OfficeJet Pro 8210 – “Problem with the Supply System” only on new cyan cartridges (Instant Ink)

[Sarahsaidso]

Hi HP Support,

I have an OfficeJet Pro 8210 that recently started showing a “Problem with the Supply System” error — but only for the cyan cartridge.

Here’s what’s happening:

I was printing as normal when the printer said cyan was empty.

I installed a brand-new HP Instant Ink cyan cartridge, and immediately got the supply system error.

I’ve since tried five different new cyan cartridges (all genuine Instant Ink, from different shipments over several months). Every one of them triggers the same error.

If I reinstall the old empty cyan cartridge, the printer recognizes it correctly (just shows “empty”) — no supply system error.

The printer is up to date on firmware, restarted multiple times, and I’ve cleaned the cartridge contacts carefully.

At one point, it also briefly rejected the yellow cartridge saying it “does not accept continuous ink,” which I’ve never seen before.

The issue started immediately after I switched to a new type of holographic sticker paper, though that may be unrelated.

So far it looks like the printer’s firmware or chip reader is rejecting the current cyan cartridge generation, not a hardware or ink issue.

I can’t reach HP Support through the normal channels on my computer— every HP page gives me an “Access Denied” error (I’m in the U.S., not on VPN, but all hp.com pages are blocked).

Can someone from the HP team please assist or escalate this? I’d like to either get a replacement cyan cartridge that the printer will recognize, or find out if there’s a firmware rollback or fix.

I'm unable to use the drop down menu from my phone (I can't access this page on my computer, access is denied), but I'm using a Mac. 

Thanks so much in advance.
— 

OfficeJetPro8210 #InstantInk #SupplySystemProblem #CartridgeError #Firmware

[Sarahsaidso]

And I'm happy to provide the serial number or cartridge batch codes if that helps, just let me know.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Sarahsaidso,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

We understand how frustrating this situation is, especially when you’ve tried multiple genuine HP Instant Ink cartridges and still see the “Problem with the Supply System” error. Let’s work through this together.

Why This Happens

This error usually indicates:

• A communication issue between the printer and the cartridge chip.
• Firmware mismatch with the cartridge generation.
• Rarely, a hardware fault in the cartridge slot.

Recommended Steps

1. Power Reset

• Turn off the printer.
• Unplug the power cord for 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in and restart.

2. Clean Cartridge Contacts

• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
• Gently clean the gold contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer.
• Let them dry for 5 minutes before reinstalling.

3. Update Firmware

• Ensure the printer firmware is the latest version: 👉 HP OfficeJet Pro 8210 Printer series | HP® Support

4. Try HP App

• Download HP’s diagnostic tool: 👉 HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site

5. Test with Non-Instant Ink Cartridge

If possible, insert a standard HP 951 cyan cartridge (not Instant Ink) to check if the error persists. If it works, the issue is subscription-related.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat