HP Instant Ink cartridge not recognized

[Barbara77]

My printer is not recognizing the Magenta instant ink cartridge I installed yesterday. I have tried everything, uninstalled, reinstalled old cartridge which it saw but said it was out of ink. Tried putting the new one back on, same message saying  cartridge missing or damaged. I have tried all the trouble shooting steps, cleaning contacts, turning printer on/off, etc. I replaced the yellow cartridge and got the same message initially but then it was recognized. I can’t print and I don’t know how to go about getting g a new cartridge from HP to replace the magenta one that is not working. Can someone please help?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Barbara77,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

It sounds like you have a faulty chip on that specific Magenta cartridge. Since your printer recognized the Yellow cartridge after a retry and still sees the old Magenta one, we can confirm the printer's internal sensors are working fine, but the "Missing or Damaged" error on the new one indicates a hardware defect in the cartridge's electronic signature.

1. Force a "Double Reset" of the Cartridge Memory
   • Remove the problematic Magenta cartridge and close the access door.
   • Wait for the printer to display a "Cartridge Missing" error on its screen or the app.
   • Power the printer off, unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
   • Reinsert the Magenta cartridge firmly, ensuring it clicks, to force the printer to re-scan the chip from a fresh boot state.
2. Check for "Ship Mode" Debris
   • Remove the Magenta cartridge and inspect the copper contacts for any microscopic residue from the protective packaging.
   • Use a dry, lint-free cloth to buff the copper contacts on the cartridge and the gold pins inside the carriage one last time.
   • Ensure there are no small plastic bits or dried ink obstructing the circular ink port on the bottom of the cartridge.
   • Reinsert the cartridge and apply a small amount of extra pressure to ensure it is seated as deeply as possible.

For troubleshooting steps specifically for subscription cartridges, see the HP official guide on Instant Ink cartridge errors.

Let me know how it goes.

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi