In this article, we will guide you on how to solve different HP printer sleep mode issues within minutes.
Table of Contents
What is Sleep Mode on HP Printer? [Answered] – HP Printer Sleep Mode
Sleep mode for HP printer puts your device automatically in a low-power state after a period that has been previously set elapses.
When you send a print job or scan job to your HP printer while it is in sleep mode, this action will bring the printer back to the normal power state. Therefore, if you are asking “how do I get my HP printer out of sleep mode?” the answer is to send a print job to your HP printer.
An HP printer in sleep mode might have these characteristics:
i. Dark control panel display
ii. Slow pulsing power light
iii. Dim power light
We recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Mode [How To, Issues & Solutions] to learn how to fix other HP printer mode issues.
HP Printer Sleep Mode Problem [Reasons] – HP Printer Sleep Mode
The following are the reasons responsible for your HP printer sleep mode problem:
1. Outdated Computer System Software
If the system software of your computer is outdated and you are yet to update to the latest version, it could be the answer to your question: “why is my HP printer in sleep mode?”
Therefore, you need to check for current updates and then install such updates on your computer to fix the problem.
2. Malware
Computers and mobile devices that are not well-protected against malware can get infected with a virus that might not only affect the computer or mobile device but also your HP printer.
To fix this problem, ensure that you get a good antimalware application on your computer or mobile device and then run a scan to get rid of malware on your computer or mobile device.
If your HP printer won’t go to sleep, the reasons above might also be responsible.
How to Wake HP Printer from Sleep Mode – HP Printer Sleep Mode
To wake your HP printer from sleep mode, send a print job to your HP printer. This simple action should get your HP printer out of sleep mode.
You can also press your printer’s “Resume/Cancel” or “Resume” button depending on the design of your printer to wake your HP printer from sleep mode.
How to Fix HP Printer Stuck In Sleep Mode – HP Printer Sleep Mode
If your HP printer will not come out of sleep mode, the following are responsible for this issue:
- Issues with the Windows software that manages your printer
- Outdated firmware
- Operating system and hibernate function incompatibility
To fix this problem, do the following solutions:
1. Disable your Windows from Controlling your HP Printer
To disable your Windows from controlling your HP printer:
Step 1: Go to your computer’s “Settings”.
Step 2: Click on “Devices”.
Step 3: Click on “Devices and Printers”.
Step 4: Click on the option “Let Windows manage my default printer” to uncheck it.
Step 5: Right-click on your HP printer.
Step 6: Click on “manage”.
Step 7: Click the drop-down menu and choose “Set as Default”.
2. Update your HP Printer Firmware
An incompatible firmware will cause your HP printer to get stuck in sleep mode. Therefore, you need to update your HP printer firmware. Go to https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/printers to update your HP printer firmware.
3. Disable your Computer’s Hibernate Function
Certain HP printer models aren’t compatible with the hibernate function on certain operating systems, especially the older ones. In such a case, what you need to do is to disable the function that allows your printer to hibernate on your computer.
How to Fix HP Printer Going Into Sleep Mode – HP Printer Sleep Mode
Several HP printer models are designed with a timer that allows them to go to sleep after they have been inactive for an extended time. If the set timer is too short, your printer will always go into sleep mode after a brief inactive period.
Therefore, do the steps below to learn how to change sleep mode on an HP printer:
Step 1: Open the “Printers” folder on your computer.
Step 2: Right-click on your HP printer.
Step 3: Click on “Printer Properties”.
Step 4: Click on the tab labeled “Device Settings”.
Step 5: Go to the section “Sleep/Auto-Off Console”.
Step 6: Click on the arrow next to the “Sleep/Auto-Off after” option.
Step 7: Insert the delay time of your choice.
With the above steps, you can easily change your HP printer sleep mode settings.
If the delay time is long enough, but your HP printer goes into sleep mode, then you need to hard reset your HP printer. To hard reset your HP printer, click this link: How to Reset HP Printer – How to Do Hard Reset on HP Printer, and then follow the instructions that apply to your HP printer.
We recommend that you watch the video below.
How to Change HP Printer Sleep Mode Time via HP Smart App
To change your HP printer sleep mode time via HP Smart App, do the following:
Note: The steps below work for Windows 10/11 and macOS operating system.
Step 1: On your computer, open the HP Smart app.
In case you don’t have the app on your computer, you can download it from the Microsoft Store or the Apple App Store.
Step 2: Click on “Printer Settings”.
Step 3: Click on “Advanced Settings” on the screen’s left pane.
Step 4: Check under the tab labeled “System”, and then click on the “EcoSMART Console” option.
Step 5: Click on the “Sleep/Auto Off after” drop-down menu.
Step 6: Insert the delay time of your choice.
Step 7: Click “Apply” to save your changes.
HP Printer Sleep Mode FAQs
Are all HP Printers Designed with the Sleep Mode Function?
Not all HP printers are designed with the sleep mode function, especially older printer models. To confirm if your HP printer is designed with the sleep mode function, consult the user guide of your printer.
Can Sleep Mode be disabled on HP Printer?
You cannot disable the sleep mode on your HP printer. However, certain models allow you to adjust the inactive period before the sleep mode is activated. To confirm if your HP printer’s sleep mode delay time can be changed, consult the user guide of your printer.
Can I Print from HP Printer While in Sleep Mode?
You can print from your HP printer while in sleep mode. Sending a print job while your printer is in sleep mode will wake your HP printer and then print the job you sent.
Is Sleep Mode the Same as Auto-Off Setting?
Sleep mode is not the same as Auto-Off (also known as Power Save Mode); the latter turns off your printer completely after some time (in most cases 2 hours). When your HP printer enters Power Save Mode, to turn on your device, you need to press your printer’s power button.
How to Prevent My HP Wireless Printer from Losing Connection after it Enters Sleep Mode?
If your HP wireless printer is always losing connection when it enters sleep mode, it might be due to outdated firmware. Therefore, you need to check the HP official website for an update for your printer.
We have provided the steps below on how to check and install a printer firmware update on your HP printer for both Windows and Mac.
How to Check for and Install Printer Firmware Update on your HP Printer in Windows
To check for and install a firmware update on your HP printer in Windows, do the steps below:
Step 1: Ensure that your HP printer is turned on.
Step 2: Ensure that your HP printer is connected to your computer via a USB cable or local network.
Step 3: Visit https://support.hp.com/redirect/hub/s-002
Step 4: When this page is displayed: “Let’s identify your product to get started”, click on “Printer”.
Step 5: Type the model number of your HP printer in the provided field.
Step 6: Click on “Submit”.
Software results that are compatible with your HP printer and default computer’s operating system will be displayed.
Step 7: If you would like to change your Windows version, click on “Change”, then choose the version you want, then click on “Change”.
Step 8: Click on “Firmware”.
Step 9: Click on “Download”.
If you don’t see a Firmware section listed, then it means that your printer doesn’t have a current update. In other words, your printer firmware is up-to-date.
Step 10: Save the firmware file on your computer.
Step 11: Find the file and open it to begin the installation of the firmware.
Step 12: Wait for the window for “HP Printer Update” to open, and then check if the serial number of your printer is displayed or if you get a prompt asking for your printer model.
- If you see the serial number displayed, click on the checkbox beside this option before clicking on “Update”.
- If you see the serial number displayed, but you find that the status is “grayed out”; in other words not applicable, then your printer doesn’t require an update. Therefore, click on “Cancel”.
- In case the serial number is not displayed and your HP printer is connected via a wireless network connection, you should connect your printer and computer via a USB cable and then wait for about 20 seconds before clicking “Refresh”. Immediately the serial number is displayed, click on the checkbox beside this option before clicking on “Update”.
- In the event that you get a prompt to choose your printer firmware, choose your HP printer model. After that, click on “Send Firmware”.
Step 13: Once the update is complete, click on “OK”.
Step 14: If you had to connect your printer and computer via a USB cable for the firmware update process, remove the Windows-installed USB driver.
To remove the Windows installed USB driver, do these:
i. Go to your computer’s “Control Panel”.
ii. Click on “View Devices and Printers”.
iii. Right-click on the USB printer driver that matches your HP printer model.
iv. Click on “Remove Device”.
v. Unplug the USB cable from your computer and printer.
vi. Restart your computer.
How to Check for and Install Printer Firmware Update on your HP Printer on Mac
To check for and install a firmware update on your HP printer on Mac, do the steps below:
Step 1: Ensure that your HP printer is turned on.
Step 2: Ensure that your HP printer is connected to your computer via a USB cable or local network.
Step 3: Visit https://support.hp.com/redirect/hub/s-002
Step 4: When this page is displayed: “Let’s identify your product to get started”, click on “Printer”.
Step 5: Type the model number of your HP printer in the provided field.
Step 6: Click on “Submit”.
Software results that are compatible with your HP printer and default computer’s operating system will be displayed.
Step 7: If you would like to change your Mac version, click on “Change”, then choose the version you want, then click on “Change”.
Step 8: Click on “Firmware”.
Step 9: Click on “Download”.
If you don’t see a Firmware section listed, then it means that your printer doesn’t have a current update. In other words, your printer firmware is up-to-date.
Step 10: Once the firmware download is complete, locate and open the “.dmg” firmware file.
Note: The file name will be the name of your printer followed by the “.dmg” extension.
Step 11: Double-click on “HP Firmware Updater”.
Step 12: Click on your HP printer name.
Step 13: Click on “Continue”.
Step 14: Wait for the updater to check the installed printer firmware version.
- If you see this displayed: “Device is ready to be reflashed”, click on “Continue. Wait for the update to be completed and then click on “Done”.
- If you see this displayed: “This Firmware Updater does not contain upgrades for your device”, then it means the firmware is up-to-date. Therefore, click on “Cancel.
