stuck in a loop

[Francescayoga]

I changed my printer cartridges and my printer HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e  is stuck in a loop saying 'Validating...please wait'. So I did for hours and now it has been 2 days. I tried to turn everything off ( printer, router, laptop) and back on a gain and at first it looks OK but then goes back to the screen 'Validating...please wait'.  On startup  sequence it says at one point for 10 seconds that there is  'internet connection unavailable' but when I go to the connectivity bit of the menu it says wifi is connect with a nice green tick in the green box.... until it goes back to the screen saying 'Validating...please wait' and does not budge from there. what should I do?

[Francescayoga]

just adding that I am talking about my printer HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @Francescayoga,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for explaining the situation so clearly. The “Validating… please wait” loop on HP+ printers like the OfficeJet Pro 8120e usually means the printer is stuck during HP+ activation or cartridge authentication, often due to:

• HP account verification failure
• Firmware glitch after cartridge change
• Network handshake issues (even if Wi-Fi shows connected)

Here’s the troubleshooting sequence:

Step 1: Power Reset

1. Turn the printer OFF.
2. Unplug the power cord for 60 seconds.
3. Plug it back in and restart.

Step 2: Check Internet & HP Account

• HP+ printers require an active internet connection and an HP account link.
• On your Mac, open the HP app and confirm: 
  • Printer is listed and shows Setup Complete.
  • Sign in with the same HP account used during initial activation.

Step 3: Update Firmware

If the printer boots even briefly: 👉 HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e All-in-One Printer Series | HP® Support

If it’s stuck, you can force Recovery Mode:

• Power off the printer.
• Hold Cancel (X) + Back button while powering on.
• If the recovery screen appears, update firmware via USB using HP Firmware Utility.

Step 4: Reconnect via the HP app

• Remove the printer from the HP app.
• Reset printer network settings: 
  • Press and hold Wireless + Cancel for 5 seconds.
• Re-add the printer in the HP app and complete activation.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat