HP Printer Says Missing or Failed Printhead | How to Fix it | 123.hp/setup

 How to Fix Missing or Failed Printhead Error [HP Printer] 

 

The missing or failed printhead error message is one of the most common problems in HP printers. The users encounter this issue when the printhead is not correctly seated, unlatched, improper cartridge installation or due to outdated firmware. The problem resolves by using specific measures; however, you should visit 123.hp/setup for advanced troubleshooting if it occurs frequently.

 

The printhead is a crucial component of the printer that sprays the ink on paper. It takes instructions from your computer to know exactly where the ink needs to be dropped, intensity, movement over the paper and the locations where it needs to write on paper. The users can see the error message on their HP printer’s LCD as it states, “The printhead appears to be missing, not detected, or incorrectly installed.”  As a consequence, users cannot print at all. The following are some useful tips that will help you overcome the issue.

 

How should you respond when your printer says missing or failed printhead? 

 

You should simply follow the below steps to eliminate the error.

 

Solution 1. Reset your HP printer 

 

1.      To reset your printer, firstly, ensure your printer is switched on.

2.      Now disconnect the power cord from your printer.

3.      Next, remove the cable from the wall socket.

4.      After waiting for 60 seconds, reconnect the cable back to the wall socket.

5.      Now connect the cable to your printer.

6.      Your printer should automatically turn on, and if it doesn’t, then turn it on manually.

 

Generally, when your printer becomes older, replacing any component creates trouble, and it’s not that smooth to install. For instance, if you replace the old cartridge with the new one, there occurs an alignment issue that doesn’t allow the printhead to sit correctly. Furthermore, your printer doesn’t take the print command and displays an error – HP missing or failed printhead on the LCD screen. Resetting the printer resolves the issue to a much extent.

 

Solution 2. Realign the printhead to seat it properly at the place 

 

In two major steps, you can align the printhead in HP printers. These steps are removing the printhead and realigning it to the correct position.

 

Step 1. Safely remove the printhead

1.      Resetting the printhead requires you first to remove it from the slot.

2.      To proceed, firstly, you will need to open the cartridge access door by pulling up the slot forward (the process may vary for different printers).

3.      Now disconnect the power cable to cease the carriage movement; otherwise, it will keep moving horizontally.

4.      The next step is to lift the latch adjacent to the carriage to unlock the printhead.

5.      Now hold the printhead from the sides and safely remove the printhead from the slot. Please do not remove it completely.

 

Step 2. Realigning the printhead back to the position

1.      Now plug the printhead back to the position. It will snap into its place, indicating correct alignment.

2.      After that, gently move the printhead left & right to verify its correctly placed.

3.      Now push the latch down to lock the printhead.

4.      Close the access door of your printer.

5.      Now connect the power cable to the printer and power source.

6.      Turn on your printer, wait for a few seconds and start printing when it displays ready on the control panel.

7.      Head over to the next solution if it still says missing or failed printhead.

 

Solution 3. Cleaning the ink cartridge to get rid of ink clots and dust 

 

The clogged ink cartridge can also result in failed or missing printhead error. To fix it, you should remove the cartridge, take a clean damped cloth and wipe out the extra ink and dust. Now take a dry cloth and clean the cartridge before inserting it back to the printer.

 

Solution 4. Update the printer firmware to resolve the printhead issue 

 

Ensure your printer installs with the latest firmware. If it’s not, then follow the steps below to proceed.

 

1.      Visit the website 123.hp/setup, click Printer under let’s identify your product to get started.

2.      Enter the printer model and click Submit.

3.      Now on the printer’s software, click over the Firmware to expand the list.

4.      Further, you will have to click Download to save the firmware files in your computer folder.

5.      Now locate these folders and install them on your computer using on-screen instructions.

 

Solution 5. Replace the printhead if nothing worked 

 

Replacing the printhead is the only fix if all the above solutions failed to resolve the printhead problem. If your printhead is under warranty, then get the new one and replace the older printhead. You can check the warranty status from 123.hp.com/setup, under the Printer and page yield overview section. Else check the label on the component to verify the warranty expiry date. If it’s out of warranty, then purchase a new printhead from HP support online website and install it in your printer.

 

Contact the experts on 123.hp/setup to get an instant solution 

 

You should contact the experts if you are still facing the challenge of failed or missing printhead in your HP printer visit this link 123.hp/setup. Our team is available 24X7 to assist you in overcoming any problem. Don’t hesitate to ask your query or concern by dialling our printer support helpline number.