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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Genuine HP 902 cartridges not communicating correctly

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02-11-2025 08:42 AM
I have an unexpired HP 902 Ink cartridge that I installed into my printer 6975 officejet pro. The printer keeps displaying an error message. Cartridge not communicating. I have followed all the steps suggested by the virtual assistant. ie updating firmware, restarting ect. and nothing has worked. Any suggestions or how I go about getting replacement cartridge?
02-14-2025 02:48 PM
Hi @Sorensen2010,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding printer!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
Try the following steps:
Check for Cartridge Issues
Remove and Reinsert the Cartridges
- Open the printer cover and remove the HP 902 ink cartridge.
- Check for protective tape—if present, remove it.
- Reinsert the cartridge firmly into its correct slot.
Clean the Cartridge Contacts
- Turn off the printer and unplug it.
- Take a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
- Gently clean the gold contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer.
- Let it dry for a minute and reinsert the cartridge.
Reset the Printer
- Power off the printer and unplug it from the wall.
- Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Turn the printer on and check if the error persists.
Check for Expired or Regionalized Cartridges
- Ensure the ink cartridge is not expired.
- HP 902 cartridges expire 24 months after installation.
- Even if they are within the date, HP’s firmware updates may block refilled or third-party cartridges.
- Verify Region Compatibility
- If you purchased the cartridge in a different country, your printer might not accept it due to HP’s region-locking.
- You’ll need to contact HP Support to reset the printer to match the cartridge’s region.
Disable Cartridge Protection (If Enabled)
- Open HP Smart or go to printer settings in your browser.
- Navigate to Printer Settings > HP Cartridge Protection.
- Disable cartridge protection and save changes.
- Restart the printer and try again.
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee
02-14-2025 02:48 PM
Update or Downgrade Firmware
- If you recently updated firmware, HP might have blocked older cartridges.
- Try downgrading firmware by:
- Searching for "HP 902 firmware downgrade" for your printer model.
- Downloading an older firmware version.
- Installing it and checking if the cartridge works.
Try Another Cartridge
- If you have an old working cartridge, install it and see if the printer recognizes it.
- If it does, the new cartridge may be defective.
Let me know if you need further help! 😊
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,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee