The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw prints on both sides automatically, and when duplex does not work, prints only one side or jams on the second pass, the cause is usually a setting in the driver, a paper that the duplex unit cannot take or a path that needs cleaning. First check that duplex is turned on for the job. In the print dialog, open the printer's properties and find Print on Both Sides or Two-sided printing, and tick it; the default may be single-sided, and some applications override the printer's default.
The checks in more detail
On a Mac, the option sits in the print dialog under Layout, Two-Sided. In HP Smart, choose two-sided in the print options. Check the flip setting, Flip on Long Edge or Short Edge, because a page that comes out upside down on the back is a binding choice and not a fault. Next look at the paper. The automatic duplex unit handles a range of sizes and weights, listed in the user guide, and does not take labels, envelopes, very thick card or stock with a coating that the fuser cannot handle on the second pass;
set the paper type in the tray and the driver, because the printer adjusts the fuser to the type. Curled or damp paper jams on the way back, so use a fresh ream, flat. Do not overfill the tray. If the printer prints the first side and then pauses and jams, open the rear duplex door and clear any paper gently, and check for scraps in the path. If the option is missing from the driver, the printer is installed with a generic driver; install HP's full driver or the HP Smart app, and make sure the duplex unit is set to Installed in the printer's properties, Device Settings.
Update the printer firmware through HP Smart or the support page. For jobs that need both sides but the app will not offer it, print using manual duplex as a workaround. If the page is smudged on the second side, the fuser has not cooled or the paper type is wrong. Run a cleaning page from the control panel menu. If duplex fails for every paper and setting and the printer shows a jam with the path clear, contact HP with the serial number.
Differential
Likely causes of “HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw will not print or scan two-sided”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Duplex not selected in the driver
What separates it Only one side prints
How to confirm Tick two-sided printing and check the flip setting
- 2
Paper the duplex unit cannot take
What separates it Jams on the second pass
How to confirm Use supported size and weight, no labels or envelopes
- 3
Damp or curled paper
What separates it Misfeeds
How to confirm Use a fresh, flat ream
- 4
A generic driver or the unit not marked as installed
What separates it The option is missing
How to confirm Install HP's full driver and set Device Settings
- 5
Debris in the path
What separates it A jam with the path clear
How to confirm Open the rear door and clear scraps
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The paper type and size
- Whether the option appears
- Where the jam occurs
- The driver in use
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedTick two-sided printing
ReversibleIn the print dialog.
Check the flip setting
ReversibleLong or short edge.
Use supported paper
ReversibleFlat and dry.
Install HP's full driver
ReversibleMark the unit as installed.
Clear the duplex path
ReversibleThrough the rear door.
Update the firmware
ReversibleIn HP Smart.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Flip setting
- Long edge or short edge.
- Paper type
- It controls the fuser.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If duplex fails for all papers and settings, contact HP with the serial number
- !Use manual duplex as a workaround
- !Update the firmware
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the 4301fdw print both sides automatically?+
Yes.
Why does the back print upside down?+
The flip setting.
Which paper does it not take?+
Labels, envelopes and very thick card.
What if the option is missing?+
Install HP's full driver.