How to Fix HP Printer Not Printing After Firmware Update

Experiencing issues with your HP printer after a firmware update can be frustrating. Firmware updates are meant to improve performance and security, but sometimes they can cause your printer to stop printing.

What Causes HP Printer to Stop Printing After Firmware Update?

Firmware updates can occasionally disrupt printer functionality due to:

Incompatible drivers after the update.
Printer settings reset during the firmware installation.
Connection issues between the printer and your computer or network.
Corrupt or incomplete firmware installation.

Understanding the root cause helps in applying the correct solution efficiently.

Troubleshooting HP Printer Not Printing

Here are the most effective troubleshooting steps to fix printing issues after a firmware update:

1. Check Printer Connection

Ensure your HP printer is properly connected:

USB connection: Make sure the cable is securely plugged into both the printer and computer.
Wireless connection: Verify that the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and that the signal is strong.

2. Restart Printer and Computer

A simple restart can resolve temporary issues:

Turn off your HP printer, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on.
Restart your computer to refresh the printer connection and drivers.

3. Update or Reinstall HP Printer Drivers

Firmware updates may require the latest drivers to function correctly:

Go to the HP Support website and download the newest driver for your printer model.
Uninstall the old driver, then install the new one.
After installation, restart your computer and try printing again.

4. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP provides a diagnostic tool called HP Print and Scan Doctor that can automatically detect and fix printer problems:

Download the tool and run it on your computer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to detect errors and repair printer issues.

5. Reset the Printer

If the above steps don’t work, performing a printer reset can help:

Soft reset: Turn off the printer, unplug it for 60 seconds, and plug it back in.
Factory reset: Refer to your HP printer manual for steps to restore default settings. This can resolve issues caused by firmware conflicts.

HP Printer Login and Account Activation

Some HP printers require login to your HP Smart account after updates:

Open the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device.
Sign in with your HP account credentials.
If you don’t have an account, create one using the signup option.
This ensures full access to printing features, remote printing, and updates.

How to Install and Activate HP Printer

If your printer stopped working completely after a firmware update:

Uninstall the current printer software from your computer.
Download the latest HP printer software from the official HP support site.
Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts to install and activate your printer.
Test print a document to confirm the printer is fully functional.

Customer Support and Service

If troubleshooting fails, HP offers customer support:

Contact HP via phone, chat, or email.
Provide your printer model and firmware version.
HP technicians can guide you through advanced troubleshooting, including firmware rollback if necessary.

Preventing Printer Issues After Firmware Updates

Always backup printer settings before updating firmware.
Check driver compatibility before performing firmware updates.
Use official HP tools and apps to manage updates and maintenance.
Regularly clean printheads and check ink levels to avoid mechanical errors.

Conclusion

Firmware updates can enhance your HP printer, but they may occasionally cause printing problems. By following these troubleshooting steps—checking connections, updating drivers, logging into your HP account, reinstalling software, or contacting HP support—you can restore your printer’s functionality quickly. Regular maintenance and proper setup will help prevent future disruptions and ensure high-quality printing.