Top 10 Reasons Why Your HP OfficeJet 8620 Isn’t Printing (That Aren’t Ink Clogs)

Question:

If ink port clogging isn’t the cause, what other possible reasons could be that my HP OfficeJet 8620 printer is not printing? Please provide a list of other potential issues.

Answer:

1. Empty or Expired Ink Cartridges

Symptoms: The printer goes through the motions of printing, but the page comes out blank.
Fix: Check ink levels by using the HP software or the printer’s control panel. Replace any cartridges that are low or have reached their expiration date.

2. Unrecognized or Faulty Cartridges

Symptoms: You may see blinking lights, cartridge error messages, or messages indicating the cartridge isn’t detected.
Fix: Remove and reinsert the cartridges. Clean the electrical contacts using a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Consider switching to genuine HP cartridges to rule out compatibility issues if you're using third-party cartridges.

3. Printhead Failure or Electrical Malfunction

Symptoms: New cartridges don’t print; flashing lights or error messages persist.
Fix: The HP 8620 uses a removable printhead (HP 950/951 series). Try cleaning the printhead manually or consider replacing it. Be cautious with aftermarket printheads, as their quality varies significantly.

4. Airlock in Ink Supply System

Symptoms: Cartridges are full, but no ink reaches the paper.
Fix: This could be due to trapped air in the ink pathways. Try running several deep clean cycles. If that fails, use a syringe to prime the printhead manually and expel air bubbles.

5. Firmware or Software Glitches

Symptoms: Print jobs are sent but disappear, or the printer doesn't respond.
Fix: Restart the printer, check for firmware updates through the HP website, and reinstall the printer driver on your computer. In some cases, a factory reset may be necessary.

6. Print Queue or Spooler Problems

Symptoms: Print jobs get stuck in the queue, or nothing prints.
Fix: Go to “Services” on Windows and restart the “Print Spooler” service. Alternatively, clear the print queue manually. Mac users can reset the print system by using the “Printers & Scanners” menu.

7. Connectivity or Network Errors

Symptoms: The printer shows offline or cannot be found.
Fix: Restart your router and printer. Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi or try using a USB cable to test direct printing. Also, ensure the printer is set as the default printer on your system.

8. Paper Feed or Sensor Issues

Symptoms: Blank sheets eject, misfeeds occur, or the printer makes noise without printing.
Fix: Inspect the paper path for obstructions or dirt. Clean paper rollers and sensors, especially the ones located under the carriage. Be sure to use quality paper and load it correctly.

9. Driver or Printer Setting Misconfiguration

Symptoms: Incorrect paper size, layout errors, or blank pages.
Fix: Uninstall and reinstall the HP driver. Double-check printer settings for page size, orientation, and paper type through your operating system’s print settings.

10. Power Supply or Voltage Inconsistencies

Symptoms: Printer powers up but behaves abnormally or intermittently.
Fix: Avoid power strips or surge protectors that may cause voltage drops. Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet to test for power-related issues. If problems persist, inspect the power adapter or cable for damage.

Addressing printer issues can be quite hands-on, so we cannot offer remote repair advice or one-on-one troubleshooting for hardware faults. However, we provide in-person diagnostic and repair services at our local repair facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and there might be a waiting period before drop-off.

Our repair services are structured to handle either full printer restorations or targeted part repairs, with step-by-step guidance on how to proceed. We acknowledge that our service rates may not fit all budgets. We highly recommend doing your research and utilizing our free resources, including the BCH Technologies YouTube Channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to “About” on the channel menu bar to look up specific issues. We’ve published videos over the past nine years, so chances are there’s something there—or from another helpful creator—that will get you back up and running.

Thank you once again for reaching out. Your attention to troubleshooting is precisely what keeps this community strong. Let us know if we can help further.