HP's steps for a firmware update use the HP app: open the HP Smart or HP app, click the image of the printer to open its settings and management tools, click Advanced Settings under Advanced or Settings to open the printer's Embedded Web Server, and under Firmware Update click Check for Update. If the message says the current firmware is up to date, there is nothing to install; if an Update button appears, click it. HP's warning is plain: do not turn the printer off during a firmware update, because it can permanently damage the printer. Printers can also update from their control panel, under Setup or Tools, Printer Update. There is also a firmware download for some printers, and the Firmware Update Utility for older LaserJets.
Update over a reliable connection, plug the printer into a wall outlet, and keep the computer awake. HP's Dynamic Security page explains why updates matter: they can add features and security fixes but can also block cartridges with non-HP chips, so read what an update changes if you use third-party supplies. Automatic updates can usually be set to notify first, though services like Instant Ink and ePrint require automatic online firmware updates. If an update fails, restart the printer and router and retry. Note the firmware version before and after. Check the printer's release notes when they are available, and update at a time when nobody needs to print, since the printer may be unavailable for several minutes and may restart more than once.
Differential
Likely causes of “HP printers firmware update will not install”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A weak connection
What separates it The update fails because the connection to the printer is weak
How to confirm Use a stronger connection, such as USB or a closer wifi signal
- 2
Power lost during update
What separates it The printer is stuck because power was lost during the update
How to confirm Wait for a while, and then contact HP if the printer stays stuck
- 3
An old app
What separates it There is no update option because the app is old
How to confirm Update the app to the newest version, and look for the option again
- 4
Automatic updates off
What separates it There is no prompt because automatic updates are switched off
How to confirm Check for updates manually, in the printer's settings or the app
- 5
A rejected cartridge after update
What separates it A cartridge error shows because a cartridge was rejected after the update
How to confirm See the cartridge guidance, since the update may have changed cartridge rules
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The firmware version before and after
- The model of the printer that you are updating
- The route that you used to update, such as the app or the panel
- Any error message that appeared during the update
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedOpen the app
ReversibleOpen the app, which is the HP app or HP Smart, and select your printer.
Open Advanced Settings
ReversibleOpen Advanced Settings, which is the Embedded Web Server, in the printer's settings, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check for Update
ReversibleCheck for Update, which you find under Firmware Update, and wait for the result, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Click Update
ReversibleClick Update, if one is offered, and confirm that you want to install it, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Do not power off
ReversibleDo not power off the printer, and wait for it to restart when it has finished.
Confirm the version
ReversibleConfirm the version after the update, in the printer's information page, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Note the change
ReversibleNote the change in cartridge behavior, if any, since updates can change the rules, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- LaserJet
- Older LaserJets use the Firmware Update Utility.
- HP+
- HP+ printers update automatically.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models OfficeJet Pro 9125e, OfficeJet Pro 9015e, OfficeJet Pro 8025e, ENVY Inspire 7955e, ENVY 6455e, DeskJet 4155e, Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw, LaserJet Pro 4101fdw, Smart Tank 7602, Smart Tank 5101.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the update fails after retries, contact HP
- !If the printer will not start after an update, contact HP immediately
- !If cartridges stop working after an update, see the Dynamic Security guidance
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Advanced Settings and Check for Update.
Control panel and web update.
How cartridge authentication and firmware updates work.
Restart, same network, Diagnose & Fix and re-adding the printer.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I update HP printer firmware?+
HP app, Advanced Settings, Firmware Update, Check for Update.
Can I turn the printer off during an update?+
No, do not turn the printer off during an update, since that can leave it stuck.
Can an update block cartridges?+
Yes, an update can block cartridges, according to HP, so read the notes.
Can I turn off automatic updates?+
On many printers you can turn off automatic updates, in the settings.
Does Instant Ink need updates?+
Instant Ink needs automatic updates, so keep them on if you use it.
Can I update from the panel?+
Some models can update from the panel, so check the menu of yours.
What is the Embedded Web Server?+
The Embedded Web Server is the printer's own web page, which you open from a browser.
Should I plug into a wall outlet?+
Yes, plug it into a wall outlet, so that the power stays steady.