In this article, we will discuss the meaning of HP printer warning lights on HP DeskJet printers and how to clear the warning lights.
Note: The guide below is for HP DeskJet Ultra Ink Advantage 2529, 2520hc, DeskJet Ink Advantage 2516, 2515, and HP DeskJet 2514, 2512, 2511, and 2510 All-in-One printers.
Table of Contents
All Lights are Turned Off – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
When this happens, all the printer’s lights on the control panel will go off. Furthermore, the printer will refuse to turn on.
To fix this problem, do the following solutions:
1. Confirm that the Power Cable is Plugged in – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To confirm that the power cable is plugged in, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Check the back of your printer and ensure that the power cable is properly plugged into your printer. If it isn’t, plug it in properly.
Step 2: Check and confirm that the power cable is properly plugged into the power supply. If it isn’t, plug it in properly.
Step 3: Check and confirm that the power cable is properly plugged into the electrical wall outlet. If it isn’t, plug it in properly.
Step 4: Turn on your HP printer by pressing its power button.
If it turns on, then the issue has been resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, it if fails to turn on, do the solution below.
2. Confirm that the Wall Outlet is Working – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To confirm that the wall outlet is working, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Remove the printer’s power cable from the outlet.
Step 2: Plug a different appliance into the outlet.
If the appliance doesn’t turn on, then it means that the outlet is not working. In such a case, you need to connect your HP printer to a different but working outlet.
On the other hand, if the appliance turns on, then the outlet is working. Therefore, continue with the solution below.
3. Confirm that you are Using a Compatible Power Supply – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
The power supply could be a power cable/cord or power module. If the power supply isn’t compatible with your printer, it can lead to all kinds of issues.
Note: To ensure that you are using a compatible power supply, it is recommended that you use the power supply that came with your HP printer.
To confirm that you are using a compatible power supply, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Ensure that the specification for the amperage and voltage shown on the power supply is the same as that shown on the body of your printer.
Step 2: Once you get a match for the amperage and voltage, ensure that the power supply connector’s size and shape match that on your HP printer.
Warning: Don’t force a connector that isn’t the same size or shape into your HP printer to prevent damage.
If the power supply is incompatible, get a new compatible power supply.
If the power supply is compatible, but your printer still won’t turn on, continue with the solution below.
4. Reset your Printer’s Power Module, and then Test your Printer’s Power – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
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 Power” section.
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 Power” section.
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 error is resolved after doing the above, stop troubleshooting.
If the error persists, do the solution below.
5. Use another Power Cable to Test your Printer’s Power – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
If there is another compatible power cable around, use it to reset the power module and then test your printer’s power by following the steps we shared in the previous solution.
If using another power cable causes your printer to turn on, then the initial power cable is faulty. Therefore, you need to get a replacement power cable.
On the other hand, if using another power cable doesn’t cause your printer to turn on, then you need to service your HP printer.
Breathing Power Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
When we talk about breathing light, we mean the light slowly becomes bright before getting dim again. This pattern is repeated continuously.
This above occurrence is an indication that your HP printer has entered sleep mode. When your printer is inactive after 5 minutes, it will enter sleep mode.
To wake your printer from sleep mode and get it into ready mode, press any button on the control panel of your HP printer. Another way to get your printer out of sleep mode is to send a print job. Once the printer receives the print command, it will come out from sleep mode and begin to print.
We recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Sleep Mode [How To, Issues & Solutions] to learn more about HP printer sleep mode.
Fast Blinking Power Light and Solid Attention Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This occurs when during a print job, your printer’s output tray is closed. To resolve this problem, open your printer’s output tray.
Normal Blinking Ink Level Icons, Power and Attention Lights – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This is an indication that your printer’s cartridge access door is open. To resolve this problem, close the printer’s cartridge access door.
Fast Blinking Power Light for 3 Seconds before becoming Solid – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This shows that your printer is carrying out another task. To resolve this problem, do the following solutions:
1. Allow the Printer to Complete the Current Task – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
Since your printer is carrying out a task, you need to allow it to complete the task before you begin another one.
If your printer stops blinking after completing the task, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If your printer continues to blink after completing the task, do the solution below.
2. Reset your HP DeskJet Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
How to Reset HP DeskJet Printer
To reset your HP DeskJet 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, you need to print a test page to confirm that the printer hardware is functioning correctly.
How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer
To print a test page from an HP DeskJet printer, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Load your printer’s input tray with plain white legal, A4, or letter-size paper.
Step 2: Press down the printer’s “Start Copy Black” and “Start Copy Color” buttons at the same time until you hear some noise from the printer.
Step 3: Let go of the buttons.
Your printer will print the test page.
If the problem is resolved after printing the test page, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, and the test page failed to print, 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 Power Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This happens when a maintenance, copy, scan, or print job is being processed. To resolve this problem, do the following solutions:
1. Allow the Printer to Complete the Current Task – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
Follow the instructions under the “Allow the Printer to Complete the Current Task” section of this article to allow your printer to complete its current task.
If the power light continues to blink after the task is complete, do the solution below.
2. Reset your HP DeskJet Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To reset your HP DeskJet printer, follow the instructions under the “Reset your HP DeskJet Printer” section of this article.
If you still encounter the issue after doing the instructions, then you need to service your HP printer.
Fast Blinking Control Panel Lights and Normal Blinking “E” in the Segment Display Counter – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
When all the lights on your printer are blinking fast, and the letter “E” in the segment display counter is blinking normally, it is an indication that your HP printer has entered a fatal error state.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions:
1. Reset your HP DeskJet Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To reset your HP DeskJet printer, follow the instructions under the “Reset your HP DeskJet Printer” section of this article.
If the problem persists, do the solution below.
2. Plug your Printer’s Power Cable Straight into a Wall Outlet – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
Follow the steps below to plug your HP printer’s power cable directly into a wall outlet:
Step 1: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 2: Remove the printer’s power cable from its connected power source (surge protectors, power strips, etc.)
Step 3: Connect the printer’s power cable directly to a wall outlet.
Step 4: Plug the cable into your HP printer.
Step 5: Turn on your HP printer.
Check if the issue is resolved.
If you still experience the issue, use another outlet as the problem might be the result of a bad electrical wall outlet.
If using the second outlet doesn’t fix the problem, then you need to service your HP printer.
One or Both Ink Level Icons Blink for 20 Seconds before becoming Solid – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
When this happens, it means that one or both cartridges have low ink.
i. If both icons continue to blink for 20 seconds before becoming solid, then it means both cartridges have low ink.
ii. If the left icon continues to blink for 20 seconds before becoming solid, then the tri-color cartridge has low ink.
iii. If the right icon continues to blink for 20 seconds before becoming solid, then the black cartridge has low ink.
To resolve this problem, do the following tasks:
Note: You don’t have to change the cartridge unless the print quality is unacceptable.
1. Check the Cartridge Ink Levels – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To check the cartridge ink levels, follow the steps below:
Note: You can also see the cartridge ink levels on the LCD of your printer’s control panel.
Step 1: On your computer, open the HP printer software.
Windows XP
i. Click on the “Start” icon.
iii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer’s folder.
v. Click on your HP printer icon.
Windows Vista
i. Click on the “Start” icon.
iii. Click on “Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer’s folder.
v. Click on your HP printer icon.
Windows 7
i. Click on the “Start” icon.
iii. Click on “All Programs.”
iii. Click on “HP.”
iv. Click on your HP printer’s folder.
v. Click on your HP printer icon.
Windows 8
i. Click the “Start” screen.
iii. Click your printer’s tile.
Alternatively, click on your HP printer icon on the computer desktop to open the HP printer software.
OS X v10.7, v10.8, and v10.9
i. Click on “Macintosh HD.”
ii. Click on “Applications.”
iii. Double-click on “Hewlett-Packard.”
Alternatively, double-click on your HP printer icon on the computer desktop to open the HP printer software.
Step 2: When the HP printer software opens, click on “Estimated Ink Levels.”
This action will open the HP Toolbox window. Your printer’s estimated ink levels will be displayed.
Step 3: If the ink levels are satisfactory and the print quality is still acceptable to you, you can continue printing while ignoring the blinking icon or icons on your printer.
If the ink levels are unsatisfactory and the print quality is unacceptable to you, then you need to change the cartridge or cartridges as the case might be. Do the next task to change the cartridge.
2. Replace the Low Cartridge in HP DeskJet Printers – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
How to Replace Cartridge in HP DeskJet Printers
To replace a low or empty cartridge, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Purchase a compatible replacement cartridge for your HP printer.
Step 2: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button if it is turned off.
Step 3: Wait for your printer to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: Load the printer’s input tray with regular white paper.
Step 5: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
When you do this, the carriage will move to the middle of your HP printer. Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 6: Gently press down the cartridge to free it from its slot.
Step 7: Pull out the cartridge from the slot.
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 8: Take out the new ink cartridge from the packaging.
Step 9: Remove the protective plastic tape by pulling the tab.
Step 10: Grasp the cartridge at both sides and direct the nozzles to face your printer.
Step 11: Insert the ink cartridge into the correct slot.
Step 12: Push in the cartridge and ensure that it clicks into place.
Step 13: If the other cartridge was affected, repeat the above steps to change it as well.
Step 14: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.
Step 11: If you get any prompts on your computer’s screen, follow them.
Step 12: Wait for 30 seconds.
After this period, an alignment page will be printed automatically.
Note: An alignment page is automatically printed when a new ink cartridge is installed into the printer.
Now, you have to align the installed cartridges.
How to Align Cartridge in HP DeskJet Printers
To align cartridges in your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Lift your printer’s scanner lid.
Step 2: Take the alignment page that was printed after the cartridge was installed and place it on the scanner glass with the print side facing down.
Check the engraved guides surrounding the scanner glass for assistance on how to load the alignment page.
Step 3: Close your printer’s scanner lid.
Step 4: Press the printer’s Scan button.
The printer will scan the page and then align the cartridge automatically.
The next thing is to print a test page.
How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer
To print a test page, follow the instructions we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the issue is not resolved after printing the test page, 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.
Normal Blinking Ink Level Icons (One or Both) – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This might be a result of any of the following:
i. Incompatible ink cartridge or cartridges
ii. Defective ink cartridge or cartridges
iii. Ink nozzles protective tape wasn’t removed on both or one of the cartridges
iv. Wrongly installed ink cartridge or cartridges
- If both icons continue to blink, then it means both cartridges are experiencing any of the issues above.
- If the left icon continues to blink, then the tri-color cartridge is experiencing any of the issues above.
- If the right icon continues to blink, then the black cartridge is experiencing any of the issues above.
To resolve this problem, do the solutions below:
1. Check the Compatibility and Installation of the Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To check the compatibility and installation of the cartridge, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button if the printer is turned off.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
The carriage will move to the middle of your printer. Allow the printer to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 3: Ensure that the cartridges are inserted in the right slots.
To confirm that they are inserted in the right slots, check the top of both cartridges and confirm that the icons found on each cartridge match that of the slots you are installing the cartridge into.
The left slot is for the tri-color ink cartridge while the right slot is for the black ink cartridge.
If the cartridges are not installed in the right slots, take them out and then reinsert them into the right slot.
If the cartridges are installed in the right slots, continue with the next step.
Step 4: Check each label on the ink cartridge for the cartridge number.
Step 5: Take note of these numbers. To ensure that you don’t forget, you can write them down somewhere.
Step 6: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.
Step 7: Check the cartridge numbers list in the window for HP Sure Supply and confirm if the numbers of the installed cartridge are in the list. If either number isn’t on the list, replace that cartridge with the cartridge that is listed.
If the issue persists, do the next solution.
2. Remove, Examine, and Clean the Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To remove, examine and then clean the ink cartridge, follow the steps below:
Note: If both ink icons are blinking, do the steps below for both ink cartridges.
Step 1: Get these items:
i. Soft, fluff-free material (e.g., coffee filters) or clean cotton swabs.
ii. Distilled water (Filtered or bottled water can be used if you don’t have access to distilled water). Do not use tap water.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
The carriage will move to the middle of the cartridge access area. If the carriage path has an obstruction, the carriage will not move to the middle.
Step 3: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 4: Press down the affected cartridge to free it from the slot.
Step 5: Pull out the cartridge from the slot.
Caution: Don’t touch the ink nozzle or copper-colored contact. Doing any of these could lead to poor electrical connections, ink failure, and clogs.
Step 6: If the protective tape hasn’t been removed, remove it.
Note: The copper-colored strip should not be removed.
If you are just removing the protective tape, you don’t have to clean the ink cartridge. Jump to the step to reinstall the ink cartridge.
Step 7: Keep the ink cartridge with its nozzle plate facing up on a sheet of paper.
Step 8: Dip the cotton swab or fluff-free material in distilled water.
Step 9: Squeeze out the excess water. The swab or fluff-free material should be mildly damp.
Step 10: Clean the contacts of the ink cartridge.
Caution: Don’t touch the ink nozzles.
Note: The cleaning process should be done quickly to prevent the ink in the cartridge from drying up and clogging the nozzles when left outside the printer for an extended period. The cartridge shouldn’t be outside of your printer beyond 30 minutes.
Step 11: Clean the contacts in the affected cartridge’s carriage.
Warning: Ensure that your printer’s power cable is not connected to your printer during this process to prevent electric shock and/or injuries.
Step 12: Wait for 10 minutes to enable the cartridge as well as the carriage to get dry.
Step 13: Move the ink cartridge into the slot at a somewhat upward angle.
Step 14: Press the cartridge up and then forward until you hear it snap into its place.
Ensure that you put the tri-color cartridge in the left slot and the black cartridge in the right slot.
Step 15: Plug the printer’s power cable into your HP printer.
Step 16: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem remains unresolved, do the solution below.
3. Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To turn off and then turn on your HP printer to recalibrate the installed cartridges, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button.
If your HP printer doesn’t turn off, jump to solution 4.
Step 2: Wait for 60 seconds.
Step 3: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button.
Note: If your printer begins the warm-up process (might take several minutes), allow it to complete this process before you proceed.
4. Clean the Ink Cartridge Again – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
If doing the above solution does not resolve the problem, repeat the cartridge cleaning process. Furthermore, ensure that the cartridges are correctly installed.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If the problem is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem remains unresolved, do the solution below.
5. Replace the Affected Cartridge(s) – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To replace the affected cartridge, follow the instructions we shared in the “Replace the Low Cartridge in HP DeskJet Printers” section of this article.
If the problem persists after replacing the cartridge, then you need to service your HP printer.
Normal Blinking Media Indicator and Attention Light and Normal Blinking “P in the Segment Display Counter – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This happens when the printer’s input tray is out of paper. To resolve this problem, reload the paper.
How to Reload Paper in HP DeskJet Printers – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To reload paper in HP Deskjet printers, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Lift the printer’s input tray.
Step 2: Return the printer’s input tray to its original position.
Step 3: Pull out your printer’s tray extender.
Step 4: Move the input tray paper guide to the edge of the tray.
Step 5: Load the input tray with A4 or U.S. letter-size paper.
Ensure that the print side is facing you while the short edge goes into the printer first. Also, push the paper well into the printer.
Step 6: Move the input tray paper guide till it holds the paper stack in place.
Ensure that the guide doesn’t squeeze the paper stack.
Normal Blinking Media Indicator and Ink Level Icons, Fast Blinking Attention Light, and Fast Blinking “P” in the Segment Display Counter – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
When this happens, it means that there is a jam in the printer caused by a foreign object or paper. To fix this problem, do the solutions below:
1. Clear the Printer Jam Automatically – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To clear the printer jam automatically, press your printer’s “Cancel” button.
After doing that, print out a test page. To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the test page prints, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If the test page fails to print, do the solution below.
2. Manually Remove Jammed Paper – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To manually remove jammed paper from your HP printer, do the following tasks:
1. Remove Foreign Materials and/or Loose Paper from your Printer’s Trays
To remove foreign materials and/or loose paper from your printer’s trays, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing the printer’s “Power” button.
Step 2: Remove the USB cable (if any) from your HP printer.
Step 3: Remove the printer’s power 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 4: Take out any loose paper that is lodged in the printer’s input tray.
Step 5: Check the inside of the input tray for foreign materials; if you find any, remove them.
Note: A flashlight might be needed to make the area bright enough for you to see.
Step 6: Move the printer’s pick mechanism with your fingers and then take out the foreign objects that might be lodged in the tray.
Caution: Ensure that you remove all the foreign materials in the printer’s input tray to avoid the occurrence of paper jams and even damage to your printer in the future.
Step 7: Take out any loose paper that is lodged in the printer’s output tray.
2. Clear Paper Jam from your Printer’s Underside
To clear the paper jam from your printer’s underside, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing your printer’s “Power” button if the printer is turned on.
Step 2: Remove the USB cable (if any) from your HP printer.
Step 3: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 4: Turn your HP printer in a way that its underside becomes accessible.
Caution: Ensure that you protect the printer’s scanner lid with your hand before you turn the printer. This is necessary to prevent damage to the lid.
Step 5: Press the cleanout door tabs to release the printer’s cleanout door.
Step 6: Open the printer’s cleanout door.
Step 7: Slowly pull out the jammed paper from your HP printer.
Caution: In case the paper tears during the removal process, check the inside area of the cleanout door for pieces that are still stuck within the printer. When you find the pieces, remove them. Leaving paper pieces in the printer can lead to future paper jams.
Step 8: Fix the printer’s cleanout door to your printer.
Step 9: Carefully push the cleanout door forward and ensure that it clicks into its position.
Note: Ensure that you lock the tabs to prevent the occurrence of paper jams in the future.
3. Clear Paper Jam from the Inside Area
To clear the paper jam from the inside area of your printer, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing your printer’s “Power” button if the printer is turned on.
Step 2: Remove the USB cable (if any) from your HP printer.
Step 3: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 4: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
Step 5: Carefully remove the jammed paper from your printer.
Step 6: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.
4. Clear Paper Jam from the Front Area
To clear the paper jam from the front area of your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing your printer’s “Power” button if the printer is turned on.
Step 2: Remove the USB cable (if any) from your HP printer.
Step 3: Remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 4: Grab and then carefully pull out the jammed paper using both hands from your HP printer’s front area.
Caution: In case the paper tears during the removal process, check the inside of the printer for pieces that are still stuck within the printer. When you find the pieces, remove them. Leaving paper pieces in the printer can lead to future paper jams.
Step 5: Plug the power cable back into your HP printer.
Step 6: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s “Power” button.
5. Print out a Test Page
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the test page prints, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If the test page fails to print, do the solution below.
3. Ensure that the Carriage is Moving Freely – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To ensure that the carriage is moving freely, do the following tasks:
1. Check for Obstructions in the Printer’s Carriage Path
To check for obstructions in the printer’s carriage path, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
This action will cause the carriage to move to the middle area of your HP printer.
Step 3: Allow the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 4: While your printer is still on, remove the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.
Step 5: Disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet or power source.
Warning: Ensure that you remove the power cable from your HP printer to prevent electric shock or injuries before moving the carriage with your hand to reset the printer’s paper feed mechanism.
Step 6: Look for objects or paper that might prevent the carriage from moving freely. If you find any, remove them.
Caution: 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 7: Place your hand inside your printer via the cartridge door.
Step 9: Move the printer’s carriage with your hand.
- Move it to the left if it is on the right side.
- Move it to the right if it is on the left side.
- Move it to the right if it is in the center of your HP printer.
Step 10: Take out the obstructions or loose paper you might find.
Step 11: Push the carriage to the right and then to the left to confirm that the carriage can move freely from side to side.
Step 12: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.
Step 13: Reconnect the printer’s power cable to your HP printer.
Step 14: Plug the printer’s power cable into the electrical wall outlet.
Step 15: Turn on your HP printer.
2. Print out a Test Page
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the test page prints, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If the test page fails to print, do the solution below.
4. Clean the Paper Rollers Manually – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To clean the 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: Lift the printer’s input tray.
Step 4: Pull back the input tray guard, and then hold it in that position to enable you to see the inside of your printer.
Note: For printers that aren’t designed with a tray guard, do the next step.
Step 5: 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 6: Get a long cotton swab and dampen it using distilled water.
Step 7: Squeeze excess water from the swab.
Step 8: Press the cotton swab to rest on the rollers.
Step 9: Use your fingers to rotate the rollers in an upward motion. Apply some pressure to ensure the removal of dirt buildup and dust.
Step 10: Return the printer’s input tray shield to its original position.
Step 11: Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes for the pickup rollers to get dry.
Step 12: Plug the printer’s power cable into your HP printer.
Step 13: Turn on your HP printer.
Print out a Test Page
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the test page prints, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If the test page fails to print, do the solution below.
5. Reset your HP Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To reset your HP DeskJet printer, follow the instructions under the “Reset your HP DeskJet Printer” section of this article.
After resetting your printer, print out a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the test page prints, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If the test page fails to print, then you need to service your HP printer.
Normal Blinking Ink Level Icons, Fast Blinking Attention Light, and Fast Blinking “C” in the Segment Display Counter – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This is an indication that the installed cartridge carriage has stalled. To fix this problem, do the following solutions:
1. Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To turn off and then turn on your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button.
Step 2: Wait for 60 seconds.
Step 3: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button.
Note: If your printer begins the warm-up process (might take several minutes), allow it to complete this process before you proceed.
After turning off and then turning on your HP printer, print out a test page. To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the test page prints, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If the test page fails to print, do the solution below.
2. Clear Paper Jam – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To clear paper jam from your HP printer, follow the instructions we shared under the “Manually Remove Jammed Paper” section of this article.
If clearing the paper jam doesn’t resolve the problem, do the solution below.
3. Ensure the Carriage Can Move Freely – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To ensure that the carriage can move freely, follow the instructions we shared under the “Ensure that the Carriage is Moving Freely” section of this article.
If the problem is not resolved even after ensuring that the carriage can move freely, do the solution below.
4. Remove and then Reinstall the Ink Cartridges – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
If the cartridge is not installed properly, it can cause the printer to encounter the current problem under discussion. To fix this problem, do the tasks below.
1. Take Out the Cartridges from your HP Printer
To take out the ink cartridges from your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button if it is turned off.
Wait for your printer to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 2: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
When you do this, the carriage will move to the middle of your HP printer. Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 3: Gently press down the cartridge to free it from its slot.
Step 4: Pull out the cartridge from the slot.
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 5: Look for and clear any obstructions around and under the carriage.
If you can’t see the area clearly, get a flashlight to illuminate the area.
2. Reinstall your Ink Cartridges
To reinstall your ink cartridges into your HP printer, follow the steps below.
Note: Repeat the instructions below for all the cartridges.
Step 1: Grasp the cartridge at both sides and direct the nozzles to face your printer.
Step 2: Insert the ink cartridge into the correct slot.
Ensure that the icons on the cartridge slot and the cartridge match.
- The left slot is for the tri-color ink cartridge.
- The right slot is for the black ink cartridge.
Step 3: Push in the cartridge and ensure that it clicks into place.
Step 4: Repeat the above steps to remove and then reinstall it as well.
Step 5: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.
Step 11: Turn on your HP printer by pressing its “Power” button.
3. Print a Test Page
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the test page prints, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If the test page fails to print, do the solution below.
5. Plug your HP Printer Straight into an Electrical Wall Outlet – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To plug your HP printer into an electrical wall outlet directly, follow the steps under the “Plug your Printer’s Power Cable Straight into a Wall Outlet” section of this article.
After doing the above, print out a test page. To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the test page prints, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If the test page fails to print, do the solution below.
6. Reset your HP Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To reset your HP DeskJet printer, follow the instructions under the “Reset your HP DeskJet Printer” section of this article.
After resetting your printer, print out a test page.
To print a test page, follow the steps we shared under the “How to Print a Test Page from HP DeskJet Printer” section.
If the test page prints, then the issue is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
If the test page fails to print, then you need to service your HP printer.
Fast Blinking Power and Attention Lights, and Fast Blinking Media Error Indicator – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
When this occurs, it means that your printer has a scanner failure. To resolve this problem, do the following:
1. Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To turn off and then turn on your HP printer to recalibrate the installed cartridges, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button.
Step 2: Wait for 60 seconds.
Step 3: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button.
Note: If your printer begins the warm-up process (might take several minutes), allow it to complete this process before you proceed.
Step 4: Try to scan a document or photo.
If you can scan it, then the problem is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if you can’t scan, then you need to service your HP printer.
Normal Blinking Power Light for 20 Seconds before becoming Solid – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This occurs as a result of any of the following:
i. Your computer is turned off.
ii. Your HP printer and computer are not connected.
iii. Your HP printer software hasn’t been installed.
iv. Your HP printer isn’t the default printer.
To resolve this problem, do the following solutions.
1. Turn on your computer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
Confirm that your computer’s power cord is connected to a power source; if it is not, plug the cord into a power source. After doing that, turn on your computer by pressing the power button.
Check if the problem is resolved. If it is, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem remains unresolved, do the solution below.
2. Connect your HP Printer to your Computer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To connect your HP printer to your computer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Plug the USB cord into your printer’s USB port.
Step 2: Plug the other end of the cord into a USB port on your computer.
Step 3: Try to print a document.
Check if the problem is resolved. If it is, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem remains unresolved, do the solution below.
3. Install your HP printer Software – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
Install your HP printer software on your computer using any of the methods below:
How to Install HP Printer Software on Computer via Software Installation CD – Method 1
To install your HP printer software on your computer via software installation CD, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Take out the CD from the packaging.
Step 2: Insert the CD into your PC’s drive.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
How to Install HP Printer Software on Computer via the Internet – Method 2
To install your HP printer software on your computer via the internet, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn your HP printer on.
Step 2: If necessary, remove the USB cord from your printer.
You’ll be prompted to plug the cable into your printer by the installation software if necessary.
Step 3: Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
Step 4: Once this page: “Let’s identify your product to get started” is displayed, click on “Printer.”
Step 5: Enter the model number of your HP printer.
Step 6: Click on “Submit.”
Step 7: Click on “Change” if you want to use a different operating system. After that, choose your version, before clicking on “Change” again.
Step 8: Check and click any of these options under the heading labeled “Driver”:
- Download – this option gives you the full software package.
- Basic Drivers – this option allows you to choose other available driver options.
Check if the problem is resolved. If it is, stop troubleshooting.
If the problem remains unresolved, do the solution below.
4. Set your HP Printer as Default – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To set your HP printer as the default printer, follow the instructions below depending on your operating system.
Windows
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button.
Step 2: Click on the “Start” button on your computer’s taskbar for Windows XP
For Windows Vista or Windows 7, click on the “Windows” button on the taskbar.
Step 3: Click on “Devices and Printers.”
This action will open all the connected devices on your computer.
Step 4: Locate and move your cursor over your printer’s icon.
Step 5: Right-click on your printer’s icon.
Step 6: Click on “Set as Default Printer.”
Your printer will now function as the default printer.
Mac
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button.
Step 2: On your Mac’s desktop, click on the “Apple” icon/menu.
Step 3: Click on “System Preferences.”
Step 4: Click on “Print & Scan.”
This action will open the Print & Scan window.
Step 5: Choose your HP printer from the menu labeled “Default Printer.”
Your printer will now function as the default printer.
Fast Blinking Ink Level Icons, Ink Error Indicator, Attention Lights, and Normal Blinking Power Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This happens when your printer’s cartridge access door is not closed and one or both of your cartridges have encountered an error.
To fix this problem, do the solutions below:
1. Close your Printer’s Cartridge Access Door – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To close your printer’s cartridge access door, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Close your cartridge’s access door.
Step 2: Check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, do the solution below.
2. Check the Compatibility and Installation of the Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To check the compatibility and installation of the cartridge, follow the steps we shared under the “Check the Compatibility and Installation of the Cartridge” section of this article.
After checking the compatibility and installation of the cartridge, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, do the solution below.
3. Remove, Examine, and Clean the Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To remove, examine, and then clean the ink cartridge, follow the steps we shared under the “Remove, Examine, and Clean the Cartridge” section of this article.
After removing, examining, and cleaning the cartridge, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, do the solution below.
4. Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To turn off and then turn on your HP printer, follow the steps we shared under the “Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer” section of this article.
After turning off and then turning on your HP printer, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, do the solution below.
5. Clean the Ink Cartridge Again – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To clean the ink cartridge again, follow the instructions under the “Clean the Ink Cartridge Again” section of this article.
After cleaning the ink cartridge again, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, do the solution below.
6. Replace the Affected Cartridge(s) – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To replace the affected cartridge, follow the instructions we shared in the “Replace the Low Cartridge in HP DeskJet Printers” section of this article.
After replacing the affected ink cartridge, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, then you need to service your HP printer.
Normal Blinking and Empty Black Ink Level Icon or Color Ink Level Icon – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
When this happens, it means that your HP printer is functioning in single-cartridge mode. In other -words, the tri-color or black ink cartridge is not installed in your printer.
Note: When your printer functions in single-cartridge mode, it can still print from your computer, and copy both photos and documents.
To resolve this problem, you have to install the ink cartridge that is missing.
How to Install Missing Cartridge in HP DeskJet Printers – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To install a missing cartridge, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer by pressing the printer’s power button if it is turned off.
Step 2: Wait for your printer to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Step 3: Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
When you do this, the carriage will move to the middle of your HP printer. Wait for the carriage to become silent and idle before you proceed.
Note: If the access door is left open for more than 5 minutes, the carriage will go back to its normal position.
Step 4: Verify which ink cartridge is missing.
If you can’t see clearly, use a flashlight.
Step 5: Purchase a compatible replacement cartridge for your HP printer.
Step 6: Grasp the cartridge at both sides and direct the nozzles to face your printer.
Step 7: Insert the ink cartridge into the open slot.
Step 8: Push in the cartridge and ensure that it clicks into place.
Step 9: Close your printer’s cartridge access door.
An alignment page will be printed automatically.
Now, you have to align the installed cartridges.
To align cartridges in your HP printer, follow the steps we shared in the “How to Align Cartridge in HP DeskJet Printers” section of this article.
Fast Blinking and Empty Ink Level Icons (one or both), Fast Blinking Ink Error Indicator, and Solid Attention Light – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
This happens as a result of any of the following:
i. One or both ink cartridges are incompatible with your HP printer.
ii. One or both ink cartridges are defective.
To fix this problem, do the solutions below:
1. Check the Compatibility and Installation of the Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To check the compatibility and installation of the cartridge, follow the steps we shared under the “Check the Compatibility and Installation of the Cartridge” section of this article.
After checking the compatibility and installation of the cartridge, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, do the solution below.
2. Remove, Examine, and Clean the Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To remove, examine, and then clean the ink cartridge, follow the steps we shared under the “Remove, Examine, and Clean the Cartridge” section of this article.
After removing, examining, and cleaning the cartridge, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, do the solution below.
3. Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To turn off and then turn on your HP printer, follow the steps we shared under the “Turn off and then Turn on your HP Printer” section of this article.
After turning off and then turning on your HP printer, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, do the solution below.
4. Clean the Ink Cartridge Again – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To clean the ink cartridge again, follow the instructions under the “Clean the Ink Cartridge Again” section of this article.
After cleaning the ink cartridge again, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, do the solution below.
5. Replace the Affected Cartridge(s) – HP Printer Warning Lights on HP DeskJet Printers
To replace the affected cartridge, follow the instructions we shared in the “Replace the Low Cartridge in HP DeskJet Printers” section of this article.
After replacing the affected ink cartridge, check if the blinking lights have stopped.
If the lights have stopped blinking, then it means that the error is resolved. Therefore, you can stop troubleshooting.
However, if the lights continue to blink, then you need to service your HP printer.
