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Stop printing if the same fault returns after one careful restart or basic recovery step.
HP / OfficeJet Pro 8010 / 8020 / 8030 series

Printhead Error - The printer detected a printhead or ink-system problem that stops normal printing.

The printer detected a printhead or ink-system problem that stops normal printing.

This guide is scoped to the OfficeJet Pro 8010 / 8020 / 8030 series family. Exact menu wording, cartridge naming, and service behavior can still vary by model variant and firmware.

Severity

High

Most likely cause

The printhead is not seated or recognized correctly.

Can you keep using it?

Usually no - see below

Consumables involved

Printhead, Ink cartridge

Can you keep using it?

Can you keep using it?

Contact customer support if any of these apply

  • !The printhead error returns immediately after restart.
  • !The printer will not complete startup or keeps dropping back into the same ink-system failure.
If the printer still starts normally: Try one careful restart or the first official recovery step, then stop if the same error comes back straight away.

What to check first

Step-by-step checks

  1. 1

    Safe first step

    Restart the printer once and let it finish startup cleanly.

    Start with the official recovery step before moving on to parts or deeper servicing.

  2. 2

    Safe first step

    Check that the installed supplies are seated correctly.

  3. 3

    Escalate

    Only open the supply area if HP's support flow calls for it and the printer is powered down.

Background

What this message usually means

HP uses printhead error messages on the OfficeJet 8010 and OfficeJet Pro 8020/8030 family when the printer cannot continue because of a printhead or ink-system condition. These are stronger stop messages than a low-ink warning and need a careful supply and restart check first.

Diagnosis

Likely causes

Most common

The printhead is not seated or recognized correctly.

Common

An ink-system condition stopped normal printing.

Possible

A supply or electrical contact issue is affecting the printhead path.

Service

When service or replacement is more likely

  • -These are not low-urgency supply reminders. Treat them as stop-state faults.

See also

Related codes in this family

E3 / Carriage Jam

The print carriage cannot move normally across the printer.

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Keep browsing

Where to go next

Back to OfficeJet Pro 8010 / 8020 / 8030 series

Browse the rest of this printer range and compare nearby messages.

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Source notes

HP's OfficeJet Pro 8020 family troubleshooting page includes printhead and ink-system failure guidance for this family.

Built around official HP support guidance for the OfficeJet 8010 and OfficeJet Pro 8020/8030 families. Exact wording can vary slightly by model, firmware, app flow, and regional support site.

Printer error codes can vary a little by firmware, region, and exact model variant. Use this guide as a family-level starting point and stop if the next step would require disassembly or service-mode changes.

Known family variants: OfficeJet 8010, OfficeJet Pro 8020, OfficeJet Pro 8022, OfficeJet Pro 8025, OfficeJet Pro 8035

Last reviewed: 2026-04-12

Reference: Open reference

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