If you’re faced with the perplexing issue where your HP printer will print but won’t connect for cleaning purposes, you’ve come to the right place. This in-depth guide will take you through the steps to resolve this problem, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Problem
The first step in fixing any issue is to understand what the problem really is. HP printers usually have a built-in cleaning function to maintain the printer’s performance. This function is dependent on a stable connection between the printer and your computer.
When this connection is compromised, your printer may continue to print documents but will fail to execute the cleaning function. Issues could stem from software glitches, outdated drivers, or hardware problems.
How to Fix the ‘HP Printer Will Print But Won’t Connect for Cleaning’ Problem
If your HP printer will print but won’t connect for cleaning, try the following solutions to fix this problem:
Check Your Printer’s Connection
It may sound obvious, but a lot of printer issues arise from simple connectivity problems. Here’s how to go about checking it:
USB Connection: If your printer is connected via USB, make sure the cable is securely plugged into the printer and your computer. Disconnect and reconnect to be sure. Sometimes, faulty cables can be the culprit; try using a different cable if available.
If your USB cable is faulty, you can replace it with this Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-B 2.0 Cable.
Wireless Connection: For wireless connections, confirm your printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. You can usually find this information on your printer’s display panel or through the printer settings on your computer. If not, consult your printer’s manual for how to connect it to Wi-Fi.
Network Check: Perform a network configuration page printout, which can usually be done via the printer’s display panel. This will give you details about its network status.
Restart Devices: Sometimes, a simple restart of both your computer and your printer can resolve connectivity issues. Turn both off, wait about 10 seconds, and then turn them back on.
Update Printer Software
Outdated software can create issues, including connectivity for cleaning tasks. Here’s how you can update:
Visit the HP Website: Go to the HP official website and navigate to the drivers and software section.
Find Your Model: Input your printer model to find the corresponding drivers and software. Download the latest versions available.
Install: Open the downloaded files and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
Restart: Always restart your computer and printer after installing new software to ensure changes take effect.
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Use HP Print and Scan Doctor
HP provides a free tool to troubleshoot and resolve printer issues. Here’s how to use it:
Download: Go to the HP Print and Scan Doctor page and download the tool.
Run the Tool: Open the downloaded file and launch the tool. It should automatically detect printers connected to your computer.
Follow Instructions: Once your printer is listed, select it and follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot. The tool will diagnose and automatically fix any detected issues.
Manual Cleaning
If you’ve tried everything else and it hasn’t worked, manual cleaning may be necessary. Here’s how:
Consult the Manual: Check your printer’s manual for guidelines on manual cleaning.
Unplug: Always turn off and unplug the printer before attempting to clean it to avoid electrical shock.
Open and Examine: Open the printer cover and examine the internal parts like rollers and print heads. Look for any paper scraps, dust, or debris.
Clean: Use a soft, lint-free cloth for cleaning. If your manual permits, moisten the cloth with distilled water. Gently clean the rollers and other parts. Do not touch electronic parts.
Let it Dry: Before closing the printer and turning it back on, ensure that any cleaned parts are dry.
This article: Clean HP Printer [How To, Issues & Solutions] will guide you further on how to clean your HP printer and resolve any issue that might arise in the process.
Contact HP Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps listed above and you’re still experiencing issues, it’s likely time to consult the professionals.
Contact HP Support through their official website or helpline. Provide them with all the details of the steps you’ve taken so far, as this will help them to better diagnose the problem. They may provide you with specific troubleshooting steps tailored to your printer model.
