How to Fix HP Printer Control Panel Not Working Issue?

Are you frustrated with your HP printer control panel not working? This guide has all the solutions you need!

You’re not alone since this is a common issue with HP printers. It’s nothing serious as it’s usually a power delivery issue.

Your printer is not receiving sufficient power to power all of its components. Unfortunately, the control panel is not high on the priority list.

To fix the control panel of your HP printer, you want to connect it directly to a wall outlet. Do not use a power strip or an extension, which can hamper proper power delivery. You can also perform a power reset to completely discharge the printer and flush out all the bugs and glitches.

Let’s take a look at the different factors that can cause this issue and then move on to the troubleshooting guide.

What Causes HP Printer Control Panel Not Working

There are a few sources to look into when the control panel of your HP printer stops working. You want to focus on a couple of systems here, mainly power and firmware.

You want to check that everything is connected properly and look into any updates your printer can get.

Here are the issues that can cause your printer’s control panel not to work:

1. Power Delivery

If your printer does receive the right amount of power, it can stop other components from turning on. The control panel is often shut down to prioritize the printing functions.

2. Network Connectivity

A symptom of bad network connectivity is when the control panel display does not turn on. An issue there can cause the screen to malfunction.

3. Outdated Firmware

It’s always recommended to keep your printer’s firmware updated. Bugs and incompatibilities with the software can cause the control panel to stop working.

4. Incomplete Startup

Modern printers are complex machines, and if it’s not started up properly, they can malfunction. You can tweak the features via updates as this can quickly resolve the issue.

These are the causes that can significantly impact your machine and cause it to break down.

We can now proceed to the troubleshooting steps so you can fix this issue right now!

How Do I Access My HP Printer Control Panel

Accessing your HP printer control panel is as easy as touching the display to turn it on. If it doesn’t respond, there is something wrong, and you’ll need to fix it.

One of the first things you can do is to restart the printer. Turn it off, turn it back on again, and see if the control panel display powers up.

If a simple restart does not solve the problem, we can perform a more advanced reset that will get the job done:

Solution #1: Perform a Power Reset

A power reset can look like a restart but with a slightly different procedure. It allows the printer to discharge all the power from its circuits and memory completely.

Now, the next time you boot up the printer, it will be a fresh start since all the bugs and glitches will be flushed out.

Here’s how to perform a power reset on your HP printer:

1. Turn ON the printer by pressing the Power button.
2. Leaving your printer ON, unplug it from the wall outlet.
3. Wait for at least 60 seconds.
4. Plug the printer back into the wall socket.
5. Turn ON the printer again.

Note: It’s important that you plug the printer directly into the socket and not use power strips, especially those with surge protection.

Solution #2: Connect Your Printer Directly to a Wall Outlet

If you find out that your printer is not directly plugged into a wall outlet, you will want to change that.

Extensions and power strips can affect the overall power delivery to your printer. That’s why you need to plug it directly.

Here’s how to connect your printer directly to the wall outlet:

1. Unplug your printer’s power cord from the power strip.
2. Plug it in directly to a grounded outlet.
3. Turn ON the printer.
4. Check if the control panel responds.

Tip: You might want to reposition your printer near a wall outlet, so you don’t use a power strip.

Solution #3: Use an Ethernet Cable to Connect Your Printer

One factor that can cause your printer’s control panel to break down is no network connectivity. This can happen if you connect your printer wirelessly via WiFi.

You might not know it, but your printer could be disconnected, and you’ll only realize it when it’s too late.

The easiest way to ensure that your printer is always connected is by hardwiring it to your network via an Ethernet cable.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn ON the printer.
2. Remove plugs or covers found on your printer’s Ethernet port.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable to the printer.
4. Connect the other end of the cable to your router.
5. Restart your printer and check the control panel.

Note: Check the light on your printer’s Ethernet port. A steady green light means it’s connected properly.

Solution #4: Check for Product Updates

Your HP printer comes with a lot of functions and features. Sometimes, they may need updating, so your machine runs smoothly and does not experience any issues.

However, you do need to perform these updates manually, and if your printer is always in use, the timing can get difficult.

Since your printer will be experiencing usage downtimes due to its touchscreen control panel not working, you can perform these updates now.

Here are the steps to check for product updates:

1. Press the Right Arrow on your printer’s control panel.
2. Select Setup, then navigate to Web Service Setup.
3. Go to Product Updates.
4. Choose Check for Product Updates.
5. Try using the touchscreen.

Note: Some HP printers come with physical buttons on the control panel, allowing you to perform these steps even if the touchscreen is not working.

Solution #5: Update Your Printer’s Firmware

At this point, if you’ve tried the other steps and still experiencing an issue with your machine’s control panel, you will need to update the firmware.

It’s an easy process that will restore your printer’s functions. HP regularly releases new versions of their firmware which help in the overall operation of your machine.

It can enhance functions, update apps, and resolve issues like when the control panel stops working.

Here’s how to update your printer’s firmware:

1. Navigate to HP Software and Driver Downloads on the HP website.
2. Type in your printer model to check the latest firmware.
3. Select Firmware, then Download.
4. Use a USB cable to connect the printer to your computer.
5. Select your printer from the list and click Update.

Alert: Do not turn off your printer during the update process, as this can damage your machine.

Note: Since your printer’s control panel is not working, you will need to connect your printer to a computer via a USB cable.

These steps should solve the problem with the touchscreen control panel of your printer. Contact HP customer support for assistance if you’re still experiencing issues after trying out all the steps.

Your machine might have a more serious hardware fault that needs repair or replacement.

Read Next: Why Is My HP Printer Connected but not Printing?

Bottom Line

Now that you know how to fix the HP printer control panel not working, all you need to do is follow the steps closely.

These are the most effective solutions for this error, and they don’t even require any technical expertise to perform.

Start working on it so you can resolve the issue and use your printer.