"validating........."

[ihate_printers]

I cannot get my printer to work again after trying to switch the ink cartridges. 

When I put the new (genuine hp ink) ones in, it just sticks on"validating".

I hard reset the printer, i cleaned all the connections, the firmware is up to date, and i tried to return the old cartridges to the printer and it just continues to have the same problem. i dont know what else to do...

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @ihate_printers 

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

It’s genuinely frustrating to see your printer freeze at such a simple step, especially after doing everything right—cleaning, resetting, updating. 

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e is stuck on “validating” after inserting new cartridges—even genuine ones—there’s a way to reset the printer’s ink system and help it move past that screen. 

Let’s walk through a few steps to gently bring it back to life.

 

1. Remove all cartridges and power cycle

• Power on the printer.
• Open the cartridge access door and remove all cartridges.
• Close the door and wait for the printer to prompt for cartridges.
• Power off the printer, unplug it from the wall for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and power on.
• Reinsert the cartridges one at a time, starting with black, then color.

 

2. Clean cartridge contacts again

• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
• Gently clean the copper-colored contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer.
• Let everything dry for 5 minutes before reinstalling.

 

3. Check if Instant Ink is active

If your printer is enrolled in Instant Ink:

• Make sure it’s connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or LAN.
• Instant Ink cartridges require online validation.
• Open the HP App on your Mac and confirm the printer is online and registered.

 

4. Reset the printer’s ink system

• On the printer’s touchscreen, press the Back button four times quickly to open the hidden support menu.
• Navigate to Reset Menu > Ink System Reset.
• Confirm and let the printer restart.
• Reinsert cartridges after reboot.

 

5. Try a different cartridge combination

• If you have access to another set of genuine HP cartridges—even partially used—try inserting those.
• Sometimes the validation process can be triggered by a different chip ID.

 

6. Check for cartridge lockout settings

• On the touchscreen, go to:
  • Settings > Printer Maintenance > Cartridge Protection
• Disable Cartridge Protection if enabled.
• Restart the printer and try again.

If the printer still won’t move past “validating,” I can guide you through checking its internal event logs or help with a deeper reset. You’ve already done so much right—let’s keep going until it’s back to normal. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye