HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printers [How to Fix]

In this article, we will discuss the meaning of HP printer warning lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 printers and how to clear the warning lights.

Note: The guide below is for HP DeskJet Ultra Ink Advantage 4877, 4829, 4828, 4826, 4825, DeskJet Plus 4158, 4155, 4152, 4140, 4130, 4122, 4121, 4120, 4110, DeskJet Ink Advantage 4176, 4175, 2776, 2775, DeskJet 4158e, 4155e, 4152e, 4132e, 4130e, 4123e, 4122e, 4121e, 4120e, 4110e, 2755e, 2755, 2752e, 2752, 2742e, 2732, 2724, 2723e, 2723, 2722e, 2722, 2721e, 2721, 2720e, 2720, 2710e, 2710 All-in-One printers.

Table of Contents

Fast Blinking Power Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printers

This is an indication that your printer’s cartridge door is open. Another reason responsible for the fast-blinking power light is that your printer has entered into an error state.  

If you see an error message on the screen of your computer, follow the messages on the screen to fix the problem.

However, if no error message is displayed, follow the instructions below to resolve the problem:

Close your Printer’s Ink Cartridge Door

Follow the steps below to close your printer’s ink cartridge door:

Step 1: Check if the door is open; if it is, then you need to close it.

Ensure that it is closed properly.

Step 2: If the power light continues to blink fast after closing the ink cartridge access door, then you need to follow the messages on the screen to fix the problem since your printer has entered into an error state.

If no message is displayed, print out a document to display the error message.

After following the messages on the screen, print a document.

If the problem persists, then you need to service your HP printer.

To service your HP printer, contact HP Customer Support and fix a repair date for your printer. If you live in the Asia Pacific, you will be redirected to a service center close to you. 

Printers that are still under warranty will be repaired for free. However, if your printer is no longer under warranty, you will pay the repair fees.

Blinking Wireless Light, Solid Wireless Attention Icon, and Cycling Signal Bars – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printers

This happens when the wireless network is either configuring, your printer is unable to find the wireless signal, or the printer is unable to connect to the wireless network.

To resolve this problem, do the following:

1. Allow Your Printer to Connect to the Wireless Network

Sometimes, your HP printer might need some minutes for it to connect to your wireless network (access point or router). Therefore, when the wireless light is blinking, you need to be patient while the connection is established. After waiting for some minutes, then you can check the status of the wireless light.

If a wireless connection is established, then you don’t need to do any other troubleshooting.

If the wireless light continues to blink, do the next task.

2. Check if the Wireless Network has Issues

Check the following as they might be the reason why your HP printer is not connecting:

i. The wireless network is inactive, or the signal strength is low.  

To confirm that the network is active, check if your access point or router is turned on. Also, check the signal strength and confirm that it is strong.

You can move your printer closer to your router or access point to increase the signal strength. It is recommended that your printer and your router should not be farther away than 3 feet to 5 feet (1.0 to 1.5 meters).

ii. Your printer is in standby or sleep mode.

You need to check your printer and wake it from sleep mode if it is not in ready mode. We recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Sleep Mode [How To, Issues & Solutions] to learn more about HP printer sleep mode. 

iii. Your computer firewall is preventing your printer from connecting to your computer and network.

In this case, you need to temporarily disable your firewall, and then check if the connection is established and the wireless light has stopped blinking.

If the light becomes solid, then the firewall is responsible for the warning light. Therefore, you have to use the printer without enabling the firewall. However, make sure that you enable it when you are done with your printer.

If your printer’s wireless light continues to blink after disabling the firewall, then the firewall is not responsible for the blinking light. Therefore, you need to enable the firewall immediately.

iv. The signal of your wireless network is being interfered with by a device that is emitting radio signals (for example a cordless telephone or microwave).

If you have such devices close to your printer or router, you need to move them away.

v. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is preventing your printer from your wireless network and computer.

After correcting each item listed above, check if the wireless light has stopped blinking.

If the wireless light becomes steady, then you don’t need to do any other troubleshooting.

However, if the light continues to blink, do the next task.

3. Connect your HP Printer to the Wireless Network

 At this point, you need to connect your HP printer to your wireless network. Consult your printer manual to learn the process of doing this. 

Solid Resume Light and Solid Error and Paper Icons – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printers

When this happens, it means that your printer’s input tray is out of paper. To resolve this problem, you need to reload the paper into the printer’s input tray.

How to Reload Paper in the Input Tray of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printers

To reload paper in the input tray of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 printers, do the following steps:

Step 1: Lift the printer’s input tray.

Step 2: Move the width guide on the input tray to the left.

Step 3: Place normal white paper in your printer’s input tray.

Step 4: Push the paper stack well into the printer.

Step 5: Move the width guide to rest against the sides of the stack.

Step 6: Bring down the printer’s output tray.

Step 7: Pull the tray extender out of the output tray.

Blinking Resume Light and E1 or E2 is Displayed – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printers

The blinking resume light and the E1 or E2 displayed on the control panel is an indication of a paper size mismatch error. In other words, the paper size setting and the loaded paper size do not match.

To fix this problem, do the following solutions:

1. Load the Input Tray with the Right Paper Size

Since this problem occurs as a mismatch between the loaded paper size and the paper size selected in the print settings, therefore, loading the input tray with the right paper size as that selected should resolve the problem.

To load your printer’s input tray with paper, follow the steps we shared above under the How to Reload Paper in the Input Tray of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printerssection of this article.

If loading the input tray with the right paper size doesn’t resolve the problem, or you are certain that the size of the loaded paper is right for the print job at hand, do the next solution.

2. Change your Print Settings

To change the size of the paper in the print settings, do the following steps:

Step 1: Open the program you want to print from.

Step 2: Click on “File.”

Step 3: Click on “Print.”

This action will open the print window.

Step 4: Open “Properties.”

Due to differences in programs, this option might be named any of these instead of “Properties”: “Printer,” “Printer Setup,” “Preferences,” or “Options.”

Step 5: Choose the right paper size that is suitable for the current print job.

Step 6: Click “OK.”

This action will apply the selected settings.

Step 7: Click on “Print.”

You can also read this article: HP Printer Error Paper Mismatch [How to Fix] to learn more about this error and how to resolve it.

Blinking Ink and Resume Lights and E3 is Displayed – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printers

This is an indication that there is a carriage jam. To resolve this problem, do the following solutions:

1. Check the Carriage Path for Obstructions

To check the carriage path for obstructions, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Turn on your HP printer if it is not turned on.

Wait for the printer to become silent and idle before you continue.

Step 2: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.

Step 3: Remove your printer’s battery if it has one.

Step 4: Open your printer’s carriage access door.

Step 5: Check the carriage path for obstructions such as dislodged labels, crumpled paper, and any other foreign objects.

 Step 6: Remove the obstructions that you find in the carriage path.

Step 7: Ensure the carriage latch is closed if your printer is designed with one.

Step 8: Move the carriage from side to side to confirm that it is moving freely and that there are no obstructions in its path.

Step 9: Plug the power cable into your HP printer.

Step 10: Turn on your HP printer.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error is unresolved, do the next solution.

2. Reset your HP Printer DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printer

To reset your HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, or 2700 printer, do the following steps:

Step 1: Turn on your HP printer if it is turned off.

Step 2: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.

Step 3: Unplug your printer’s power cable from the electrical wall outlet or power source.

Step 4: Wait for 15 seconds.

Step 5: Plug the printer’s power cable into an electrical wall outlet.

HP recommends that you plug your printer into an outlet instead of a power strip or surge protector.

Step 6: Plug the power cable into your HP printer.

Step 7: Turn on your HP printer.

You can read this article: How to Reset HP Printer [Detailed Guide] to learn other types of resets that you can perform on your HP printer.

After resetting the printer, check if the error is resolved.

If the error is unresolved, then you need to service your HP printer.

Blinking Resume Light and E4 is Displayed – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printers

This happens when there is paper jammed in your HP printer. To resolve this error, do the following tasks.

1. Remove the Paper Jam from the Printer’s Underside

To remove the paper jam from your HP printer’s underside, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing its power button.

Step 2: Unplug the power cable from your HP printer.

Step 3: Unplug the USB cable from your HP printer.

Step 4: Lower the input tray into your printer.

Step 5: Close your printer’s output tray extender.

Step 6: Push the output tray into your printer.

Step 7: Turn your HP printer in a way that allows you to access the underside.

Caution: Before you turn the printer, hold the printer’s scanner lid as well as the input tray with your hands to prevent damage to these printer parts.

Step 8: Open the printer’s cleanout door by pulling the tabs on any side of the door.

Step 9: Take out the jammed paper from your printer.

Step 10: Look for and remove torn paper pieces inside the printer’s cleanout area. If the area is dark, get a flashlight to illuminate the area.

Step 11: Push the cleanout door by carefully pushing it towards your printer until the latches click into their position.

Step 12: Turn over your printer to the normal position.

Step 13: Plug the power cable back into your HP printer.

Step 13: Plug the USB cord back into your HP printer.

Step 14: Turn on your HP printer by pressing its power button.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error is resolved, don’t troubleshoot further.

However, if the error persists, do the next task.

2. Remove Paper Jam from Other Areas

Apart from the underside of your HP DeskJet printer, there are other places where a paper jam can occur. We will guide you on how to clear paper jams from these other areas.

How to Remove Paper Jam from the Input Tray of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printers

To remove the paper jam from the input tray of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 printers, do the following steps:

Step 1: Take away all the paper from your printer’s input tray.

Step 2: Try to clear the jam automatically by pressing your printer’s “Cancel” button.

If this works, you can stop troubleshooting.

However, if it doesn’t, continue with the steps below.

Step 3: Carefully pull out the jammed paper from your printer’s input tray with both hands.

Step 4: Remove the torn paper pieces from the tray if you find any.

Step 5: Ensure that the paper path doesn’t have any foreign objects. If you find any, remove them.

Step 6: Reload the paper into your printer’s input tray.

To load your printer’s input tray with paper, follow the steps we shared above under the How to Reload Paper in the Input Tray of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printerssection of this article.

Note: The printer’s input tray shield stops foreign debris and dirt from entering the printer’s path. It also aids in preventing paper jams.

Step 7: Press your printer’s “Resume” button.

This action will resume the printing of the current document or photo.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error is resolved, don’t troubleshoot further.

However, if the error persists, check the next area for paper jams.

How to Remove Paper Jam from the Output Tray of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printers

To remove the paper jam from the output tray of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 printers, do the following steps:

Step 1: Carefully pull out the jammed paper from your printer’s output tray with both hands.

Step 2: Remove the torn paper pieces from the tray if you find any.

Step 3: Press your printer’s “Resume” button.

This action will resume the printing of the current document or photo.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error is resolved, don’t troubleshoot further.

However, if the error persists, check the next area for paper jams.

How to Remove Paper Jam from the Ink Cartridge Access Area of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printers

To remove the paper jam from the ink cartridge access area of HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 printers, do the following steps:

Step 1: Open your printer’s ink cartridge access door.

Step 2: Turn off your HP printer by pressing its power button.

Step 3: Unplug the power cable from your HP printer.

Step 4: Unplug the USB cable from your HP printer.

Warning: Ensure that you remove the power cable from your HP printer before placing your hand inside your printer to prevent electric shock or injuries.

Step 5: Look for and remove foreign objects or jammed paper in your printer’s ink cartridge access area. If the area is dark, get a flashlight to illuminate the area.

Pull out the jammed paper with both hands to prevent the sheet from tearing.

Step 6: If your printer’s carriage is in the middle of your printer, move it to the right. After doing that, check for and remove any objects or paper in the carriage path.

Step 7: Close your printer’s ink cartridge access door.

Step 8: Plug the power cable back into your HP printer.

Step 9: Plug the USB cord back into your HP printer.

Step 10: Turn on your HP printer by pressing its power button.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error is resolved, don’t troubleshoot further.

However, if the error persists, check the next area for paper jams.

How to Remove Paper Jam from the Document Feeder of HP DeskJet Plus 4100 Printer

To remove the paper jam from the document feeder of the HP DeskJet Plus 4100 Printer, do the following steps:

Step 1: Lift your printer’s document feeder cover.

Step 2: Carefully pull out the jammed paper from the document feeder rollers.

Warning: In the event that the paper gets torn when you try to pull it out from the rollers, inspect the rollers as well as the wheels for the torn paper pieces. Remove the pieces when you find them. This is important to prevent future jams.

Step 3: Firmly press down the cover of your printer’s document feeder and ensure that it clicks into place.

If the error persists after checking all the above printer areas, do the next task.

3. Clean your Printer’s Paper Rollers via an Automated Tool

To clean your printer’s paper rollers via an automated tool, do the following steps:

Step 1: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 2: Remove paper from your printer’s input tray.

Step 3: Press down the printer’s “Power” button.

Step 4: Press your printer’s “Cancel” button 3 times.

Step 5: Press your printer’s “Start Copy Color” button 7 times.

Step 6: Release your printer’s “Power” button.

Your printer will begin to make some noise; this should last for about 1 minute. Wait for your printer to become silent before you continue.

Print a document to confirm if the error is resolved.

If it is not resolved, do the next task.

4. Clean your Printer’s Paper Rollers Manually

To clean your printer’s paper rollers manually, do the following steps:

Step 1: Turn your HP printer off.

Step 2: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.

Step 3: Remove the USB cable from your HP printer (if connected).

Step 4: Lift the printer’s input tray.

Step 5: Lift and then hold the input tray shield in a position that enables you to see the inside of your printer.

Note: Don’t remove the shield as it prevents foreign objects and even debris from entering the paper path that could cause paper jams.

Step 6: Locate the paper rollers by looking through the input tray.

If the inside of the printer is too dark, get a flashlight to brighten the area.

Step 7: Get a long cotton swab and dampen it using distilled water.

Step 8: Squeeze excess water from the swab.

Step 9: Press the cotton swab to rest on the rollers.

Step 10: Use your fingers to rotate the rollers in an upward motion. Apply some pressure to ensure the removal of dirt buildup and dust.

Step 11: Return the printer’s input tray shield to its original position.

Step 12: Wait for about 10 minutes for the pickup rollers to get dry.

Step 13: Plug the printer’s power cable into your HP printer.

Step 14: Plug the USB cord into your HP printer.

Step 15: Turn on your HP printer.

Print a document to confirm if the error is resolved.

If it is not resolved, do the next task.

5. Reset your HP Printer

To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we shared under the Reset your HP Printer DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printersection of this article.

Check if the error is resolved after resetting your printer.

If it persists, then you need to service your HP printer.

All the Control Panel Lights are Blinking and E5 is Displayed – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printers

When this happens, it means that your printer’s scanner entered an error state when you used the control panel’s copy function. Although your printer can print in this condition, it is unable to scan.

To resolve this problem, you need to reset your HP printer; follow the steps below to do this:

Step 1: Turn off your HP printer.

Step 2: Wait for 60 seconds.

Step 3: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 4: Check if the lights have stopped blinking.

Step 5: Try to copy or scan the document or photo again.

If you still encounter the error, then you need to service your HP printer.

Blinking E6 is Displayed – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printers

This means that your HP printer has entered an error state. Therefore, to fix this problem, you need to reset your printer. Follow the steps below to do this:

Step 1: Turn on your HP printer if it is turned off.

Step 2: Wait for your printer to become silent and idle before you proceed.

Step 3: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.

Step 4: Wait for 10 seconds.

Step 5: Plug the power cable into your HP printer.

Step 7: If your printer doesn’t turn on automatically, turn it on by pressing the power button.

Your printer will enter a warm-up period during which the lights on the control panel might blink, and even the carriage might slide from side to side.

Step 8: Allow the warm-up period to be completed, and only proceed when your printer becomes silent and idle.

Note: To ensure that you get proper power source functionality, plug the printer’s power cord into a wall outlet instead of a surge suppressor or power strip. If the problem persists, use another electrical wall outlet.

After doing the above, print a document or photo.

If the issue persists, then you need to service your HP printer.

Blinking Error Icon, Ink Level Icons, and Blinking or Solid Alert Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printers

When this happens, it is an indication that one or more ink cartridges require attention or are incompatible, damaged, missing, incorrect, or faulty.

To resolve this, you have to check the compatibility of the ink cartridge, reseat the cartridge, clean the contacts on the cartridge, restart your printer, and even replace the affected cartridge.

Below is a detailed guide on how to resolve this problem according to different cartridge types.

Type 1 Cartridges – HP 901, 803-805, 682, 680, 667, 653, 652, 302-305, 123, 92-98, 75, 74, 56-67, 28, 27, 22, and 21 Cartridges

Do the tasks below to resolve the blinking error icon, ink level icons, and blinking or solid alert light problem on HP printers that use the above-listed cartridges.

1. Check the Numbers of the Ink Cartridges

You need to check and confirm that the number of the installed ink cartridges is compatible with your HP printer and region/country. To carry out this check, do the steps below:

Step 1: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 2: Wait for the carriage to become idle before you proceed.

Step 3: Check the labels on the cartridges.

i. Instant Ink Enrolled Printers – If you enrolled your HP printer or your printer has been designed to function using the instant ink service, your printer is required to use instant ink cartridges. Such cartridges have “Instant Ink” written on the label. Also, the model numbers of these cartridges are unlike regular cartridges in the sense that they are larger. If this message is displayed: “Cartridge cannot be used until printer is enrolled,” then you need to visit HP Instant Ink Support or get help from HP’s Virtual Agent.

ii. Instant Ink Non-Enrolled Printers – For such printers, you need to confirm that the installed cartridges are compatible with your HP printer. You can use the HP Store confirm by doing the following:

  • Visit the HP online store.
  • Choose your country/region before choosing your language.
  • Click on “Ink & toner”.
  • Do the on-screen instructions to locate and then order your HP printer ink cartridges.

Step 4: Replace the incompatible cartridges.

Note: You need an Original HP cartridge if you own an HP+ printer.

If you confirm that your cartridges are compatible and the error is unresolved, do the next task.

2. Reset your HP Printer

Follow the steps below to reset your HP printer:

Step 1: Remove your printer’s rechargeable battery if it has one.

Step 2: Turn on your printer if it isn’t turned on.

Step 3: Remove the power cable from your HP printer.

Step 4: Disconnect the power cable from the power source (wall outlet, power strip, surge protector, etc.)

Step 5: Wait for about 60 seconds.

Step 6: Reconnect the power cable to an outlet rather than any other power source.

Note: Your HP printer should always be connected to an outlet according to HP’s recommendation.

Step 7: Turn on your HP printer.

This action will complete your printer’s reset.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error persists, do the next task.

3. Clean the Electrical Contacts on the Cartridge and in the Carriage

To clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge and in the carriage, do the following steps:

Step 1: Open your HP printer’s door or the lid that allows you to access the cartridge area.

Step 2: Wait for the carriage to become idle before you proceed.

Step 3: Take out the affected ink cartridge from the printer’s carriage.

i. Carriages designed with latches

  • Open the carriage latch.
  • Pull up on the cartridge.
  • Pull out the cartridge from the slot.

ii. Carriages designed without latches

  • Gently press the cartridge downwards to free it from the slot.
  • Pull out the cartridge from the slot.

Step 4: Hold the cartridge by its sides.

Step 5: If any, remove the protective tape on the electrical contacts.

Caution: Ensure that you don’t touch the ink nozzles or copper-colored electrical contacts on the cartridge as doing so might lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.

Step 6: Dampen a fluff-free fabric or cotton swab with bottled or distilled water.

Ensure that you squeeze the fabric to remove the excess water.

Step 7: Clean the electric contacts on the ink cartridge.

Step 8: Dampen a fluff-free fabric or cotton swab with bottled or distilled water.

Ensure that you squeeze the fabric to remove the excess water.

Step 9: Clean the electric contacts in your printer’s carriage.

Step 10: Wait for the contacts to get dried before doing the next step. 10 minutes should be enough for them to become dry.

Step 11: Reinsert the cartridges into your printer in their right slots. Ensure that they snap into their slots.

Step 12: Repeat the above steps for any other affected cartridge.

Step 15: Close the printer’s door or the lid that allows you to access the cartridge.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error persists, do the next task.

4. Replace the Affected Ink Cartridge

To replace the affected cartridge, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Get a replacement ink cartridge.

  •  The printer is enrolled in Instant Ink: The subscription service provides you with a replacement cartridge when you run low on ink. If you have an Instant Ink cartridge available before the replacement is sent, you can install it into your HP printer. If you don’t have a replacement cartridge, contact HP Instant Ink Support and request a replacement cartridge.
  • The printer is NOT enrolled in Instant Ink: Get a replacement cartridge if your printer is not enrolled in Instant Ink from a reputable store or the HP Store.

Step 2: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 3: Wait for the carriage to stop moving before you proceed.

Step 4: Take out the affected ink cartridge from your HP printer.

i. Carriages designed with latches

  • Open the carriage latch.
  • Pull up on the cartridge.
  • Pull out the cartridge from the slot.

ii. Carriages designed without latches

  • Gently press the cartridge downwards to free it from the slot.
  • Pull out the cartridge from the slot.

Step 5: Take out the new replacement cartridge from its packaging.

Step 6: Install the replacement ink cartridge into the right slot.

Ensure that the cartridge snaps into the slot.

Step 7: Repeat the above steps for any other affected cartridge.

Step 8: Close the printer’s door or the lid that allows you to access the cartridge.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error persists, then you need to service your HP printer.

Type 2 Cartridges – HP 962-969, 951-959, 950, 933, and 932 Cartridges

Do the tasks below to resolve the blinking error icon, ink level icons, and blinking or solid alert light problem on HP printers that use the above-listed cartridges.

1. Check the Numbers of the Ink Cartridges

To check the numbers of the ink cartridges, follow the instructions we shared under the Check the Numbers of the Ink Cartridgessection of this article.

2. Reset your HP Printer

To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we provided on how to reset your HP printer under the Reset your HP Printersection when we dealt with Type 1 Cartridges.

3. Clean the Electrical Contacts on the Cartridge

To clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge, follow the steps below:

 Step 1: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 2: Wait for the carriage to stop moving before you proceed.

Step 3: Push in the affected cartridge to free it from your printer’s carriage.

Step 4: Use a fluff-free fabric to clean the cartridge’s electrical contact.

Step 5: Slide the ink cartridge into the appropriate slot.

Ensure that it snaps into place.

Step 6: Repeat the above steps for any other affected cartridge.

Step 7: Close the printer’s cartridge access door.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error persists, do the next task.

4. Replace the Affected Ink Cartridge

To replace the affected ink cartridge, do the following steps:

Step 1: Get a replacement ink cartridge.

  •  The printer is enrolled in Instant Ink: The subscription service provides you with a replacement cartridge when you run low on ink. If you have an Instant Ink cartridge available before the replacement is sent, you can install it into your HP printer. If you don’t have a replacement cartridge, contact HP Instant Ink Support and request a replacement cartridge.
  • The printer is NOT enrolled in Instant Ink: Get a replacement cartridge if your printer is not enrolled in Instant Ink from a reputable store or the HP Store.

Step 2: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 3: Wait for the carriage to stop moving before you proceed.

Step 4: Push in the affected cartridge to free it from your printer’s carriage.

Step 5: Take out the affected ink cartridge from your HP printer.

Step 6: Take out the new replacement cartridge from its packaging.

Step 7: Slide the replacement ink cartridge into the appropriate slot.

Ensure that the cartridge snaps into the slot.

Step 8: Repeat the above steps for any other affected cartridge.

Step 9: Close the printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 10: Follow the instructions on the screen to align your HP printer. 

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error persists, then you need to service your HP printer.

Type 3 Cartridges – HP 935, 934, 902-920, 862, 655, 564, 364, and 178 Cartridges

Do the tasks below to resolve the blinking error icon, ink level icons, and blinking or solid alert light problem on HP printers that use the above-listed cartridges.

1. Check the Numbers of the Ink Cartridges

You need to check and confirm that the number of the installed ink cartridges is compatible with your HP printer and region/country. To carry out this check, do the steps below:

Step 1: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 2: Wait for the carriage to become idle before you proceed.

Step 3: Check the labels on the cartridges.

i. Instant Ink Enrolled Printers – If you enrolled your HP printer or your printer has been designed to function using the instant ink service, your printer is required to use instant ink cartridges. Such cartridges have “Instant Ink” written on the label. Also, the model numbers of these cartridges are unlike regular cartridges in the sense that they are larger. If this message is displayed: “Cartridge cannot be used until printer is enrolled,” then you need to visit HP Instant Ink Support or get help from HP’s Virtual Agent.

ii. Instant Ink Non-Enrolled Printers – For such printers, you need to confirm that the installed cartridges are compatible with your HP printer. You can use the HP Store confirm by doing the following:

  • Visit the HP online store.
  • Choose your country/region before choosing your language.
  • Click on “Ink & toner”.
  • Do the on-screen instructions to locate and then order your HP printer ink cartridges.

Step 4: Replace the incompatible cartridges.

Note: You need an Original HP cartridge if you own an HP+ printer.

Step 5: Ensure that the label on the cartridge and corresponding carriage slot match.

Step 6: Ensure that ink cartridges are seated firmly.

Press down any sticking-out cartridge to snap it into its place.

Step 7: If the ink cartridge refuses to snap into its place, bend the tab gently away from the ink cartridge (the bend shouldn’t exceed 0.5 inches (1.27mm)). After doing that, try to press it down into its place.

Step 9: Close the printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 10: Follow the instructions on the screen to align your HP printer. 

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error persists, then you need to service your HP printer.

2. Reset your HP Printer

To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we provided on how to reset your HP printer under the Reset your HP Printersection when we dealt with Type 1 Cartridges.

3. Clean the Electrical Contacts on the Cartridge and the Printhead

To clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge and the printhead, follow the steps below:

 Step 1: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 2: Wait for the carriage to stop moving before you proceed.

Step 3: Take out the affected ink cartridge from your HP printer.

i. Carriages designed with latches

  • Open the carriage latch.
  • Pull up on the cartridge.
  • Pull out the cartridge from the slot.

ii. Carriages designed without latches

  • Gently press the cartridge downwards to free it from the slot.
  • Pull out the cartridge from the slot.

Step 4: Use a fluff-free fabric to clean the cartridge’s electrical contact.

Step 5: Keep the ink cartridge aside with its contact facing up.

Step 6: Use a fluff-free fabric to clean the electrical contact within the printhead.

Step 7: Reinsert the ink cartridge into the appropriate slot.

Step 8: Press down the ink cartridge to snap it into place.

Step 9: Repeat the above steps for any other affected cartridge.

Step 10: Close the printer’s cartridge access door.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error persists, do the next task.

4. Replace the Affected Ink Cartridge

To replace the affected ink cartridge, follow the steps we provided on how to replace the affected ink cartridge under the Replace the Affected Ink Cartridgesection when we dealt with Type 2 Cartridges.

If replacing the affected ink cartridge does not resolve the error, then you need to service your HP printer.

We recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Warning [Detailed Guide] to learn about other HP printer warnings that you might encounter when using your HP printer.

Type 4 Cartridges – HP 940, 777, 728, 727, 89, 88, 85, 84, 82, 73, 72, 70, 39, 38, 18, and 10-13 Cartridges

Do the tasks below to resolve the blinking error icon, ink level icons, and blinking or solid alert light problem on HP printers that use the above-listed cartridges.

1. Check the Numbers of the Ink Cartridges

To check the numbers of the ink cartridges, follow the instructions we shared under the Check the Numbers of the Ink Cartridgessection of this article when we dealt with Type 1 cartridges.

2. Reset your HP Printer

To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we provided on how to reset your HP printer under the Reset your HP Printersection when we dealt with Type 1 Cartridges.

3. Remove and then Reinsert the Cartridges

To remove and then reinsert the cartridges to ensure that the cartridges are properly seated in the printer’s carriage, do the following steps:

Step 1: Open your printer’s carriage access door.

Step 2: Pull out the ink cartridge from the slot.

Step 3: Push the ink cartridge back into the correct slot.

Ensure that you push it in all the way.

Step 4: Repeat the above steps for any other affected cartridge.

Step 5: Close the printer’s cartridge access door.

Check if the error is resolved.

If the error persists, do the next task.

4. Replace the Affected Ink Cartridge

To replace the affected ink cartridge, follow the steps we provided on how to replace the affected ink cartridge under the Replace the Affected Ink Cartridgesubsection when we dealt with Type 2 Cartridges.

If replacing the affected ink cartridge does not resolve the error, then you need to service your HP printer.

Blinking Ink Level Icons and Error Icon, Blinking Resume Light, and Solid Ink Alert Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, 2700 Printers

When your ink cartridge is low or incompatible, this situation will occur. To fix this problem, do the following solutions.

1. Confirm the Compatibility of the Cartridges

You need to confirm the compatibility of the installed ink cartridges. You can do that via the HP Store; however, using this method requires that you purchase the cartridges.

Below are the compatible ink cartridges for the HP printer models discussed in this article. Confirm that the cartridge installed in your HP printer is listed in the information below.

HP DeskJet Plus 4100 and DeskJet 2700 All-in-One Printers

Ink Cartridge TypeNorth America & Asia Pacific (excluding Indonesia, India, & China)Western EuropeMiddle East, Latin America, Africa, & CISIndonesia, India, & China
Black cartridgeHP 67XL Black HP 67HP 305XL Black HP 305 BlackHP 124XL Black HP 124 BlackHP 805XL Black HP 805 Black
Color cartridgeHP 67XL Tri-color HP 67 Tri-colorHP 305XL Tri-color HP 305 Tri-colorHP 124XL Tri-color HP 124 Tri-colorHP 805XL Tri-color HP 805 Tri-color

HP DeskJet Plus Ink Advantage 4100, DeskJet Ink Advantage 2700 All-in-One Printers

Ink Cartridge TypeAsia PacificEurope, Africa, & Middle EastLatin America
Black cartridgeHP 682 BlackHP 653 BlackHP 667XL Black HP 667 Black
Color cartridgeHP 682 Tri-colorHP 653 Tri-colorHP 667XL Tri-color HP 667 Tri-color

If the cartridges installed in your HP printer are compatible, do the next solution.

If the cartridges installed in your HP printer aren’t compatible, jump to the solution where we guide you on how to change the cartridge.

2. Ensure that the Cartridges are Installed Correctly

To ensure that the cartridges are installed correctly, do the following steps:

Step 1: Turn your HP printer on.

Step 2: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.

The carriage will move to the middle of your HP printer.

Step 3: Wait for the printer to become silent and idle before you proceed.

Step 4: Slightly press down the cartridge to free it from the slot.

Step 5: Pull out the cartridge from the slot.

Caution: Ensure that you don’t touch the ink nozzles or copper contacts. Do not change the contact’s protective tape. If you touch these parts, it could lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.

Step 6: Check the contacts and confirm that the protective tape has been removed. If you find the tape on the contacts, remove them.

Step 7: Grasp the cartridge at both sides and direct the nozzles to face your printer.

Step 8: Insert the ink cartridge into the correct slot.

Step 9: Push in the cartridge and ensure that it clicks into place.

Step 10: If the other cartridge was affected, repeat the above steps to change it as well.

Step 11: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.

Print a document.

If the issue persists, do the solution below.

3. Replace the Empty or Low Cartridges

To replace the empty or low ink cartridges in HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 printers, do the following steps:

Step 1: Turn your HP printer on.

Step 2: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.

The carriage will move to the middle of your HP printer.

Step 3: Wait for the printer to become silent and idle before you proceed.

Step 4: Slightly press down the cartridge to free it from the slot.

Step 5: Pull out the cartridge from the slot.

Step 6: Take out the new cartridge from the packaging.

Step 7: Pull the tab to remove the protective plastic tape on the contacts

Caution: Ensure that you don’t touch the ink nozzles or copper contacts. Do not change the contact’s protective tape. If you touch these parts, it could lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.

Step 7: Grasp the new cartridge at both sides and direct the nozzles to face your printer.

Step 8: Insert the ink cartridge into the correct slot.

  • The right slot is for the black cartridge.
  • The left slot is for the tri-color cartridge.

Step 9: Push in the cartridge and ensure that it clicks into place.

Step 10: If the other cartridge was affected, repeat the above steps to change it as well.

Step 11: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.

Check if the issue is resolved.

If the issue persists, do the solution below.

4. Align the Cartridges

To align cartridges in HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 printers, do the following steps:

Step 1: Load your printer’s input tray with pain A4 or letter-size paper.

Step 2: Open the printer software.

Step 3: Click on “Print & Scan.”

Step 4: Click on “Maintain Your Printer.”

This action will cause your printer’s toolbox to appear.

Step 5: Check the tab labeled “Device Services,” and then click on “Align Cartridges.”

An alignment page will be printed.

Step 6: Follow the instructions on the screen to align the installed ink cartridges.

Step 7: Once you are done, discard or recycle the alignment page.

After the alignment process is complete, your HP printer should be able to print, scan, and copy.

However, if the error persists, then you need to service your HP printer.

All Lights on the Control Panel are Turned off and the Printer Won’t Respond – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet 4800, 4100, and 2700 Printers

When this happens, it means your HP printer is either turned off, or the power supply has an issue. To resolve this problem, do the following tasks:

1. Turn your HP Printer On

To do this, press your printer’s power button.

If your HP printer turns on, stop troubleshooting.

However, if it doesn’t turn on, do the task below.

2. Ensure that your HP Printer is Connected to a Power Source

To ensure that your HP printer is connected to a power source, do the following steps:

Step 1: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.

Step 2: Plug the power cable back into your HP printer.

Ensure that it is properly fitted into your printer’s power socket.

Step 3: Disconnect the printer’s power cable from the wall outlet.

Step 4: Plug the power cable into a different but working wall outlet.

Step 5: Turn on your HP printer.

If your HP printer turns on, stop troubleshooting.

However, if it doesn’t turn on, do the task below.

3. Test your printer using another Power Cord

In some cases, the printer’s power cord might be faulty. Therefore, to confirm that the cord is not faulty, use another cord to reset your printer’s module and then test your printer’s power.

How to Reset Printer Power Module

To reset your printer power module, do the following steps:

Step 1: Remove the printer’s power cable from your printer.

Step 2: Unplug the printer’s power cable from the wall outlet.

Step 3: Disconnect the power cable from the power module.

Step 4: Wait for 15 seconds.

Step 5: Plug the printer’s power cable into your printer.

Step 6: Connect the power cable to the power module.

Step 7: Plug the printer’s power cable into a wall outlet.

Don’t plug the cable into a surge protector or power strip.

Step 8: Check if there is an LED light on the power module.

If there’s no LED light, follow the instructions under the Test your Printer’s Powersubsection below.

If there’s an LED light, check if the LED turns on.

If the LED doesn’t turn on, change the power module.

If the LED turns on, follow the instructions under the Test your Printer’s Powersubsection below.

Test your Printer’s Power

To test your printer’s power, do the following steps:

Step 1: Press and then quickly let go of the printer’s “Power” button.

This action will begin a Power On/Off cycle.

Warning: Don’t press down the power button for a long time as this might cause the printer to turn on and off without entering the power on/off cycle. If this occurs, press and then quickly let go of the printer’s power button.

Step 2: Confirm that your printer is turned on.

If the above instructions resolve the problem, stop troubleshooting.

If your HP printer turns on when using another cord, then the initial cord is faulty. Therefore, you need to get a new power cord.

If using another power cord didn’t resolve the problem, then you need to service your HP printer.

You can also read this article: HP Printer is Not Responding [Proven Solutions] to find other solutions if your HP printer won’t respond.