How to Fix HP Printer Printing Blank Pages After Firmware Update?

A firmware update is designed to improve performance, security, and compatibility of your HP printer. However, sometimes users experience an issue where the HP printer starts printing blank pages after a firmware update. This problem can occur due to driver conflicts, ink system errors, firmware glitches, or incorrect printer settings.

What Causes HP Printer to Print Blank Pages After Firmware Update?

Before fixing the issue, it’s important to understand the common causes:

Corrupted or incomplete firmware update
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers
Ink cartridge recognition issues
Printhead clogging or alignment problems
Incorrect default print settings
Printer not properly activated after update

Identifying the root cause will help resolve the issue quickly.

Step 1: Restart and Reset the HP Printer

A simple restart can often resolve firmware-related glitches.

How to Reset HP Printer:

Turn off the printer.
Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet.
Wait for 60 seconds.
Plug it back in and turn the printer on.

This resets internal memory and clears temporary firmware errors.

Step 2: Check Ink Cartridges and Toner Levels

Firmware updates sometimes reset cartridge detection systems.

Remove ink cartridges.
Check for protective tape left on new cartridges.
Reinstall cartridges firmly.
Run a “Print Quality Diagnostic” page from printer settings.

If cartridges are low or dried, replace them with genuine HP cartridges.

Step 3: Clean and Align the Printhead

Blank pages can result from clogged printheads after a firmware update.

To Clean Printhead:

Open printer control panel.
Navigate to Settings > Tools.
Select “Clean Printhead.”
Run alignment after cleaning.

Repeat cleaning cycle only if necessary to avoid ink waste.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall HP Printer Drivers

Firmware updates sometimes conflict with old drivers.

Reinstall HP Printer Drivers:

Open Control Panel on Windows.
Go to Devices and Printers.
Remove your HP printer.
Restart your computer.
Install the latest HP printer drivers compatible with your model.

Make sure drivers match your operating system version.

Step 5: Check HP Printer Firmware Version

Sometimes the firmware update may not complete correctly.

Print a configuration page.
Verify current firmware version.
If corrupted, reinstall the firmware update properly.

Avoid interrupting the printer during firmware installation.

Step 6: Adjust Printer Settings

Incorrect settings may cause blank output.

Check:

Paper size settings
Print quality mode
Ink-saving or toner-save mode
Default print layout

Reset printer settings to default if unsure.

Step 7: Run HP Printer Troubleshooting Tool

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooting feature.

Open Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Select Troubleshoot.
Choose Printer and run the troubleshooter.

This tool automatically detects and fixes common printing problems.

HP Printer Login and Account Setup

To manage updates and printer services effectively, you need an HP account.

How to Login to HP Printer Account:

Open HP Smart app.
Enter registered email ID.
Enter password.
Access printer dashboard.

How to Sign Up for HP Account:

Open HP Smart.
Click Create Account.
Enter personal details.
Verify email address.
Complete account setup.

An active account helps manage firmware updates and printer services easily.

How to Download and Install HP Printer Firmware Update

If firmware caused the issue, reinstall it properly.

Steps to Download and Install:

Open HP Smart or printer software.
Check for firmware updates.
Download the latest version.
Keep printer connected during installation.
Wait until update completes.

Never power off the printer during firmware installation.

How to Activate HP Printer After Firmware Update

Some printers may require reactivation after major updates.

Activation Steps:

Restart printer.
Connect to Wi-Fi network.
Log into HP Smart account.
Confirm printer registration.

If activation fails, reset network settings and reconnect.

HP Printer Not Working After Firmware Update – Advanced Troubleshooting

If your HP printer is still printing blank pages:

Perform a factory reset.
Check printer spooler service (Windows).
Try printing from another device.
Test using USB connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Disable third-party firewall temporarily.

If none of these work, firmware rollback may be required (only if supported).

HP Printer Customer Support and Service Options

If troubleshooting does not fix the issue, contact HP support.

Support options include:

Online chat assistance
Remote diagnostics
Warranty repair service
Replacement under warranty

Keep printer model number and firmware version ready before contacting support.

Prevent HP Printer Blank Page Issues in Future

To avoid similar issues:

Always install official firmware updates.
Keep printer drivers updated.
Use genuine HP ink or toner.
Perform regular printhead cleaning.
Avoid interrupting firmware installations.

Conclusion

If your HP printer is printing blank pages after a firmware update, the issue is usually related to driver conflicts, cartridge errors, or incomplete firmware installation. By following proper troubleshooting steps — including printhead cleaning, driver reinstalling, firmware checking, and printer reset — you can quickly restore your printer to normal working condition.