The error is generally seen with old printers, but several users reported seeing the message with their printer after only a few months of use. So, why does this happen, and what triggers it? Don’t worry; we’ll try to cover everything in the solutions below.

What causes printhead failure?

Printhead failures are generally due to physical issues; most commonly, it’s the ink nozzle’s clogging. If the printer is not used regularly, the ink might dry out and block the nozzle. Also, excessive usage of the printer can lead to damage to the printhead. Every time you print a sheet of paper, the physical contact between it and the printhead nozzle will cause minor wear and tear, affecting its functioning in the long run. Besides, the printhead may be loose, or the cartridges incorrectly identified, and both these would seem like a missing or failed printhead. So, make sure to check for these as well. And it’s a known fact that the printhead will eventually fail. While some may print as many as 15,000 sheets before failure, others might stop working at 2000-3000 prints. It all depends on maintenance and the usage frequency. Here are some of the known printhead issues shared by users:

Missing or failed printhead HP 8600: Simply removing the cartridges and reseating them should fix the problem. Missing or failed printhead HP 8610: Loose printhead can cause the error. Open the printer cover and check if the printhead is suitably seated. HP OfficeJet Pro X476dw MFP Missing or failed printhead: Encountered by several users, the fixes listed here should work. Missing or failed printhead HP 8625: Try resetting the printer in addition to checking for physical issues. Missing or failed printhead HP 6600: Make sure to unplug the printer from the power source for at least 15 seconds and then plug it back in. HP OfficeJet Pro X576dw Missing or failed printhead: Some models have been found to throw errors due to improper cable connections. We recommend you contact HP customer support. Missing or failed printhead HP OfficeJet 8620: The error is generally encountered after changing the cartridges if it disrupts the printhead’s position. So, check for that. Missing or failed printhead HP 6700: Make sure the printer is directly connected to the power source, and if that doesn’t work, update the firmware.

How do you know if your printhead is damaged?

The signs are pretty evident even if you don’t receive the Missing or failed printhead error. The print quality is affected depending on the severity of the damage to the printhead, and the printer won’t work in case of absolute failure. Also, if the prints are hazy, the colors are missing or distorted, or there are stripes on the sheet, it all points to damage to the printhead.

Is it worth replacing the printhead?

There is no absolute answer to this question, but it depends on several factors. For instance, how long the printer has been in use, whether it’s still in warranty and the cost of replacing the printhead. Say the printer is a few years old and is well past the warranty period; it only makes sense to replace the printer instead of the printhead. The latest printers have several advanced features and offer a low CPP. If the printer is still in the warranty period or is just out of it, it only makes sense to replace the printhead since it would be more economical as the printer still has a few years left. Now that you have a basic understanding of printheads and their issues, here are some resolutions for the Missing or failed printhead error on the HP OfficeJet printer. SPONSORED

How can I fix the Missing or failed printhead error?

1. Reset the HP Printer

This should fix the HP Missing or failed printhead error. In case it doesn’t work, head to the following method.

2. Reseat the HP Printer’s Printhead

3. Clean the Ink Cartridge

Cleaning ink cartridges might also resolve the Missing or failed printhead error for some users. To do that, remove the ink cartridges from the printhead. Next, gently wipe the cartridges’ copper contacts with a lint-free cloth and distilled water. Then dry the cartridges with a dry cloth before inserting them back into the printer. Check if you still see Printhead: missing, failed, or incompatible. If the problem persists, try the following method.

4. Update Printer Firmware

5. Replace Non-HP Cartridges

If none of the above resolutions work, users might need to replace their cartridges. That’s especially the case if they’re using non-HP cartridges. Make sure the replacement is a genuine HP cartridge pack. Those are some fixes that might resolve the Missing or failed printhead error. However, some users might need replacement printheads. Users with printheads covered with warranties can get printhead assembly kits from HP, with which they can install both new printheads and cartridges.

Are printheads expensive?

Printheads are indeed an expensive component, and that’s the reason many users replace the printer instead of purchasing a new printhead. Looking at the available options, even the economical printheads cost $100 or more. A significant reason is that manufacturers initially sell the printer at a low cost, and the consumables and components are priced higher to make a profit. That’s all there’s to the Missing or failed printhead error encountered by users. Though the problem is generally faced on HP printers, other printers, like the ones manufactured by Epson, are prone to it. Also, find the best printers with cheap ink, to keep the printing cost low. If you have any other queries or know of a solution that’s not listed here, drop a comment below.

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