HP 62XL

[jbcincy]

Purchased a 62XL from Walmart 4/15/26. I struggled getting it out of the box ripping it on both ends. 

The bottom of the package that the cartridge was in was neatly opened.  I slid it out and noticed there wasn't any tape to remove.  Have they changed this I was wondering? I installed it and aligned the printhead and let it print the test paper and nothing printed. A blank sheet of paper shot out.  After doing several things to get it to print I noticed the cartridge did not say 62xl only XL. I rechecked the wrapping which had contained the cartridge and it said 62XL.  I thought someone had taken the new cartridge and replaced it with their old one BUT the box was completely sealed. i debated about going back to Walmart but why would they believe me?

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@jbcincy,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

It appears you may have been the victim of "return fraud", where a previous buyer replaces a new cartridge with an old one and returns it to the store. Mismatched labeling and missing protective tape are classic signs of this.

Whilst it is unsettling that the box was "completely sealed", this does not rule out fraud. Experienced scammers often use heat guns or professional-grade adhesives to reseal retail packaging so it appears factory-fresh.

The evidence in your case —missing protective tape, a mismatched "XL" label, and a blank print test— strongly indicates that the original HP 62XL was removed and replaced with a used or generic cartridge before being returned to the shelf.

Why Your Experience Points to Tampering:

• Missing Protective Tape: Original HP XL62XL cartridges always come with a protective plastic tape (usually with an orange or pink pull-tab) covering the ink nozzles and copper contacts.
• Mismatched Labeling: An authentic HP 62XL will be clearly labeled as "62XL" on the cartridge itself. If it only says "XL", it is likely a different model or a generic brand swapped into the box.
• Printing Blanks: Since the printer aligned but printed nothing, the "XL" cartridge you installed is likely empty or has dried-out ink nozzles from being a used return.

How I would Handle the Walmart Return:

Walmart's standard policy often prohibits returns on opened ink, but they are required to address defective or fraudulent merchandise.

1. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the cartridge showing the missing "62" label and the ripped packaging.
2. Request a Manager: Standard associates may strictly follow the "no returns on opened ink" rule. Explain to a Front End Manager that the product inside did not match the box —this is a "tampered item" issue, not a "wrong item" return.
3. Use the App: If you purchased it online or via the app, you can often initiate a "Defective" return through Walmart.com, which can sometimes bypass in-store friction.

Contacting HP for Support:

Last but hopefully not least, if it is the case that Walmart refuses to help, HP may replace the cartridge under warranty if it is a genuine HP product that was mislabeled or defective.

• HP Support: Visit the HP Support Contact Page to start a claim.
• HP Community: Users often have success by posting on the HP Support Community, where HP moderators (@Riddle_Decipher) can sometimes issue a replacement ticket number or forward a replacement ticket request to the appropriate desk.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Riddle_Decipher]

@jbcincy Thank you for reaching out to the HP Community. I understand your concern and want to ensure it is properly addressed.

We understand your concerns and would like to assist you further. To investigate the matter thoroughly and proceed, we kindly request you to provide the following details via private message.

For your privacy and security, please do not share any personal information in this public thread. Once I receive your message, I will ensure your case receives the necessary attention.

@NonSequitur777 Thanks for highlighting this to me 🙂