 3 days and still the problem exists.

HP Recommended

Hi @dann03,

Thank you for getting back and letting me know that you still have trouble using the devcie, in this case bestoption is to reach the HP Phone support team in your region, so the team can have a remote live lens to check on the device and can help in solving this. However, if the printer is out of warrnaty this will be paid support.

To get you the best assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name.  

 

We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

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