Start by checking the ink or toner levels. Many HP printers let you do this directly on the control panel or through the HP Smart app. Low or empty cartridges are a very common reason for blank pages.

If the cartridges are low, replace them with fresh ones. Even if the printer shows sufficient ink, the cartridge could be dried up or defective.

Sometimes, cartridges may not be properly seated or might have protective tape still covering the nozzle. To ensure proper installation:

Turn off the printer and open the cartridge access door.

Gently remove each cartridge.

Check for any tape or packaging still attached.

Reinsert the cartridges firmly until they click into place.

Close the door and turn the printer back on.

A clogged printhead can block the ink from reaching the page. Most HP printers have a built-in utility that helps clean the printhead:

Access the printer settings on the control panel or HP Smart app.

Navigate to the “Maintenance” or “Tools” section.

Select “Clean Printhead” or a similar option.

The printer will run a cleaning cycle. You may need to repeat this a couple of times if the issue persists.

After cleaning, try printing a test page to check if the output has improved.

Many HP printers allow you to print a diagnostic or print quality report. This test will help determine whether the problem is hardware or software related.

Use the control panel to go to settings or reports.

Select “Print Quality Report” or “Print Diagnostic Page.”

Review the printed page for missing colors, streaks, or inconsistencies.

This can help you pinpoint which cartridge or color is causing the problem.

Corrupt or outdated drivers can prevent the printer from processing print jobs correctly. To fix this:

Go to your computer’s printer settings.

Remove the current printer and reinstall it.

Download the latest drivers from HP’s official support site based on your printer model and operating system.

Follow the installation instructions to complete the setup.

Once updated, try printing again.

Incorrect settings may be directing the printer to print blank pages. Make sure:

You’re using the correct paper size and type.

The correct printer is selected as the default.

You haven't accidentally selected a blank page range in the print dialog.

Also, ensure you’re not in “Print to File” mode, which may cause blank outputs.

If the issue started after a recent system update or new software installation, there may be a conflict. Restart your computer and printer, and try printing from another application or device.

If another device prints correctly, the problem likely lies in the original computer or software settings.

A basic hard reset can resolve minor glitches:

Turn off your printer.

Unplug it from the power source.

Wait for about a minute.

Plug it back in and power it on.

Sometimes a full power cycle clears internal errors causing printing issues.

Third-party or refilled cartridges might save money, but they sometimes lead to poor performance or compatibility issues. If you’re using non-HP ink and experiencing problems, switching to genuine HP cartridges might help restore print quality.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you've tried all the above steps and your HP printer is still printing blank pages, it might be time to contact HP support or take the printer to an authorized service center. The issue could be a more complex hardware fault, such as a faulty ink delivery system or a worn-out printhead.