hp-unload

hp-unload [OPTIONS] [DEVICE_URI]
hp-unload --auto

-r, --raw
    Sends a raw unload command directly to the device, bypassing standard HPLIP routines.

-u, --gui
    Invokes a graphical user interface (GUI) for the unload operation, if available.

-h, --help
    Displays a help message with command usage and available options.

-v, --version
    Shows the installed HPLIP version on the system.

-d, --debug
    Enables debug mode, providing verbose output useful for troubleshooting issues.

--auto
    Attempts to automatically detect a connected HP device and initiate the unload process without specifying a URI.

DEVICE_URI
    Specifies the Universal Resource Identifier of the target HP device (e.g., hpaio:/usb/HP_Printer?serial=XXXXXXXXXX). This URI can often be found using hp-info or hp-makeuri.

hp-unload is a command-line utility provided as part of the HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) driver suite. Its primary function is to programmatically unload or eject media, typically documents from the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) or the scanner glass, of supported HP All-in-One or multifunction devices.

This command is particularly useful in scenarios where a document might be stuck after a scan operation, or if you need to clear the feeder without physically opening the device or using its control panel buttons. It helps in automating document handling tasks or recovering from minor document feeding issues during batch scanning. The command requires a device URI to identify the target HP device, ensuring the unload command is sent to the correct printer/scanner.

hp-unload requires the HPLIP driver suite to be correctly installed and configured for your HP device. It may not successfully unload media if the document is severely jammed, if the device is not responding, or if the device model does not fully support programmatic unloading. A valid DEVICE_URI is crucial for targeted unloading; otherwise, the command might fail or require --auto detection. This command is primarily designed for HP multifunction devices with ADF capabilities.

The DEVICE_URI is a critical argument that uniquely identifies the target HP device on your system (e.g., via USB, network). Without it, hp-unload cannot direct the unload command to the correct hardware. You can usually find the device URI for your connected HP printer or scanner using hp-info or hp-makeuri, or by checking the output of a successful hp-scan command.

If hp-unload fails, ensure your device is powered on, properly connected, and not displaying any error states on its own control panel. Using the --debug option can provide more insights into communication failures or underlying problems. For severe paper jams that prevent automated ejection, manual intervention might still be necessary following the device's specific instructions.

The hp-unload command is an integral part of the HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) project, which was initiated by HP in the early 2000s to provide robust and comprehensive Linux support for their wide range of printers, scanners, and multifunction devices. Its inclusion reflects the need for programmatic control over device functions, particularly for document feeders, to enhance user experience and enable scripting of scanning workflows. Over the years, as HPLIP has evolved with new HP hardware and Linux distributions, hp-unload has remained a core utility for managing media ejection, improving convenience for users handling multi-page documents or resolving minor paper feed issues.

hp-scan(1), hp-info(1), hp-setup(1), hp-sendfax(1), hp-makeuri(1), scanimage(1), sane-find-scanner(1)