In this article, we will guide you on how to fix the HP printer scanner lock issue.
Table of Contents
HP Printer Scanner Lock [Solutions]
To fix the HP printer scanner lock error message, do the tasks below:
1. Ensure that there is no Packaging Material Within the Printer – HP Printer Scanner Lock
Packaging material within new HP printers can hinder the smooth movement of the scanner carriage. Therefore, you need to ensure that there are no packaging materials left inside the printer.
Open the printer and check the inside areas thoroughly. Also, confirm that the packaging materials on the supplies such as the cartridges and drums have been removed.
After confirming that there is no packaging material within the printer, check if the issue is fixed.
If the issue persists, do the next task.
2. Manually Unlock the Scanner – HP Printer Scanner Lock
This should be done if the scanner is locked already. To manually unlock the scanner, you need to slide the scanner lock switch to the unlock position.
The HP printer scanner lock switch location is underneath the access door of the printer’s print carriage and is usually orange-colored.
Once the scanner is unlocked, close your printer’s print-carriage access door.
Try to scan or copy a document.
If the issue persists, do the next task.
3. Manually Unlock the Scanner Again – HP Printer Scanner Lock
If the issue persists after you unlocked the scanner, it might be that the internal parts and the lock knob in the lock switch are not in proper contact. Therefore, you need to manually unlock the scanner again.
To manually unlock the scanner again, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open your printer’s print-carriage access door.
Step 2: Slide the scanner lock switch to the lock position and then slide it back to the unlock position.
Step 3: Repeat the action in step 2 twice.
Step 4: Slide the scanner lock switch firmly into the unlock position.
Step 5: Close your printer’s print-carriage access door.
Try to scan or copy a document.
If the issue persists, do the next task.
4. Reset your HP Printer – HP Printer Scanner Lock
To reset your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Unplug your printer’s power cable from the printer.
Step 2: Disconnect your printer from your computer.
Step 3: Disconnect your printer from the phone line if connected.
Step 4: Wait 30 seconds.
Step 5: Plug your printer’s power cable directly into a wall outlet.
Step 6: Plug the power cable into your printer.
Step 6: Reconnect your printer to your computer and phone line.
Step 7: Turn on your printer.
Once your printer enters the ready state, try to copy a document using the flatbed.
If the issue persists, do the next task.
5. Update your Printer Firmware – HP Printer Scanner Lock
An outdated firmware can be the reason for the HP 4420 printer scanner lock. This is true for other HP printer models as well. Therefore, you need to verify that your firmware is not outdated.
If the firmware is not outdated and the issue persists, do the next task.
If the firmware is outdated, update it to resolve the issue.
Click this link: Update your HP Printer Firmware – HP Printer is Slow, and then use any of the methods we shared to update your HP printer firmware.
After upgrading the firmware, check if the issue is resolved.
If the issue persists, do the next task.
6. Remove Internal Obstructions on the Scanner Carriage – HP Printer Scanner Lock
If upgrading the firmware doesn’t fix the issue, you can remove the internal obstructions on the scanner carriage. To do this, tap the side where the scanner carriage is three times to remove the obstructions lodged between the internal parts and the lock knob.
After doing that, restart your printer.
Try to copy a document once the printer restart is complete.
If the document fails to copy and the issue persists, do the next task.
Read this article: HP Printer Lock [Guide, Issues & Proven Solutions] to learn about other HP printer lock issues.
7. Perform an NVM Reset on your HP Printer – HP Printer Scanner Lock
Note: An NVM reset will erase your printer’s presets and clear the internal memory. Therefore, to ensure that you don’t lose important information such as email addresses and speed dials on your printer, you have to back up that information.
To perform an NVM reset on your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer.
Step 2: Press down your printer’s “Blk/Col” and “Minus (-)” buttons until the initialization process begins.
Step 3: Turn on your printer by pressing its power button.
Your printer will display this message: “NVM reset.”
Once your printer enters the ready state, try to copy a document using the flatbed.
If the issue persists, you need to contact HP Customer Support for further help.
If you see the HP 4345 printer scanner lock check cables message, the solutions we provided above should help you resolve the error message.
