Setting up a new HP printer is typically a smooth process, but sometimes things don’t go as expected. One common issue that can arise after setting up your HP printer is it not printing, even though it’s connected and appears to be working properly. This problem can be frustrating, especially after investing time in the setup process. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the HP printer not printing issue and get back to printing your documents.

 

 

Common Causes of HP Printer Not Printing After Setup

Before diving into the fixes, it’s important to understand some of the possible reasons why your HP printer isn’t printing after setup. These issues can range from software conflicts to hardware problems. Here are some common causes:

  • Connection Problems: The printer might not be connected properly to the computer or network, especially if it's a wireless setup.

  • Outdated or Corrupt Printer Drivers: The software and drivers on your computer might not be up to date or could be corrupted.

  • Offline Printer: Sometimes, your printer might show as "offline," even if it’s powered on.

  • Print Queue Issues: A stuck print job in the print queue can prevent new jobs from being printed.

  • Low Ink or Toner: If your printer is low on ink or toner, it may not print.

  • Paper Jams or Blockages: Physical blockages or paper jams can prevent the printer from working properly.

Let’s go through a few step-by-step solutions to help resolve the HP printer not printing problem after setup.

Step 1: Check Printer Connectivity

For Wireless Printers

The most common cause of an HP printer not printing after setup is connectivity issues, particularly for wireless printers.

  1. Verify Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer or device. You can do this by printing a network configuration page directly from your printer to check the network status.

  2. Reconnect to Wi-Fi: If the printer is not on the network, go into the printer’s settings and reconnect it to the Wi-Fi. On most HP printers, this is done via the Wi-Fi Setup Wizard in the printer’s control panel.

  3. Restart the Printer and Router: Sometimes, simply restarting the printer and your Wi-Fi router can fix connectivity issues. Turn both off for 30 seconds, then power them back on and try printing again.

For USB Printers

If you’re using a USB connection, make sure the cable is securely connected to both your computer and the printer. If you’ve recently moved the printer, the USB cable could have been loosened. Try plugging the cable into a different port on your computer to rule out faulty ports.

Step 2: Set the Printer as Default

In many cases, your computer may have other printers set as the default printer, which could cause your HP printer to be overlooked when trying to print.

For Windows:

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click on your HP printer and select Set as Default Printer.

  3. Ensure your HP printer has a green checkmark next to it.

For macOS:

  1. Open System Preferences and go to Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your HP printer from the list.

  3. Click on Default Printer and make sure your HP printer is selected.

 

 

Step 3: Check the Printer Queue

A stuck print job in the print queue can prevent new jobs from printing. This is a common issue after setup, especially if the first print job was interrupted.

For Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click on your HP printer and select See what’s printing.

  3. If there are any print jobs in the queue, right-click on them and select Cancel.

For macOS:

  1. Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your HP printer and click on Open Print Queue.

  3. Cancel any stuck print jobs by clicking on the X icon next to each job.

Once the print queue is cleared, try printing a document again.

Step 4: Restart the Print Spooler (Windows Only)

The Print Spooler is a service on your computer that manages print jobs. If this service encounters a problem, it can prevent your printer from functioning.

Steps to Restart the Print Spooler:

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.

  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.

  3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Print Spooler.

  4. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.

  5. After the service restarts, try printing again.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

If the printer drivers installed during setup are outdated or corrupted, your printer might not function correctly. Updating or reinstalling the drivers can often resolve the issue.

Steps to Update or Reinstall Drivers:

  1. Update Drivers: Go to the HP Support Website and search for your printer model. Download and install the latest drivers for your operating system (Windows or macOS).

  2. Reinstall Drivers: If updating doesn’t solve the issue, you can uninstall and reinstall the printer drivers.

    • For Windows: Open Device Manager > Find your printer > Right-click and select Uninstall device. Then, download and install the drivers from the HP website.

    • For macOS: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Select your HP printer > Click the - button to remove it. Then, add the printer back by clicking the + button and following the prompts.

Step 6: Check Ink and Paper

Your printer might not print if there’s a low ink or paper jam issue.

  1. Check Ink or Toner Levels: On the printer’s control panel or through the HP software on your computer, check the ink or toner levels. Replace any empty or low cartridges.

  2. Check for Paper Jams: Open the printer and carefully inspect for any stuck paper. Remove any jammed paper carefully to avoid damaging the printer. Check the input and output trays for blockages as well.

Step 7: Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows Only)

HP provides a free tool called HP Print and Scan Doctor, which automatically detects and fixes issues with HP printers.

Steps to Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor:

  1. Download the HP Print and Scan Doctor from the HP website.

  2. Launch the tool and select your printer from the list.

  3. Click Fix Printing and let the tool diagnose and resolve the problem.

  4. Follow any prompts provided by the tool and test your printer again.

 

 

Step 8: Check for Firmware Updates

Firmware updates can fix bugs and improve the functionality of your printer. If your printer’s firmware is outdated, it might cause printing issues.

  1. Visit the HP support page and search for your printer model.

  2. Check if there’s a new firmware update available.

  3. Follow the instructions to download and install the firmware update.

Step 9: Contact HP Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your printer is still not printing, it might be time to contact HP Customer Support for further assistance. They can help you diagnose any underlying issues or offer solutions for hardware problems.

Conclusion

If your HP printer is not printing after setup, it could be due to various reasons, including connectivity issues, print queue problems, or outdated drivers. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your printer back to work. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to HP support for additional help.

With a little patience and some basic troubleshooting, you’ll be printing again in no time!

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