Black ink has stopped working I've tried everything.

[Mark4030]

Black ink was going grey and now has stopped completely. All cleaning etc tried. New cartridge. Colour is fine. Is my printer broken. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Mark4030,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding !  

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Check the Cartridge Installation

• Ensure the black ink cartridge is properly inserted and clicked into place.
• If you have a refilled or third-party cartridge, try an original HP cartridge to rule out compatibility issues.

Run Printhead Cleaning

• On the printer control panel, go to Setup > Tools > Clean Printhead and follow the instructions.
• Run the cleaning cycle 2-3 times to remove any clogs.

Check Ink Levels

• Even if the cartridge is new, check ink levels in the HP Smart app or printer settings.
• If the ink level appears low, try replacing the cartridge again.

Align the Printhead

• In Setup > Tools, select Align Printer and follow the steps.
• This ensures the ink is properly distributed.

Manually Clean the Printhead

• Turn off the printer and remove the black ink cartridge.
• Use a lint-free cloth dampened with warm water to gently clean the copper contacts and nozzles.
• Let it dry for a few minutes, reinstall, and test print again.

Reset the Printer

• Turn off the printer, unplug it for 2-3 minutes, then restart.
• This can help reset ink detection issues.

Try Printing in Different Modes

• If black ink still doesn’t print, try "Grayscale" or "Best Quality" mode in print settings.
• If black ink prints faintly in this mode, it may indicate a failing printhead.

Let me know if anything helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,