HP OfficeJet 4630 Won't Power On After Replacing the Power Adapter: What to Check Next

Question: My HP printer 4630 will not power up. After HP recommended troubleshooting I decided to replace the AC power adaptor module, but the printer still didn't power up. Is it a power supply mismatch, or what other issue could it be?

Answer: 

1) Power Adapter Mismatch (Very Common With Replacements)

Even if the plug "fits," the adapter can still be wrong. A mismatch can prevent power-up or cause the printer to remain completely unresponsive.

What to verify on the adapter label

Check the replacement adapter's label and compare it to the printer's required specs (you can also find these on the old adapter label, the printer label, or HP's documentation):

• Output Voltage (V): Must match exactly (example: 32V vs 30V is not close enough).

• Output Current (A): Must be equal to or higher than required. Lower current can cause no-start or instant shutdown.

• Polarity: Most HP barrel plugs are center-positive, but do not assume-verify the symbol on the label.

• Connector type: Some third-party adapters have the "right" rating but a slightly different barrel depth/diameter, so it doesn't actually make solid contact.

Quick mismatch clues

• The replacement adapter gets warm even though the printer is "dead."

• The adapter LED (if it has one) shuts off when plugged into the printer.

• The printer shows no lights, no sounds, no movement-completely inert.

Best test: If possible, try a known-good HP OEM adapter (not just "compatible") that is confirmed for the OfficeJet 4630.

2) Wall Power / Outlet / Power Strip Problems (Simple but Worth Eliminating)

This sounds basic, but it eliminates a lot of false leads:

• Plug the adapter directly into a wall outlet (skip surge protectors and power strips).

• Try a different outlet in a different room.

• If the adapter has a removable AC cord (the wall cord), swap that cord too-those cords fail more often than people think.

3) Printer Internal Power Board Failure (Likely If Adapter Is Correct)

If the adapter is correct and known-good but the printer is still totally dead, then the problem is often inside the printer:

Common internal causes

• DC power board / power regulation circuit failure: The printer's internal board that converts incoming power can fail, especially after surges.

• Shorted component on the main logic board: A short can "drag down" the adapter so the printer never starts.

• Damaged DC input jack on the printer: If the jack is loose, cracked, or broken from strain, the printer may not receive power even with a good adapter.

How to check without opening the printer

• Plug in the adapter to the wall first, then connect to the printer.

• Watch the adapter LED (if present). If it turns off or flickers when connected, that suggests an internal short or overload.

• Gently wiggle the connector at the printer side (do not force). If you see intermittent signs of life, the jack may be damaged.

4) Front-Panel / Firmware Lockup (Less Common When It's "Totally Dead")

Sometimes printers appear dead due to a lockup, but usually you'll still see some sign of life (a blink, a faint motor sound, or a brief LED flash). Still, this is worth trying:

Hard reset / power discharge procedure

1. Unplug the printer from the adapter.

2. Unplug the adapter from the wall.

3. Press and hold the printer Power button (or any button) for 30-60 seconds to discharge residual power.

4. Leave everything unplugged for 10 minutes.

5. Plug the adapter into the wall first, then plug into the printer.

If there is still absolutely no response, the odds shift back toward wrong adapter specs or internal board/jack failure.

What About Error Codes?

In your case, since the printer will not power on at all, you typically won't see any error codes (because the display and control board never boot). HP "error codes" usually appear only after the printer receives power and begins startup.

That said, if at any point you do manage to get it to partially power (lights blink, display flashes, etc.) and you see any messages or numeric codes, please include them-those are very useful for narrowing down whether it's a firmware fault, carriage stall, power rail issue, or sensor failure.

Practical Next Steps (In the Most Efficient Order)

1. Confirm the adapter output specs (Voltage, Amps, polarity) match what the OfficeJet 4630 requires.

2. Try a known-good OEM HP adapter if possible.

3. Bypass power strips and test multiple wall outlets.

4. If adapter is confirmed correct and still dead: suspect DC input jack, internal power board, or logic board short.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because many problems are hands-on by nature and require physical testing. For that reason, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, step-by-step repair suggestions, or hands-on support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we're able to accept your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear intake instructions on how to proceed. We also want to be transparent that our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly encourage self-help through online research. A great place to start is YouTube, especially our channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find a topic fast, use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of messages every day asking if we have a video for a specific issue, and after nine years of creating content it's hard to remember every single upload-so YouTube search is the quickest method. Plus, YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators that match your exact symptom.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. I hope the checks above help you pinpoint whether the issue is an adapter mismatch or an internal power failure so you can decide the most cost-effective next step.