Re: Black ink not refilling - HP Support Community

JKM83 · ‎02-12-2024

I have refilled the ink in my HP Smart Tank 7001 for years now. I know all of the steps. I am able to refill the colored ink. The black ink suddenly will not refill from the bottle. I have tried more than one ink bottle and yes I have opened it and followed all the directions. I see others have had this issue too but not solutions. Did anyone ever figure out how to refill the black ink and fix the issue?

Raj_05 · ‎02-14-2024

Hi @JKM83,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If you're experiencing difficulty refilling the black ink in your HP Smart Tank 7001 printer despite following all the usual steps, there could be a few potential reasons for this problem.

Air bubbles: Sometimes, air bubbles can get trapped in the ink line or the cartridge, preventing ink from flowing properly. Try gently tapping the cartridge or ink tank to dislodge any air bubbles that may be present.
Clogged printhead: If the printhead is clogged, ink may not be able to flow properly. You can try running a printhead cleaning cycle from your printer's control panel or software to see if that resolves the issue.
Faulty ink cartridge or tank: It's possible that there's a problem with the black ink cartridge or the connection between the cartridge and the printer. Try removing the cartridge and inspecting it for any visible issues. Additionally, check for any damage to the ink tank or the connection points.
Printer firmware or software issue: Sometimes, printer firmware or software updates can cause compatibility issues with third-party ink refills. Make sure your printer's firmware and software are up to date, and if necessary, try reverting to an older version to see if that resolves the problem.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support

Raj_05
HP Support Community Moderator

JKM83 · ‎02-14-2024

Thank you for the response. I can visibly see the air bubbles in the black ink tank so I think this may the problem. Is there any other way to get the bubbles out besides tapping? I see a lot of bubbles.

Raj_05 · ‎02-14-2024

Hi @JKM83,

Thank you for your response,

If you're experiencing air bubbles in the ink tank of your HP Smart Tank 7001 printer, tapping the tank gently is indeed one common method to dislodge them. However, if tapping alone isn't working or if you're concerned about potentially damaging the printer, there are a few other methods you can try.

Running a Print Head Cleaning Cycle: Many printers, including the HP Smart Tank series, have a print head cleaning function built into their software. Running this cleaning cycle may help dislodge air bubbles and improve ink flow. You can usually find this option in the printer's settings menu on the control panel or within the printer software on your computer.
Using a Vacuum Method: Some users have had success using a vacuum method to remove air bubbles from ink tanks. This involves creating a seal around the ink tank vent and using a vacuum source (like a small handheld vacuum or a syringe) to gently draw out the air. Be cautious not to apply too much suction, as this could damage the printer or cause ink leakage.
Priming the Ink System: In some cases, air bubbles can become trapped in the ink delivery system leading to the print head. HP printers often have a priming function that helps to purge air from the system. You can usually find instructions for priming the ink system in the printer's user manual or on the HP website.

Before attempting any of these methods, it's important to refer to the printer's user manual for guidance specific to your printer model. Additionally, always handle ink cartridges and printer components with care to avoid damaging the printer or causing a mess.