If you are having issues with your HP printer printing blank pages, then we advise that you read this article till the end. We will provide the reasons this happens and also the solution to each reason.
Table of Contents
What Causes an HP Printer to Print Blank Pages? [Reasons & Solutions]
The following are the reasons why and solutions to your HP printer printing blank pages:
1. Use of Non-HP Cartridges
The use of non-HP toner or ink cartridges can cause your HP printer to print blank pages. The reason is that such ink cartridges are not compatible with your printer and the printer does not recognize them.
Recent HP printers are designed with microchips to detect refilled or non-HP cartridges. When this is the case, the printer will not print using such cartridges.
Therefore, to fix this problem, you need to make use of only genuine HP cartridges. This applies to inkjet and laser printers.
2. Empty Cartridges
If one of your ink cartridges is empty for inkjet HP printers, your HP printer will print blank pages. Likewise, if your toner cartridge is empty your HP printer will print blank pages.
Therefore, if you suspect this to be the case, you need to confirm this by checking the printer’s estimated ink or toner levels. There are various ways to do this and we will guide you on the different methods.
How to Check the Toner or Ink Level on HP Printer
The following are the different methods to check toner or ink level on an HP printer:
1. How to Check Toner or Ink Levels via the Control Panel of your HP Printer
You can use your HP printer’s control panel to display the ink or toner levels. All you need to do is to find an icon of a cartridge or ink drop, a toner level indicator, or a menu for ink levels. Irrespective of the design of your printer, when you locate any of the above-mentioned icons or menu, simply tap on it to display the toner or ink levels.
2. Via Windows Computer
Another method you can use to check toner or ink levels is by using your Windows PC. There are different ways you can use your Windows PC to do this:
i. How to check ink or toner levels on Windows 10 using HP Smart App
Once you have downloaded and installed the HP Smart app on your Windows 10 computer, ensure that your HP printer is set up on the app. After that is done, open the application and you will find the toner or ink levels being displayed on the app’s home screen.
ii. How to check ink or toner levels on Windows using HP Print and Scan Doctor
You will have to download and install the HP Print and Scan Doctor on your Windows computer. After it has been installed, run the program, then choose your HP printer, then click on “Printer” which can be found at the menu bar at the top of the screen. After that, click on “Supply Levels”.
iii. How to check ink or toner levels on Windows using Printer Software
Enter the model of your HP printer on the Windows search bar. When the results are displayed, click on your HP printer. This action will cause the HP Printer Assistant to open. After that, click on “Estimated Ink Levels”.
Note that for this to work, the full software of your HP printer must have been downloaded and installed on your Windows computer.
iv. How to Check HP Laser Printers toner levels on Windows
Type “Easy Printer Manager”. When the result is shown, open the manager. After this, look for “Supplies information”. You will find the toner level there.
3. How to Check Toner or Ink Levels via Mac Computer
Follow the steps below to check HP printer toner or ink levels on Mac Computer using the HP printer’s software:
Step 1: Click on the Apple-shaped icon.
Step 2: Click on “System Preferences”.
Step 3: Click on “Print & Scan”, “Printers and Scanners” or “Print & Fax” depending on the version of your Mac computer.
Step 4: From the device list, choose your HP printer.
Step 5: Click on “Options & Supplies”.
Step 6: Click on the tab labeled “Supplies”.
The steps above are important when you want to resolve the HP printer printing blank pages on Mac issue.
4. Via Android or iOS Devices
Download the HP Smart app on an android or iOS device, and then install it. After the installation, open the app and add your HP printer. After that, you will be able to see the toner or ink level on the app’s home screen.
5. How to Check the Ink Levels on HP Smart Tank and HP Ink Tank Printers
For these kinds of HP printers, just view the ink level through the printer’s ink tank window. The ink must always be between the minimum and maximum fill lines.
After checking the ink or toner level and the cartridge is empty, then the solution to stop your HP printer from printing blank pages is to replace the cartridge.
However, if your HP printer is printing blank pages but has ink, then you should move to the next reason why it is printing blank pages.
How to Replace HP Printer Cartridge
The process for replacing an HP inkjet printer ink cartridge is different from replacing an HP LaserJet toner cartridge. Therefore, we will guide you on how to replace a cartridge for both types of printers.
How to Replace HP Inkjet Printer Ink Cartridge
Follow the steps below to replace your HP Inkjet printer’s ink cartridge:
Step 1: Load the printer’s input tray with white paper.
Step 2: Turn on your HP printer.
Step 3: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
Wait for the printer to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: Press down the cartridge lightly to free it from its slot.
Step 5: Pull out the cartridge from the slot.
Step 6: Take out the new ink cartridge from the packaging it came with.
Ensure you don’t touch the ink nozzles or the copper contacts.
Step 7: Remove the protective plastic tape by pulling the tab.
After removing the tape, do not re-tape the cartridge. Doing this might lead to bad electrical connections, ink failure, or clogs which could also lead to the printer printing blank pages.
Step 8: Install the ink cartridge into the appropriate color slot. Ensure that it fits into the slot properly.
When holding the cartridge, ensure that it is held by the sides. This will prevent any form of damage.
Step 9: Push the ink cartridge into the appropriate slot until you hear it snap in place.
Step 10: Close the printer’s cartridge door.
How to Replace HP LaserJet Printer Toner Cartridge
The following steps will guide you on how to replace your HP LaserJet printer’s toner cartridge:
Step 1: Lift your HP printer’s scanner assembly.
Step 2: Open your HP printer’s top cover by lifting it.
Step 3: Take out the cartridge from your printer.
Step 4: Take the new cartridge out of the packaging it came with.
Step 5: Dispose of the old toner cartridge according to the disposal laws in your locality.
Step 6: Find the new cartridge’s orange clip.
The clip is usually at the back of the toner cartridge.
Step 7: Pull the clip upward to remove it.
Step 8: Grab the cartridge by the side and shake it to and fro to spread the toner.
Step 9: Locate the orange tab. You can find it on the cartridge’s left side. Once you find it, pull it out completely to remove the sealing tape.
Step 10: Put the tab as well as the tape into the cartridge packaging box and then return it for recycling.
Step 11: Ensure that the cartridge aligns with the trails within the printer.
Step 12: Push the cartridge into the printer. Ensure that it seats firmly within the printer.
Step 13: Close the printer’s top cover.
Step 14: Lower the printer’s scanner assembly.
After replacing the ink or toner cartridge as the case may be, print a test page to confirm if your HP printer is spitting out blank pages.
If it is not, then the problem has been resolved.
However, if your HP printer still shoots out blank pages, then you can move to the next reason and solution.
3. Your HP Printer Cartridges are Not Aligned
If your HP inkjet is printing blank pages, then it could be a result of the ink cartridge not being properly aligned. Hence, to fix this issue, all you need to do is to align your HP printer.
How to Align HP Printer Cartridge
Do the following steps to align HP printer cartridges:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer.
Step 2: Load the printer’s main tray with white paper.
Step 3: Tap the (-) button beside the icon for setup.
You can locate this button at the control panel’s bottom left corner.
Step 4: Use the right navigation button to choose “Tools”.
Step 5: Press “OK”.
Step 6: Use the right navigation to choose “Align Printer”.
Step 7: Press “OK”.
At this point, an alignment page will be printed out.
Step 8: Lift the lid of your HP printer.
Step 9: Put the alignment page you just printed out on the scanner glass with the printed side facing the glass.
Ensure that the page is placed on the scanner glass right-front edge.
Step 10: Close the lid of your HP printer.
Step 11: Press “OK”.
This action will complete the process.
Step 12: Wait for the HP printer to scab the page.
Note: This process only works for HP Inkjet Printers that have scanners.
4. The Printhead is Dirty
A dirty or clogged printhead might be the reason why your HP printer prints blank pages only. Hence, the solution to this problem is to clean your printer’s printhead. There are different ways to do this and we are going to walk you through each method.
How to Clean HP Printhead via the Printer’s Control Panel Automated Clean Printhead Tool
Do the following steps to clean your HP printhead using the printer’s control panel automated clean printhead tool:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer.
Step 2: Load the printer’s main tray with white paper.
Step 3: Tap the (-) button beside the icon for setup.
You can locate this button at the control panel’s bottom left corner.
Step 4: Use the right navigation button to choose “Tools”.
Step 5: Press “OK”.
Step 6: Use the right navigation to choose “Clean Printhead”.
Step 7: Press “OK”.
At this point, your HP printer will begin to clean the printhead.
If you hear noises, from the printer during the cleaning, don’t be alarmed; it is perfectly normal.
Once the cleaning is complete, a test page will be printed.
If the page prints correctly, then the issue has been fixed.
However, if the page came out blank, you can carry out a second-level clean.
If after the second-level clean, you discover that your HP printer is still putting out blank pages, you should try the next method of cleaning the printhead.
How to Clean HP Printer Printhead via the Computer
Do the following steps to clean your HP printhead using your computer:
Step 1: Click on the search bar on the taskbar.
Step 2: Type in “printer”.
Step 3: Click on “Printers and Scanners”.
Step 4: Click on your HP printer.
Step 5: Click on “Properties”.
This will reveal the estimated ink levels of your printer.
Step 6: Select “Printing Preferences”.
Step 7: Click on the tab labeled “Service”.
Step 8: Select “Printer Services” when a new window appears.
Step 9: Click on the “Clean Printheads” command to start the cleaning process.
How to Clean the HP Printhead via Hand
You should try this option if the other two failed to yield the expected result.
Do the following steps to clean your HP printhead via hand:
Step 1: Turn your HP printer on.
Step 2: Open the printer’s access door.
Step 3: The carriage of your HP printer will be moved to the middle.
This will allow you to gain access to the cartridges and the printhead.
Step 4: Wait for the cartridges to stop moving. Once they do, unplug your printer from the wall outlet.
Once you do this, the cartridge will remain in one position to enable you to get the printhead out.
Step 5: Take out the cartridges from your HP printer by releasing the tab responsible for keeping the cartridges in place.
Step 6: Place the cartridges on their sides on a neat sheet of paper. Ensure that the nozzle doesn’t touch any surface.
Step 7: Get a dry cloth (ensure it is lint-free) and use it to clean off surplus ink you might find on the cartridges’ contacts.
While doing this, ensure that you don’t touch the printer’s nozzle. Also, do not allow the contacts to rest on any surface. Hence, the cartridges should be on their sides as we earlier instructed.
Step 8: If after cleaning the contacts with a dry cloth you still notice ink remaining, you can clean it using foam rubber or a cotton swab that has been made wet using bottled water.
Cleaning fluids or alcohol should not be used in cleaning the contacts or the printheads.
Step 9: Take a clean cotton swab and dry the contacts. Or you could allow it to dry naturally for about 10 minutes.
Step 11: Place the cartridge you have cleaned on a piece of clean paper as we earlier instructed.
Step 12: Then repeat the above steps for the remaining cartridges.
Step 13: Now, locate the contacts inside the printer’s print carriage and clean them gently with a dry cloth (it must be lint-free).
Step 14: Confirm that there is no ink on the contacts.
Step 15: If you can’t get rid of the surplus ink on the contact, make use of a cotton swab that has been moistened with mineral water to clean the ink.
Step 16: Wait for about 5 minutes so that the carriage can get dry.
Step 17: Reinstall the cartridges into your HP printer.
Ensure that they snap into place correctly.
Step 18: Plug in your HP printer’s power cable.
Step 19: Close the printer’s printhead cover. Then wait for your HP printer to initialize.
Step 20: Once the process is complete, print out a document.
If your HP printer is not printing blank pages, then it means the issue has been resolved.
However, if your HP inkjet printer is still printing blank pages, then you can check the next reason to find out why it is doing so.
If you own a Brother printer, read this article: How to clean your Brother printer to learn how to clean your device.
5. A Cartridge is damaged
Another reason your HP printer is printing out blank pages might be that one of the cartridges is damaged. If this is the case, you will have to identify which one of them is damaged. After you have successfully identified the damaged cartridge, that cartridge will need to be replaced to resolve the issue.
How to Identify a Damaged HP Printer Cartridge
Follow the steps below to identify a damaged HP printer cartridge:
Step 1: Turn your HP printer on.
Step 2: Open the printer’s access door.
Step 3: Your printer carriage will be moved to the middle.
This will allow you to gain access to the cartridges and the printhead.
Step 4: Wait for the cartridges to stop moving. Once they do, unplug your printer from the wall outlet.
Once you do this, the cartridge will remain in one position to enable you to get the printhead out.
Step 5: Take out the cartridges from your HP printer by releasing the tab that keeps the cartridges in place.
Step 6: Place the cartridges on their sides on a neat sheet of paper. Ensure that the nozzle doesn’t touch any surface.
Step 7: Now pick the cartridge one after the other and examine them carefully. Look for any form of damage on the body of the cartridges. Check the contacts and the nozzles.
If you notice any markings, dents, or any general damage to the body or those parts mentioned, then you need to replace your HP cartridge.
To replace the cartridge, simply follow the instructions we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Replace HP Printer Cartridge” section.
6. Your HP Printer Driver is Out of Date
The driver is the program responsible for connecting your HP printer and your computer to function together. If the driver is out of date or not properly installed, it can lead to all kinds of problems. Hence, if your HP printer is connected but printing blank pages, then a printer driver update might fix the problem.
How to Update HP Printer Driver
You can update your HP printer driver either via Windows Update or via the Device Manager. We will guide you on how to use both methods below.
How to Update HP Printer Driver via Windows Update
Follow the steps below to update your HP printer driver via Windows Update:
Step 1: Restart your PC.
This will allow any previous update to install correctly.
Step 2: After allowing your computer to reboot, press the key with the “Windows” logo on your keyboard.
Step 3: Search for “Check for updates”.
Step 4: Click on “Check for updates”.
Step 5: If a new update is available, it will begin to install automatically. However, if the installation doesn’t begin automatically, you can click on “Download” to start the installation.
To install the update, you need an internet connection.
How to Update HP Printer Driver via Device Manager
Follow the steps below to update your HP printer driver via Device Manager:
Step 1: Press the key with the “Windows” logo on your keyboard.
Step 2: Search for “Device Manager”.
Step 3: Click on “Device Manager”.
Step 4: Choose your HP printer from the devices list.
Step 5: Right-click on your HP printer.
Step 6: Click on “Update Driver”. You could also see “Update driver software”; it means the same thing.
Step 7: Click on “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
Step 8: Follow the promptings on the screen to install the driver.
Step 9: Once the installation is complete, restart your PC.
Once the computer reboots, try printing a test page, if the printer prints well, then the issue has been resolved.
However, if your HP printer ejects a blank page, then the issue has not been fixed. You can then check the next reason and solution below.
7. Missing or Damaged Printer Spooler Files
If your computer’s printer spooler files are missing or damaged, it could be the reason why your HP is printing blank pages. Therefore, to fix the issue, you restore the files.
How to Restore Printer Spooler Service Files
Follow the steps below to restore your computer’s printer spooler files:
Step 1: Tap the keys with the “Windows” logo on the keyboard.
Step 2: Type “services” in the search bar.
Step 3: Click on “Services”.
Step 4: Double-click on “Printer Spooler”.
Step 5: Click on “Stop”.
Step 6: Click on “OK”.
Step 7: Press at the same time the “Windows” and “E” keys on the keyboard to open your Windows computer’s File Explorer.
Step 8: Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS: or you can just paste it in the location address at the top of the window.
If you are prompted to give permission, just click on “Continue”.
Step 9: Delete all the files in the folder.
Step 10: Press the key with the “Windows” logo on the keyboard.
Step 11: Type “services” in the search bar.
Step 12: Click on “Services”.
Step 13: Double-click on “Printer Spooler”.
Step 14: Click on “Start”.
Step 15: Ensure that you set the “Startup type” to “Automatic”.
Step 16: Click on “OK”.
Step 17: Print a test page.
If it prints well, then the issue has been resolved.
If the HP printer is still printing out blank pages, then you need to do the next solution.
8. Your HP Printer needs to be serviced
If the above solutions can’t fix the HP printing blank pages problem, then it means your printer needs to be serviced. This is something that must be done by HP especially if your printer is still under warranty.
Therefore, you need to contact HP Customer Support. They will then schedule a repair or replacement as the case may be. If your product is out of warranty, you will pay for the repairs done.
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How to Fix HP Printer Printing Blank Pages
You can fix the problem of your HP printer printing blank pages by doing the following:
1. Restart Your HP Printer
If you are wondering what to do if your HP printer is printing blank pages, then we recommend you restart the device. Sometimes this little trick fixes a lot of printer issues.
2. Run Windows Troubleshooter
Sometimes printers and most electronic products seem to just develop a mind of their own and stop functioning normally. That is why the troubleshooting utility on Windows computers exists to help you fix issues that seem to have no root.
Hence, when you see that your HP printer pages are blank, then running the troubleshooting utility can get it fixed in no time.
How to Run Windows Troubleshooter
How to Run Windows Troubleshooter on Windows 7 and 8
Follow the steps below to run windows troubleshooter on Windows 7 and 8:
Step 1: Press the key for “Windows” on the keyboard.
Step 2: Type “troubleshooting”.
Step 3: Click on “troubleshooting”.
Step 4: Click on “Use a printer”.
Step 5: Click on “Next”.
This action will run the troubleshooting. Wait for it to finish before you continue.
Step 6: Print out a test page.
If it prints, then the issue has been resolved.
If the page is blank then you can check the next item.
How to Run Windows Troubleshooter on Windows 10
Follow the steps below to run windows troubleshooter on Windows 10:
Step 1: Press the key for “Windows” on the keyboard.
Step 2: Type “troubleshooting”.
Step 3: Click on “Troubleshoot settings”.
Step 4: Click on “Printer”.
Step 5: Click on “Run the troubleshooter”.
This action will run the troubleshooting. Wait for it to finish before you continue.
Step 6: Print out a test page.
If it prints, then the issue has been resolved.
If the page is blank then you can check the next item.
3. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor
Another way to stop your HP printer from giving out blank pages is to run the HP Print and Scan Doctor. This tool is designed to troubleshoot HP printers in case the Windows troubleshooter doesn’t do the trick
How to Run HP Print and Scan Doctor
Do the following to run HP Print and Scan Doctor:
Step 1: Download the tool from HP’s support website.
Step 2: Install the program by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor once it has been installed.
Step 4: Click on “Start”, then follow the instructions on the screen to fix the problem.
Note: If your HP OfficeJet 3830 or HP envy 4520 is printing blank pages on Mac, then using the HP Print and Scan Doctor should resolve the issue.
HP Printer Printing Blank Pages after Cartridge Change [Solved]
If your HP printer is printing blank pages after you changed the cartridge, then it could be that you didn’t remove the protective tape on the cartridge. This tape protects the cartridge’s sensitive parts.
Therefore, to fix this issue, take out the cartridge from the printer and then remove the tape. After doing that, insert the cartridge into your printer.
HP Printer Prints Blank Pages after Each Job [Quick Fix]
Do the following to fix your HP printer if it prints blank pages after each job:
1. Check for Viruses on your Computer
A virus on your computer can cause your HP printer to print blank pages after each job. Hence, it could affect the connection between your computer and your printer. Therefore, to fix this problem, you have to scan the computer for viruses using a reliable antivirus software program.
2. Update the Driver of your HP Printer
As we mentioned earlier, an outdated driver can affect the printing performance of your HP printer and even cause it to print blank pages after each job. The simple solution is to update the driver.
To update the driver or your HP printer, simply follow the instructions shared earlier in this article under the “How to Update HP Printer Driver” section.
HP Printer Prints Blank Pages before Each Job [Quick Fix]
Your HP printer might print blank pages before each job because it has been set to print a cover or separation page. This could be done accidentally or intentionally. Therefore, to stop your HP printer from printing blank pages before each job, you need to turn off this option.
How to Turn off Cover or Separation Page Settings
Follow the steps below to turn off cover or separation page settings to fix the problem if your HP printer always prints blank page first:
Step 1: Press the Windows key.
Step 2: Click the icon for “Settings” by the left corner of the screen.
Step 3: Click “Devices”.
Step 4: Click on “Printers & Scanners”.
Step 5: Choose your HP device from the device list.
Step 6: Click “Printer Properties”.
Step 7: Click the tab labeled “Advanced”.
Step 8: Click on “Separation Page…”
This action will cause a little window to appear.
Step 9: Delete the file location path.
Step 10: Click on “OK”.
If this doesn’t fix the issue, you can also update your HP printer driver. That should get the issue fixed.
How to Fix HP Printer Copying Blank Pages
If your HP printer is copying blank pages, then you can do the following to fix the problem:
1. Check the Media Type and Size
Ensure that the media type and size that is in your printer are the same as the document to be printed.
2. Check the Contrast Settings
If the printer’s contrast setting is too light, it could cause the printer to copy blank pages.
To change the settings, go to the control panel of your HP printer. Press the button beside “Copy”. Then press the button for “Setup”. After that, navigate through the menu and choose “Lighter/Darker”. You can then use the navigation arrow keys to make darker copies.
3. Check the ADF Tray
If you are using the ADF to copy, you should ensure that you load the originals properly.
The above solutions will work best for HP 4620 printing blank pages.
The above article is the solution for printer printing blank pages for the following HP printer models:
HP c7280, HP c4780, HP c4280, HP cp2025, HP cp1025nw, HP c309a, HP cp1215, HP d110, HP Deskjet 5150, HP Deskjet 2600, HP Deskjet 1112, HP Deskjet 3755, HP Deskjet 3630, HP Deskjet 3632, HP Deskjet 3520, HP 4630, HP envy 5055, HP envy 4500, HP envy 5000, HP envy 4520, HP f4280, HP f4400, and HP f4200, HP LaserJet 1020, HP LaserJet m1005, HP LaserJet p1102, HP LaserJet p1005, HP LaserJet 1020, HP LaserJet p3015 , HP LaserJet 1320, and HP LaserJet 4250, HP j4580, HP j4680, HP Photosmart d110, HP Photosmart 7520, HP m477, HP m1005, HP m506, HP m607, HP m452, HP m602, HP t520, HP Officejet 3830, on HP Officejet 4650, HP 1510, HP 1515, HP 1010, HP 1018, HP 1050, HP 1536, HP 2130, HP 2540, HP 2652, HP 2620, HP 2840, HP 2632, HP 2132, HP 2545, HP 2542, HP 3700, HP 3752, HP 3720, HP 3835, HP 3636, HP 4655, HP 4100, HP 4050, HP 4000, HP 5520, HP 5255, HP 5740, HP 5660, HP 5530, HP 5510, HP 5540, HP 5514, HP 5610, HP 6525, HP 6978, HP 6968, HP 6960, HP 6970, HP 6520, HP 6962, HP 6958, HP 6830, HP 6700, HP 7640, HP 7525, HP 7510, HP 7612, HP 7110, HP 8600, HP 8710, HP 8500, HP 8025, HP 8610, HP 8100, HP 8740, HP 8020, HP 9020, and HP OfficeJet 7000 wide format.
How to Fix HP Printer Adding Blank Pages [Quick Guide]
If your HP printer is adding blank pages, we recommend that you read this article: How to fix HP printer adding blank pages [quick guide] to learn how to fix this issue.