How to Fix HP Printer Stuck at “Checking the Printer, Please Wait” and Ink Supply System Errors

Question:

After previously repairing my printer using your guide for fixing a broken PF rod gear, it worked fine until recently. I tried replacing a depleted yellow cartridge with a free HP cartridge (not part of Instant Ink), and the printer recognized it but asked me to join the ink program. I swapped it with another HP cartridge, which gave me an error message saying there was an issue with the ink supply system. I cleaned the cartridges, confirmed ink was flowing, and also replaced a blue cartridge, which was recognized without issue.

Then I removed all the cartridges to clean the holder and carriage. After restarting, the printer froze at the “Checking the printer, please wait” message and wouldn’t move past it. I attempted a power reset but that didn’t help. The touchscreen is blocked, and the printer isn’t connected to Wi-Fi, so I can’t use the HP Smart app either. Do you have any suggestions on how to fix this issue and address the yellow cartridge error?

Answer:

Why Your HP Printer is Stuck at "Checking the Printer, Please Wait"

What you’re experiencing is a known issue where the printer enters a firmware lock state due to internal communication problems—often tied to ink cartridge errors or system misreads. When the printer cannot complete its initialization due to a cartridge-related fault, it becomes stuck in the “Checking the printer” stage.

Step-by-Step Recovery: Perform a Full Power Reset

You already attempted a simple restart, but let’s try a more thorough power reset. This helps discharge any residual electricity and might clear a firmware hang:

1. Turn off the printer completely.

2. Unplug the power cord from both the printer and the wall.

3. While unplugged, press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds.

4. Wait 5–10 minutes to allow the internal memory to discharge fully.

5. Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet (not a surge protector or extension).

6. Turn the printer back on.

This method often helps clear firmware glitches that cause boot-up hangs.

 Try Booting Without Cartridges Installed

If the printer continues to hang:

1. Power it off again.

2. Remove all cartridges from the printer.

3. Try restarting the printer without any cartridges installed.

If the printer proceeds past the “Checking the printer” screen without cartridges, that’s a strong indicator that a specific cartridge—most likely the yellow one—is causing the lockup. Once the printer boots, reinsert the cartridges one at a time, starting with the blue one (which you confirmed works). Leave the yellow for last and observe the response.

 Clean Cartridge and Printhead Contacts

The error regarding the yellow cartridge—"Ink Supply System Problem"—typically points to either:

• An issue with the chip on the cartridge.

• Dirty or misaligned contacts between the cartridge and the printhead.

Here’s how to clean:

• Use a lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher).

• Clean the metal contacts on both the yellow cartridge and the cartridge slot on the carriage.

• Let everything dry thoroughly before reinserting.

Caution About Free HP Cartridges

Many users are surprised to learn that HP’s “free” cartridges (those bundled with printers or promotional kits) can be locked to certain services, such as HP Instant Ink. Even if they’re genuine, these cartridges can be:

• Region-locked or tied to another printer.

• Inactive until registered in the Instant Ink program.

• Read by the printer as incompatible if previously used or not authorized.

This can trigger the “Ink Supply System Problem”, particularly if the printer believes the cartridge is unauthorized.

Unfortunately, there’s no reliable workaround for HP’s cartridge authentication system, as the firmware verifies each cartridge via a chip. If it fails this check, the printer may either refuse to print—or worse, halt during startup.

 Final Recommendation

If none of these steps resolve the problem, your best route is to contact HP Support directly. Be sure to provide them with these key details:

• The printer previously functioned after a successful hardware repair.

• The issue began immediately after inserting the yellow cartridge.

• The printer is now stuck in an “initializing” state, blocking access to the touchscreen and software tools.

A Note from BCH Technologies

Dealing with printer malfunctions can often require hands-on inspection, which makes remote troubleshooting inherently limited. While we’d love to help more directly, we do not offer remote repair support or step-by-step diagnostics. However, we invite you to explore our printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). It’s an in-person service, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand, there may be a delay of several weeks before we can accept new drop-offs.

That said, many of our customers find success through self-help by reviewing our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon on the right-hand side (next to the “About” tab) to look up your specific printer model or issue. YouTube might also suggest related videos from our channel or others that may help resolve the issue.

Thanks again for contacting us. We truly appreciate your trust and patience. Your initiative in trying to resolve these issues is commendable, and we’re always here to support your journey with reliable repair content and services.