Your HP Printer Copying Problems Fixed

Is your HP printer having problems with copying documents? Don’t worry. In this article, we will show you time-tested solutions that will help you fix any HP printer copying issues you may be experiencing.

Table of Contents

Why Is My HP Printer Copying So Slow? [Solved]

If your HP printer is copying very slowly, then it is due to the quality settings. Therefore, to fix this issue, do the following:

1. Improve the Copy Speed

How to Improve the Copy Speed

If your HP printer copy is slow, do the steps below to improve the copy speed:

Step 1: On your HP printer’s control panel, touch “Copy”, or “Copy Photo”, or “Copy Document”.

Step 2: Tap “Settings”. This will open options for the copy.

Step 3: Navigate to access. After that, change these settings:

i. Paper Type: Choose the right paper type. Hence, if you are using plain paper, select plain paper instead of photo paper.

ii. Tray Selection: Choose the input tray to be used that has the loaded paper.

iii. Quality: Choose a lower quality.

iii. Draft Mode: If you turn on this mode, your copies will be faster; however, the print quality will reduce.

Step 4: Once you are done with the above changes, choose “Set as New Defaults” or “Save Current Settings” to keep the settings to be used for subsequent copy jobs.

Note: Ensure that the original copy is of high quality. If the resolution is low or the quality is poor, you should scan the original copy with HP Scanning Software into your computer and then edit the image to enhance the quality before printing the number of copies you need.

2. Service your HP Printer

Contact HP Support for further assistance if none of the above resolves the issue.

Why Isn’t My HP Printer Copying? [Reasons & Solutions]

The following are the reasons and answers to the question “Why is my HP printer not copying?”

1. Empty Cartridges

If your HP printer runs out of ink or the ink level is low, then your HP printer won’t copy. Since the ink/toner is responsible for the printer’s production, a depleted cartridge will prevent the printer from functioning properly. 

Therefore, if this is the reason why your HP printer is not copying, then you need to replace the empty cartridge. We recommend that you use only genuine HP cartridges that are compatible with your device.  

2. Insufficient Power Supply

When the power supply to your HP printer is insufficient, it might just be the reason why your HP printer won’t copy. Insufficient power has a negative effect on the performance of your printer.

You can easily detect if the power supply is insufficient by monitoring the efficiency of your machine. If its performance is slow when copying or printing, then the supply is insufficient. 

To correct this issue, ensure your HP printer is connected directly to a wall outlet and not a power strip or surge protector. HP recommends that their printers should be connected directly to a wall outlet rather than the above devices.

3. Debris or Dirt on the Scanner

Debris or dirt on your HP printer copy scanner is one of the reasons why your HP printer doesn’t copy. Dirt or debris will block the scanner from properly scanning the paper.

Therefore, to fix this, you have to clean the scanner thoroughly.

4. Error with the Copy Settings

If there is an error with your HP printer copy settings, then your printer might not likely copy. Even if it does, the copy might be larger or smaller than it should be.

Therefore, you have to change the copy settings to fix this issue.

HP Printer Won’t Copy in Black [How to Fix]

If your HP printer is not copying in black, then you should do the following to fix it:

1. Hard Reset your HP Printer

How to Hard Reset your HP Printer

To hard reset your HP printer, do the following steps:

Step 1: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 2: Wait for your device to become idle and quiet before you proceed.

Step 3: While your printer is still on, unplug the power cable from your HP printer.

Step 4: Remove the power cable from the electric wall outlet.

Step 5: Wait for 60 seconds at least.

Step 6: Connect the power cable into the electric wall outlet.

Step 7: Plug the cable into your HP printer.

Step 8: Turn your printer on if it doesn’t come on automatically.

Ensure that your HP printer warms up properly before you move to the next step below.

If your HP printer is stuck on copying, resetting it should fix it.

2. Clean your HP Printer’s Printhead

A dirty printhead might be the reason why your HP printer isn’t copying in black. Therefore, to fix this issue, you should clean the printhead.

We recommend you follow the instructions we shared in this article to clean your printer’s dirty printhead.

The 950 Printhead below with Set up Cartridge is for HP Officejet Pro 8100, 8600, 8610, 8620, 8630, 862,5 8635, and 8640 Printers.

How to Fix HP Printer Copying with Lines

If your HP printer copy has black lines, then it means that the scanner parts have smudges, debris, or fingerprints on them. Other reasons for this issue include cartridge problems, scanner mechanism calibration problems, or power issues.

To fix the issue of HP printer printing lines when copying, do the tasks below in the given order. Once you perform a task, confirm whether the issue is fixed before moving to the next task. If a task fixes the issue, then you don’t have to continue with the other tasks.

1. Clean your Printer’s Scanner Glass

Your HP printer’s scanner glass as well as underneath the lid of the scanner has to be cleaned if they have debris, dust, smudges, or fingerprints on them. The same goes for the documents feed slot if your printer has one.

All you need to clean these printer parts is a glass cleaner and a soft fluff-free cloth. Find out how to clean an HP flatbed scanner and HP document scan feeder below.

How to Clean HP Flatbed Scanner

To clean an HP flatbed scanner, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Turn your HP printer off

Step 2: Remove the power cable from your printer.

Step 3: Raise the lid of the scanner.

Step 4: Take a soft fluff-free cloth and spray it with a little quantity of glass cleaner.

Step 5: Clean the printer’s scanner glass with the cloth.

Step 6: If your HP printer has a glass strip, wipe it with the cloth as well.

Step 7: Check and clean the white backing underneath the lid of the scanner.

Step 8: You should also clean the white strip underneath the lid.

Step 9: Dry all the parts with a soft dry fluff-free cloth.

Caution: Do not apply the glass cleaner on your printer’s scanner glass directly or any other part of the printer. This will prevent the inside areas of your HP printer from being damaged by the cleaner.

How to Clean HP Document Scan Feeder

To clean HP document can feeder, follow the steps below:

Note: If your HP printer was shipped with a cleaning cloth for the document feeder and the cloth is still in your possession, you should place it in the document feeder. After that, run a scan. This will clean your printer’s scanner mechanism.

Step 1: Turn off your HP printer.

Step 2: Remove the power cable from your printer.

Step 3: If your HP printer comes with a rechargeable battery, remove it.

Step 4: According to the model of your HP printer, open the top cover, then the document feeder tray, followed by the cover of the scan document feeder.

Step 5: Check for and remove debris found in the document scan feeder such as paper clips, pieces of paper, etc.

Step 6: Take a soft fluff-free cloth and spray it with a little quantity of glass cleaner.

Step 7: Clean the printer’s scanner glass with the cloth.

Step 8: You should also clean the white strip underneath the document feeder.

Step 9: Dry all the parts with a soft dry fluff-free cloth.

Caution: Do not apply the glass cleaner on your printer’s scanner glass directly or any other part of the printer. This will prevent the inside areas of your HP printer from being damaged by the cleaner.  

Step 10: Completely close all the covers as well as the trays you opened.

Step 11: Plug the power cable back into your printer.

Step 12: Reinstall the rechargeable battery if your HP printer uses one.

Step 13: Turn on your printer.

2. Clean your Printer’s ADF (Automatic Document Feeder)

If your HP printer is designed with an ADF and your HP printer streaks when copying, then cleaning the ADF might resolve the issue.

How to Clean HP Printer Automatic Document Feeder

To clean the automatic document feeder of your HP printer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Grab a soft fluff-free cloth.

Step 2: Get some distilled water as well.

Step 3: Take out any document in the ADF.

Step 4: Turn off your HP printer.

Step 5: Remove the power cable from your printer.

Step 6: Open the cover of the ADF.

Step 7: In the ADF, locate the separator pad and the paper picker rollers.

Step 8: Use the distilled water to lightly dampen the soft fluff-free cloth. You should squeeze the cloth to remove excess water from it as a safety precaution.

Step 9: Clean the separator pad and the paper picker rollers with the cloth.

Step 10: Ensure that the cover of the ADF stays open for at least two minutes. This will allow the pad and the rollers to dry.

Step 11: Close the cover of the ADF.

Step 12: Plug the printer cable back into your HP printer.

Step 13: Turn on your printer.

3. Reset your HP Printer

To reset your HP printer, simply follow the instructions we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Hard Reset your HP Printer” subsection.

4. Check the Functionality of the Scanner Bar

If your HP printer has a flatbed scanner, you should examine the scanner bar as the printer is scanning to confirm that it is functioning properly.

How to Check the Functionality of the Scanner Bar

Follow the steps below to check the functionality of the scanner bar on your HP printer:

Step 1: Take out any document from the printer’s scanner glass.

Step 2: Raise the lid of the scanner a bit. The height you raise it to should allow you to see the scanner bar.

Step 3: Press the button or the icon labeled/for “Copy”.

Step 4: Look closely at the printer’s scanner.

It is expected that the scanner bar will light up and then move across the scanner glass.

If it doesn’t, then you should contact HP to service your printer.

5. Perform Print Quality Troubleshooting

You should go to this site and find other ways to enhance your printer’s print quality. When you visit the site, you will have to enter the model of your HP printer. For example, if your HP 8600 printer has lines when copying, then you should type “HP 8600” in the field provided.

A print-quality document will then be made available to you with further instructions on how to enhance the print quality of your printer.

6. Service your HP Printer

If none of the above resolves the issue, then you should contact HP Support. You can then schedule a date for the repair of your product. If the printer is beyond repair, a replacement will be made if your HP printer is still under warranty.

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HP Printer Errors and Solutions [Detailed]

How to Fix HP Printer Copying Black Pages

If your HP printer is copying black pages, then it could be due to mechanical or power issues. Do the following to fix this problem:

i. Reset your HP printer.

To reset your HP printer, simply follow the instructions we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Hard Reset your HP Printer” subsection.

ii. Check the functionality of the scanner bar.

To check the functionality of the scanner bar, follow the steps we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Check the Functionality of the Scanner Bar” subsection.

iii. Service your HP printer.

Ensure that you do the following one after the other and confirm if any of the solutions fix the issue before moving to the next solution.

If your HP printer won’t copy from glass, the solutions above should resolve the issue. You can also update your firmware to fix the issue.

How to Fix HP Printer Copying Small or Large

If the copies of your HP printer are very small or very large, then it means that your printer is detecting the wrong paper size. It could also be due to the copy settings not matching the loaded paper.

If your HP printer produces an enlarged copy or small copy, then try the following to fix it. Once you perform a task, confirm whether the issue is fixed before moving to the next task. If a task fixes the issue, then you don’t have to continue with the other tasks.

1. Reset your HP Printer

As you might have started to realize that resetting your HP printer can fix a lot of printer issues. Hence, it is always the first port of call before trying other solutions.

To reset your HP printer, simply follow the instructions we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Hard Reset your HP Printer” subsection.

2. Reload the Paper

You need to reload the paper and ensure that it is done correctly by doing the following:

Step 1: Take out the stack of paper from your printer’s input tray.

Step 2: Put the paper back into the tray and ensure that the tray’s width guides are just at the sides of the paper stack.

Step 3: If your HP printer prompts you to confirm paper size and type, press “OK” to confirm if the type and size are correct. If it isn’t press “Modify” or “Change”, then select the correct size and type before pressing “OK”.

3. Change the Copy Size Settings

You can change the copy size settings via your HP printer’s control panel. Doing this will reduce or enlarge the copy size.

If your HP printer doesn’t have a control panel display, the copy settings can’t be changed from the default settings the printer has. Therefore, the only way to enhance the print quality or speed, or change copy size is to scan the document, then use HP scanning software to edit the settings, before printing several copies.

How to Change the Copy Size Settings

To change the size settings of your HP printer’s copy, do these steps:

Step 1: On your HP printer’s control panel, tap “Copy”, or “Copy Photo”, or “Copy Document”.

Step 2: Choose any of the simple settings that is peculiar to the copy job you have at hand.

Step 3: Touch “Settings”. This will open options for the copy.

Step 4: Navigate to access, after that, change these settings:

i. Size or Resize: This will allow you to change the copy size. You can choose from a preset list or custom sizes that range from 25% and 50% of the document you want to copy. You can also choose “Fit to Page” or “Actual Size”.

ii. Paper Size: You can choose plain size if you are printing on normal paper. Or you can choose photo paper copy size. Alternatively, you can choose “Automatic” which will enable your HP printer to detect the loaded paper automatically.

iii. Paper Type: Choose either photo paper or plain paper.

iv. Tray Selection: Choose the input tray to be used that has the loaded paper.

Step 5: Once you are done with the above changes, choose “Set as New Defaults” or “Save Current Settings” to keep the settings to be used for subsequent copy jobs.

4. Service your HP Printer

Contact HP Support for further assistance if none of the above resolves the issue.

How to Fix HP Printer Copies Are Blurry

If your HP printer copies are blurry, then it could be due to inappropriate copy settings, toner or ink issues, or power issues.

To fix this issue, do the tasks below in the given order. Once you perform a task, confirm whether the issue is fixed before moving to the next task. If a task fixes the issue, then you don’t have to continue with the other tasks.

1.  Change the Copy Settings

You can change the copy size settings via your HP printer’s control panel. To resolve the issue of blurry copies, you need to change the enhancement, contrast, and color settings.

If your HP printer doesn’t have a control panel display, the copy settings can’t be changed from the default settings the printer has. Therefore, the only way to enhance the print quality or speed, or change copy size is to scan the document, then use HP scanning software to edit the settings, before printing several copies of the document that you scanned.

How to Change the Copy Size Settings

To change the size settings of your HP printer’s copy, do these steps:

Step 1: On your HP printer’s control panel, tap “Copy”, or “Copy Photo”, or “Copy Document”.

Step 2: Choose any of the settings that is peculiar to the job you have at hand.

Step 3: Touch “Settings”. This will open options for the copy.

Step 4: Navigate to access. After that, change these settings:

i. Paper Type: Choose either photo paper or plain paper.

ii. Quality: Choose a quality level that is available.

iii. Contrast or Darker/Lighter: If your original copy is too saturated or faded, you can set the copy to be darker or lighter. 

iv. Enhancements or Optimize: Choose the item type you want to copy and apply the following enhancements such as image edges, sharpening text, faded colors improvement.

v. HP Copy Fix: Allow your HP printer to fix and enhance the copy quality automatically.

Step 5: Once you are done with the above changes, choose “Set as New Defaults” or “Save Current Settings” to keep the settings to be used for subsequent copy jobs.

Note: Ensure that the original copy is of high quality. If the resolution is low or the quality is poor, you should scan the original copy with HP Scanning Software into your computer and then edit the image to enhance the quality before printing the number of copies you need.

2. Reset your HP Printer

To reset your HP printer, simply follow the instructions we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Hard Reset your HP Printer” subsection.

3. Perform Print Quality Troubleshooting

To perform print quality troubleshooting, follow the instructions we shared earlier in the article under the “Perform Print Quality Troubleshooting” section.

4. Service your HP Printer

Contact HP Support for further assistance if none of the above resolves the issue.

If your HP printer copy function is not working, the solutions above should resolve the issue.

How to Fix HP Printer Copying Blank Pages

If your HP printer is copying blank pages, do the following solutions to fix the problem:

i. Reset your HP printer.

To reset your HP printer, simply follow the instructions we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Hard Reset your HP Printer” subsection.

ii. Check the functionality of the scanner bar.

To check the functionality of the scanner bar, follow the steps we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Check the Functionality of the Scanner Bar” subsection.

iii. Perform Print Quality Troubleshooting.

To perform print quality troubleshooting, follow the instructions we shared earlier in the article under the “Perform Print Quality Troubleshooting” section.

iv. Service your HP printer.

Ensure that you do the following one after the other and confirm if any of the solutions fix the issue before moving to the next solution.

How to Fix HP Printer Memory Low When Copying

If your HP printer displays “memory is low” when copying, it means the internal memory is reaching its capacity. The reasons for this include:

i. The current job is complex

ii. The current job uses downloaded macros or fonts

iii. The memory of your HP printer has reached its maximum capacity due to stored macros, faxes, or fonts

iv. Your firmware is outdated

To fix this issue, do the steps below:

Step 1: To remove the error, touch “OK”. This action will cause your HP printer to complete the current job. Alternatively, you could press “Cancel” which will cancel the current job.

Step 2: Delete stored faxes if your printer has the fax feature. Doing this will increase the printer’s available memory.

How to Delete Stored Faxes from HP Printer Memory

Follow the steps below to delete stored faxes from HP printer memory:

i. Press the button for “Setup” from the printer’s Home screen.

ii. Touch “Service”.

iii. Touch “Fax Service”.

iv. Touch “Clear Saved Faxes”.

Step 3: Turn off your HP printer and then turn it back on. After that, delete stored macros or fonts to clear the printer’s temporary memory.

Step 4: Try copying again.

Step 5: If your printer fails to copy and the error is not cleared, ensure that your HP printer uses the current firmware version.

i. From your printer’s control panel, print out a Configuration Report.

ii. Go to this site and then search for your printer model.

iii. Click on “Software, Drivers and Firmware”.

iv. Scroll down the page, and then expand the section for “Firmware”.

v. Click on the tab for “Details”.

vi. Check if the current firmware version is the same as the one on the printed-out report.

vii. If you find a newer available firmware version, then you should update your printer firmware.

Step 6: If updating your HP printer’s firmware doesn’t resolve the issue, install extra memory via a memory Dual In-Line Memory Module (DIMM) if your HP printer has expandable memory support.

Step 7: Restore your HP printer to factory defaults.

Click this link to learn how to restore your HP printer to factory defaults.

Step 8: Contact HP Customer support if the issue isn’t resolved after doing the above.

Other Workaround Solutions

You can work around the problem; you should reduce the print job complexity by doing the following:

i. Break print jobs that are complex into smaller parts with fewer pages.

ii. Change certain software or driver settings that could make the print job complex.

iii. If the error message occurs when a PDF is printed, then you should print the file in image format.

iv. Use another printer driver.

HP Printer Won’t Copy Money [Solved]

Your PH printer won’t copy money because it is designed to detect when money is being copied and will refuse to print the copy. This is the same for all printer models and currencies all over the world.

While you cannot copy full currency size, you can copy an expanded or reduced size or just one side. Therefore, if you want to copy money, you have to choose a larger or smaller size.

How to Fix HP Printer Copying but Not Printing

If your HP printer copies but does not print, then it might be that there is an issue with your cartridge. Therefore, you should check the cartridges and confirm whether any one of them is faulty.

To do this, take out the cartridges and then reinsert them one after the other. While you do this, run a test print whenever you reinsert a cartridge. If the error occurs when you insert a cartridge, then you should replace that particular cartridge.

If your HP printer won’t copy or print, we recommend you try all the solutions we have discussed so far in this article.

Why Won’t My HP Printer Scan or Copy? [Solutions]

If your HP printer won’t copy or scan, then you can try the following solutions to fix the issue:

1. Check the Power Supply

If the power supply to your device is insufficient, your HP printer will not copy or scan. Therefore, you need to check if the power supply is sufficient. We recommend you refer to the instructions we shared earlier in the article under the “Insufficient Power Supply” section.

2. Reset your HP printer

To reset your HP printer, simply follow the instructions we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Hard Reset your HP Printer” subsection.

3. Update your Printer Firmware

To update your HP printer firmware, follow the instructions shared in the “How to Update HP Printer Firmware” subsection of this article.

If your HP printer copy button is not working, then resetting your printer and updating the firmware should resolve the issue.

4. Check the Hardware Configuration

If your HP printer is not copying or scanning, you can resolve the issue by checking the hardware configuration. To do this, do the following:

Step 1: Turn your HP printer on.

Step 2: Keep the cover of the flatbed scanner open.

Step 3: Press the “Scan” or “Copy” button.

That should resolve the issue. However, if it doesn’t, then you need to contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

How to Photocopy With HP Printer

To photocopy with an HP printer do the following steps:

1. Load the Document or Photo you want to Copy

Depending on the model of your HP printer, load the photo or document you want to copy in the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) or the scanner glass. Follow the steps below to do this:

Step 1: Turn your HP printer on.

Step 2: Put the original copy into your printer.

Automatic Document Feeder

If your HP printer is designed with an ADF, you should place the original document into your printer’s feeder tray. Ensure that the printed side is facing up and that the top corner is placed first into the feeder tray. The tray’s width guides should be adjusted to the size of the document. For an ADF, you can put as many as 35 paper sheets per time into your printer.

Note: The Automatic Document Feeder can only copy one side. If you want a double-sided copy, the scanner glass should be used.

We recommend that you don’t copy photos with the ADF as the feeder could easily damage your photos.

Scanner Glass

If your HP printer has a scanner glass, put the document or photo on the glass. Ensure that the printed side faces down and then it should be placed according to the guides engraved on the glass. After that, close the lid of the scanner.

2. Copy your Photo or Document

After you have loaded the original as instructed above, you will have to change the printer’s copy settings. Some of the settings you will have to change include paper type, paper size, and darkness/lightness level. Once you have adjusted the settings, you can then copy your photo or document.

To copy the original, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Touch the icon for “Copy” on the control panel’s Home Screen.

Step 2: Swipe left to select how many copies you want to make. Alternatively, you can tap the keypad icon and then enter your desired number.

Step 3: Tap the icon for Settings.

Step 4: Confirm the following advanced settings:

i. 2-Sided: Choose “On” if you want to copy two-sided on your HP printer or choose “Off” if you plan to make a single-side copy.

If you choose “On” to enable your HP printer to copy both sides, then you should be ready to load paper as soon as your printer prompts you to do so.

ii. Paper Type and Size: Ensure you load the tray with the right paper type and size.

If you want to adjust the type and size of the loaded paper, open and then close the tray door. Your HP printer will then prompt for a confirmation to change the paper’s type and size.

iii. Resize: Choose the document or photo size. The options you can choose from include:

  • Actual: If you choose this option, the size will be the same as the document or photo you are copying. However, your printer might clip the copied document or photo margins.
  • Fit to Page: This option will allow you to create a copy with a white border but centered format. The image will either be reduced or enlarged to fit the loaded paper.

You can’t use this option if you want double-sided printing.

  • Custom: You can either reduce the final image size as much as you want by choosing any value that is below 100% or you can increase the final size of the imageby choosing any value that is above 100%.

iv. Lighter/Darker: You can select how light or dark you want the final document to be by sliding the button before touching “OK” to confirm the selection.

v. ID Card Copy: This option allows you to copy an identity card using the printer’s scanner glass. The two sides of the ID card will be copied easily with this option.

Step 5: Tap “Back” which will return you to the printer’s “Copy” screen.

Step 6: Tap “Start Black” if you want to copy in black. If you want to copy in color, touch “Start Color”.

Your HP printer will then copy the original.

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How to Make 2 Sided Copy on HP Printer

To photocopy double-sided on HP printer, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Load the original you want to copy on the printer’s scanner glass. Ensure that the printed side faces down and the top-left edge of the document is at the top-left edge of the scanner glass.

Step 2: Shut the scanner glass.

Step 3: Go to the control panel’s home screen.

Step 4: Press the button for “Copy”.

Step 5: Touch the button for “Settings”.

Step 6: Scroll down and select “Two-Sided”.

Step 6: Swipe left and then choose an option by tapping it.

Step 7: Press the “Black” button if you want to copy in black. If you want to copy in color, touch the “Color” button.

Step 8: After the first page has been copied, you will get a prompt from your HP printer to load your second page.

Step 9: Therefore, load the document on the scanner glass.

Step 10: Touch the button labeled “OK”.

Step 11: Repeat the procedure until all the pages have been scanned.

Step 12: Touch the button labeled “Done” when you are done with the printing.

HP Photo Copy Printer Price [Answered]

The price of an HP printer with photocopy ability varies from model to model. Therefore, you will need to visit https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/cv/printers to check out the available HP printer models that can photocopy.

Better yet, check out the HP LaserJet printer below…