• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
If you're having print quality issues Click here for more tips!
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended

My black ink isn’t showing up when I print. It’s a brand new cartridge and my color ink is showing up. So not sure why my black isn’t. I also cleaned it and still nothing

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

HI @Jazijay,

 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

 

If your black ink isn’t showing up on the printed page despite having a new cartridge and performing cleaning, it could be due to several reasons. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Verify Cartridge Installation

a. Check Cartridge Placement:

  • Open the Printer: Open the printer’s ink cartridge access door.
  • Ensure Proper Installation: Make sure the black ink cartridge is installed correctly and is firmly seated in its slot.

b. Remove and Reinsert Cartridge:

  • Remove Cartridge: Carefully remove the black ink cartridge.
  • Inspect Cartridge: Check for any protective tape or packaging that might still be on the cartridge.
  • Reinsert Cartridge: Reinsert the cartridge, ensuring it clicks into place.

2. Perform Printhead Cleaning

  • Access Cleaning Menu: On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead or a similar option.
  • Run Cleaning Cycle: Follow the instructions to run a cleaning cycle for the printhead.
  • Deep Cleaning: If available, select the option for a deep or thorough cleaning to clear any more stubborn clogs.

3. Check for Printhead Issues

  • Power Off Printer: Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  • Remove Printhead: If your printer allows, carefully remove the printhead assembly.
  • Clean Printhead: Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water to clean the printhead contacts.
  • Reinsert Printhead: Allow everything to dry completely before reinstalling the printhead and turning the printer back on.

4. Check Ink Levels and Cartridge Quality

  • Check Levels: Use the printer’s control panel or HP Smart app to check the ink levels. Ensure the black ink cartridge has sufficient ink.
  • Try a Different Cartridge: If possible, try using another black ink cartridge to rule out the possibility of a defective cartridge.

5. Perform Printhead Alignment

  • Access Alignment Tool: On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Align Printer or similar options.
  • Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to align the printhead.

6. Check Printer Settings

  • Print Preferences: When printing from your computer, check the print settings to ensure that the black ink is selected as the color for text and images.
  • Set to Black & White: Ensure the document is set to print in black and white or grayscale if you are troubleshooting black ink issues.

7. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

  • HP Support: Go to the HP Support website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
  • Install Drivers: Follow the instructions to install the updated drivers.
  • Uninstall and Reinstall: Uninstall the current printer drivers and reinstall them from the HP website.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

 

Rachel571

HP Support

.
Sneha_01- HP support
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.