Troubleshooting guide: hp printer blocked

If you are encountering a printer blocked message on your Hewlett Packard (HP) printer, there are a few possible causes for this issue. This article will guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

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Check for Paper Jam or Out of Paper Error

One common reason for a printer to display the printer blocked message is if there is a paper jam or if the printer is out of paper. To check for these issues:

  • First, make sure there is no paper stuck inside the printer. Open the printer cover and inspect the paper path for any obstructions. If you find any jammed paper, carefully remove it.
  • If there is no paper jam, check the paper tray to ensure it is properly loaded with paper. Make sure the paper is aligned correctly and that the paper guides are snug against the edges of the paper.
  • If the printer is out of paper, simply add more paper to the tray and try printing again.

After resolving any paper-related issues, restart the printer and check if the printer blocked message persists.

Ensure Printer Doors are Properly Closed

The printer blocked message may also appear if one of the printer doors is not properly closed. Check all doors and compartments of your HP printer to ensure they are securely closed. Pay special attention to the main printer door, the ink cartridge access door, and the paper tray cover.

If any of the doors are open, gently close them and wait a few seconds for the printer to reset. Once the doors are closed, check if the printer blocked message disappears.

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Install or Open the HP Smart App

If the previous steps did not resolve the issue, the HP Print Service Plugin may provide a notification to install or open the HP Smart app. Follow these steps:

  1. Swipe down on the screen of your device to display the notifications.
  2. Tap the HP Print Service Plugin notification to install or open the HP Smart app.
  3. If you do not have the HP Smart app installed, you can download and install it from 12hp.com.

Once you have the HP Smart app installed or open, tap the Message icon within the app for further troubleshooting assistance.

After following these steps, your HP printer should no longer display the printer blocked message. If the issue persists, try the following additional steps:

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Restart Your Printer and Device

Turn off your HP printer and unplug it from the power source. Also, restart the device from which you are trying to print (computer, smartphone, etc.). Wait for a few minutes, then plug in the printer and turn it on. Restarting both the printer and the device can often resolve connectivity issues and clear any temporary glitches.

Update Printer Firmware and Drivers

Outdated firmware or drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues and result in the printer blocked message. Visit the official HP website and search for your printer model to access the latest firmware and driver updates. Download and install them according to the provided instructions.

Troubleshooting hp printer: tips & solutionsTroubleshooting hp printer: tips & solutions

Reset the Printer to Factory Settings

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you can try resetting your HP printer to its factory settings. Please note that this will erase any custom settings you have configured on the printer. Refer to your printer's user manual or the HP website for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.

hewlett packard printer blocked - How do I unblock my HP printer

Q: Why is my HP printer saying printer blocked ?

A: The printer blocked message on your HP printer can indicate a paper jam, an out of paper error, or a door that is not properly closed. It can also suggest a connectivity issue or a need to update firmware or drivers.

Q: How do I unblock my HP printer?

A: To unblock your HP printer, follow these steps:

  1. Check for paper jams or out of paper errors.
  2. Ensure all printer doors are properly closed.
  3. Install or open the HP Smart app for further troubleshooting assistance.
  4. If the issue persists, restart the printer and the device from which you are printing.
  5. Update printer firmware and drivers.
  6. Reset the printer to factory settings as a last resort.

Q: How do I unblock my printer spooler?

A: If you are experiencing a blocked printer spooler, try these steps:

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  1. Open the Services window on your computer by pressing the Windows key + R, typing services.msc, and pressing Enter.
  2. Scroll down and locate the print spooler service.
  3. Right-click on the print spooler service and select restart .
  4. Wait for the service to restart and check if the printer spooler is unblocked.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the printer blocked issue on your HP printer. If the problem persists, it is recommended to contact HP Support for further assistance.

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