ERROR - Incompatible Tri-Color Cartridge

[sevenhokie]

Fresh from the pack cartridge gives "Incompatible Tri-Color Cartridge" error.

It should be noted that the cartridge is just a couple of months past the warranty date (December 2024). However, over the 30+ years of using HP printers, this error has never showed up. Even when I swapped cartridges in and out, or moved across country, that message has never appeared. Also, since I always have spare cartridges in reserve (one black, one tri-color), there has been a conservative estimate of 25% of the cartridges that were past their prime. Print volume, like many average users, has never been enough to subscribe to auto deliveries. 

So far, tech support has been less than helpful. I could understand if the issue were print quality, since that could deteriorate over time. However, this is a 100% unusable cartridge. And the only solutions that have been offered is to subscribe to Instant Ink, HP All In One, or buy a new cartridge. Seems very suspect at this point. 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @sevenhokie,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

We understand the frustration of facing cartridge errors — especially after decades of loyal use. HP strives to provide consistent quality, and while electronic expiration is rare, we regret that this cartridge failed to meet expectations. Let's try the steps shared below, this will help to try and resolve the issue.

Accurate HP Troubleshooting Steps:
 

1. Power Reset the Printer
   • With the printer on, disconnect the power cable from the rear of the printer.
   • Unplug the other end from the wall outlet.
   • Wait 60 seconds, then reconnect both ends and power the printer back on.
      
2. Clean Cartridge Contacts
   • Open the cartridge access door.
   • Remove the tri-color cartridge.
   • Using a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water, gently clean the gold-colored contacts on the cartridge.
   • Let it dry for 1 minute, then reinsert it firmly.
      
3. Clean Contacts Inside Printer
   • Gently clean the corresponding electrical contacts inside the printer (where the cartridge sits) with the same dampened cloth.
   • Dry with a clean, dry lint-free cloth before reinserting the cartridge.
      
4. Try a Different Cartridge (if available)
   • If you have another tri-color cartridge, even if used, insert it to check whether the issue is with the printer or the specific cartridge.
      
5. Check Firmware
   • Although rare for this model, connect to HP Smart or HP Easy Start on a Windows/Mac machine and check for firmware updates via HP's software tools.
   • A firmware update may help clear recognition issues in certain cases.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @sevenhokie,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the technical issue that we discussed earlier and confirm that it has been successfully resolved.
 

If you encounter any further issues or have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.
 

I will be archiving this case for now, however, you can respond to the same thread to continue the conversation.
 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
 

Take care and have a great day ahead!
 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[sevenhokie]

None of those steps helped the situation. The steps were attempted half a dozen times just to be sure, as well as with online customer support, text support, and on X. Everyone involved claimed they only deal with software and hardware issues and that "expired" ink cartridges are treated as "too bad" go buy another one, or return to the place of purchase. I would argue that an error that states "incompatible tri-color cartridge" IS a hardware issue since it's most likely the contacts are malfunctioning. An "expired cartridge" should still work straight out of the package, even if the ink and print quality may be lessened. 

Thanks for trying to help though. 

[Max3Aj]

@sevenhokie, Thank you for your response. 

@VikramTheGreat is away for now. I will be assisting you. 
I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support