Genuine HP colour ink cartridge not recognised

[Jen20231]

Have been using single cartridge mode (Black) for quite a long time, but need to print in colour again and genuine HP cartridge (301 Tri-colour) isn't recognised, even after several shutdown and restarts/power cycles/load and unload previously empty colour cartridge and cleaning chip contacts etc. - running out of ideas - can anyone help please?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Jen20231,

Welcome to the HP Support Community

I understand you are facing an issue with your change to the color-cartridge mode. Not to worry I will help you to get a resolution to resolve the issue.

Let's perform a power drain: 

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and also unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Remove USB cable, if present.
• Wait for 2-3 minutes, press and hold the power button on your printer for about 30 seconds to remove any additional charge.
• Now plug back the power cable straight to a wall outlet without any surge protector or an extension cord (This is important) and then plug back the power cord to the printer.
• Turn on the printer and wait till warm-up period finishes and the printer is idle

Update the printer firmware

• Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your product
• Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

Please follow the steps mentioned in this document:   HP Deskjet 1050, 2050 Printers - Fixing Poor Print Quality

Check print setting and change 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

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

[Jen20231]

Many thanks for your reply. I have followed your instructions carefully and even downloaded and installed the HP Smart app on my laptop (including running HP Update) but the new colour ink cartridge is still not being recognized unfortunately 🙁 HP Smart is also showing that the printer status is 'unknown' even though it can detect the USB connection is active and it shows the correct serial number etc.?? The diagnostic tool also shows no issues found. I've replaced the black ink cartridge with another genuine HP cartridge and that is being recognized and the ink levels are showing accurately, but not the brand new colour cartridge I'm afraid. Do you have any further suggestions?