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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Deskjet 2800e not printing black

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01-05-2025 03:29 PM
I have an instant ink subscription and after changing the black ink cartridge recently it says the ink level is full however the writing isn't coming out properly. Some text is all grey then others just outlines of words, on others only the top half of the printed writing is visible. It is printing photos fine.
I have tried to go into print quality tools but it won't let me any further as it says it is an unsafe connection, not sure what it is referring to as I am on my private home WiFi. It says this when trying to access advanced settings also. I was trying to look at cleaning the printed head as that is where the research led me.
This is my third HP printer as I had issues with 2 previous. I don't need to use it often but always seem to encounter an issue when I do.
01-06-2025 04:24 AM
Hi @Howto_print,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
I'd be glad to help you!
I understand how frustrating it must be to deal with this kind of printing issue, especially after dealing with similar problems on previous printers. Let’s take a look at some possible solutions to help resolve the problem with your HP DeskJet 2800e.
- Have you tried printing a test page or nozzle check to see if the black ink is being applied correctly?
- Is the issue happening with all documents, or only specific types (like text documents)?
- Do you see any error messages on the printer display or in the HP Smart app related to the ink or printer status?
Update the firmware. Click here
Perform a Hard Reset:
- Unplug the printer, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This can sometimes resolve temporary issues with the printer.
Check the Ink Cartridge:
- Make sure the black ink cartridge is properly installed. Remove it, check for any protective tape that may not have been removed, and reinsert it securely.
Clean the Printhead Manually:
- Since you're unable to access the print quality tools through the app, you can manually clean the printhead by gently wiping it with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. Be sure to dry it completely before reinstalling the cartridge.
Run the Printer Diagnostic Tools:
- If you have access to the HP Smart app, try running the built-in diagnostic tools for your printer. These tools can help identify issues with the printhead or ink cartridges and attempt automatic fixes.
Check Network and Secure Connection:
- The "unsafe connection" error suggests a network or software issue. Ensure your printer is properly connected to your Wi-Fi network, and try accessing the printer’s advanced settings via a direct connection (USB) if Wi-Fi remains unreliable.
You may also refer to this document for more information.
Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Nal_NR-Moderator
I am an HP Employee