[Android] I selected to print in black and white, but printer print in colour.

[unrealprox]

Device: Google Pixel 8 Pro

OS: GrapheneOS 2025041100 (based on Android 15)

HP Smart app version: 18.5.1.5470 (from Google Play)

Printer model: HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 3635

When I set the printing preferences to print in black and white, the printer still print in colour. There is no such problem when I use HP Smart on my iPhone 13 Pro Max.

 

 

 

 

P.S. Printer has run out of colour ink.

Please fix this bug.

[Max3Aj]

@unrealprox, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

You're trying to print in Black & White using the HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3635 from your Google Pixel 8 Pro, but the printer:

• Still attempts to use color ink, even though you selected grayscale.
• Behaves correctly (prints in grayscale) when using HP Smart on your iPhone.

Why this might be happening:

1. Android HP Print Service Plugin bug: The app or Android system plugin might not be respecting the grayscale setting, especially if color ink is depleted.
2. HP driver behavior: Some HP DeskJet models will not print at all or partially print if any color ink cartridge is empty, even in B&W mode. This is part of HP’s design to prevent damage to the printhead, although it can be frustrating.

Suggested Workarounds & Fixes:

✅ 1. Use “Black Ink Only” instead of “Grayscale”:

• On some HP models, “Grayscale” still mixes in some color ink.
• Try enabling “Print using Black Ink Only” in the Advanced / Additional Settings:
  • Tap on "Дополнительные параметры" (Additional settings) on Android before printing.
  • Look for an option like “Black Ink Only”, “Use only black cartridge”, or "Use black ink even if color is empty".

✅ 2. Update or reinstall the HP Print Service Plugin:

• Go to Play Store and update/reinstall: HP Print Service Plugin.

✅ 3. Use the HP Smart App instead of Android’s native print:

• Since the HP Smart app on iPhone works correctly, try installing it on your Android device: HP Smart for Android.
• Use this app to print and explicitly select B&W. It tends to override problematic defaults better than the system print dialog.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[unrealprox]

Unfortunately, nothing helped. 

There is nothing that looks like even close to "Black Ink Only" in Advanced printer settings.

I have already tried to reinstall HP Smart app from Google Play.

Also I tried this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hp.android.printservice .

As you could see on one of screens above, even after I select black and white mode colour document is added in print queue.

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@unrealprox, Thank you for your response. 

It sounds like you've pinpointed the issue with your HP printer when printing from Android devices. The problem arises because the HP Print Service Plugin and HP Smart app are not properly converting documents to true black-and-white before sending them to the printer. This results in the printer receiving color data even when "Black and White" is selected, leading to issues when the color cartridge is empty.

Root Cause Summary:

• Android HP printing system is not converting documents to grayscale.
• The printer receives color information, causing it to attempt to use the empty color cartridge.
• This issue is specific to Android and is a known limitation, especially with older printer models like the HP 3635.

Solutions to Consider:

You have two main options to work around this issue:

1. Convert the Document to Black and White Yourself

• Use a photo editing app (like Google Photos or Snapseed) to apply a Black & White filter to your document or image.
• Save the edited file as a new copy.
• Print this black-and-white version, ensuring the Android printing system sends pure grayscale data.

Apps you can use:

• Google Photos (basic B&W filter)
• Snapseed (more advanced B&W conversion)
• Photo Editor Pro (various B&W options)

2. Print from a PC/Mac

• If you have access to a computer, install the HP printer driver.
• You will have options like "Print in Grayscale" or "Black Ink Only," which will respect your settings properly.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[unrealprox]

Would be great if HP Smart app could do it in the future 

[MiraLang]

Thank you, you saved my day.