Quick Solutions for HP Printer in Error State
Seeing “printer in error state” on Windows or macOS is frustrating, but most cases clear with a few quick checks: remove jams, reseat cartridges, reset the connection, and verify the driver port. Work through this list in order to bring your HP printer back to “Ready.”
Clear Physical Issues First
Power off the printer and unplug it. Open all doors and remove any jammed paper or scraps. Check the output tray and rear access (if available). Reseat cartridges firmly and close all covers. Load fresh paper and ensure tray guides are snug. Power the printer back on and see if the error clears on the panel before sending new jobs.
Restart Printer and Computer
A simple restart often clears transient errors. Turn off the printer, wait 20 seconds, power it on, then restart your computer. After both are back up, check the printer status again.
Check Connection (Wi-Fi/Ethernet/USB)
If you use Wi-Fi, print a network report from the printer and confirm it is connected to the correct 2.4 GHz network. For Ethernet, verify link lights and cable seating. For USB, plug directly into the computer (avoid hubs) and try another port if needed. If you changed the Wi-Fi password recently, rerun the wireless setup wizard or WPS.
Verify the Printer Port on Windows
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your HP printer, and open Printer properties. On the Ports tab, choose the port that matches the current IP or an HP network port. If it points to an old IP or USB port, jobs will fail. Add a new Standard TCP/IP port with the correct IP if needed, and uncheck Use Printer Offline.
Fix on macOS
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, remove the printer, click plus, and re-add it. Choose HP Smart, HP, or the model driver in the Use menu. If the printer doesn't appear, add by IP using the address from your network report and protocol IPP. Re-adding clears many stale error states.
Update or Reinstall Drivers
Install the latest HP Smart or full feature software. Remove old HP entries before reinstalling to avoid conflicts. After reinstall, print a test page. If the error persists, delete the printer, reboot, and add it again with the fresh driver.
Firmware Update
Check HP Smart or the Embedded Web Server (enter the printer's IP in a browser) for firmware updates. Apply updates while the printer is on a stable connection. Firmware patches can fix error-state bugs and improve network stability.
Check Spooler and Queues
On Windows, open the print queue and cancel all jobs, then restart the Print Spooler service (or reboot). On macOS, clear pending jobs or delete/re-add the printer. Stuck jobs can keep the printer flagged as error even after the physical problem is gone.
USB Test to Isolate Issues
If the printer stays in error over Wi-Fi, connect via USB and print a test page. If USB works, the hardware is fine; focus on network/driver settings. If USB also fails, recheck for jams, reseat cartridges, and reinstall drivers.
Power and Surge Protection
Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet instead of a surge protector or power strip, which can cause voltage dips. If you see intermittent errors during startup or printing, try another outlet to rule out power issues.
Router and Network Tips
Reserve the printer's IP in your router to prevent port mismatches. Keep the printer on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for range, and avoid guest networks with client isolation. If your router uses band steering, ensure the printer and computer stay on the same subnet. Disable MAC filtering during setup or add the printer's MAC afterward. Temporarily disable VPN while troubleshooting to allow local discovery.\n
Quick Recovery Checklist
- Clear jams, reseat cartridges, and restart printer and computer.
- Confirm Wi-Fi/Ethernet/USB connection and correct network.
- Verify the port/IP on Windows or re-add by IP on macOS.
- Update/reinstall HP drivers; clear all queued jobs.
- Apply firmware updates and test USB to isolate issues.
- Use a direct wall outlet to avoid power-related errors.
Follow this sequence and most “HP printer in error state” messages clear quickly, getting your device back to ready status for new print and scan jobs.