HP 8720 - Not Recognizing Ink Cartridges

[CyanidePrinterG]

I have a HP 8720 which stopped me from printing due to a empty magenta cartridge. However, it had just printed two pages just fine.

Its extremely annoying that the PRINTER is telling me it won't print unless I replace the cartridge. What if I don't care? What if I want to run that cartridge until its bone dry?

Well, I replaced it with a new Valuetoner cartridge I had... just to find that HP seems to have patched out (DRM on INK???) 3rd party cartridges. Ok HP. Your opinion about your customers is noted. Not only will I not ever purchase another HP product EVER AGAIN. I'm going to record myself "fixing" your printer by throwing it off my roof.

Thanks for nothing.

[Pallipurath]

Hi @CyanidePrinterG 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 continuously monitors cartridge status to help protect the print system and maintain print quality. In some instances, once a cartridge reaches a critically low or depleted state, the printer may prevent further printing to reduce the risk of printhead damage caused by operating without sufficient ink. 

Regarding the replacement cartridge, cartridge recognition issues can occur for several reasons, including compatibility concerns, damaged electrical contacts, or a cartridge authentication error. To determine the exact cause, please follow the steps below:

Verify the Error Message

• Note the exact message displayed on the printer screen.
• Examples include:
• "One or more cartridges appear to be damaged."
• "Cartridge problem."
• "Incompatible cartridge."

This information can help identify whether the issue relates to ink depletion or cartridge recognition.

Step 2: Remove and Reinstall the Cartridge

• Turn the printer on.
• Open the cartridge access door.
• Wait for the carriage to stop moving.
• Remove the magenta cartridge.
• Inspect the cartridge to ensure that any protective tape covering the vent or contacts has been removed.
• Reinsert the cartridge firmly into the magenta slot until it clicks into place.
• Close the access door.

Check whether the error message changes.

Step 3: Clean the Cartridge Contacts

• Turn the printer off and unplug the power cord.
• Remove the magenta cartridge.
• Using a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water, gently clean the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge.
• Carefully clean the corresponding contacts inside the printer.
• Allow all components to dry for approximately 10 minutes.
• Reinstall the cartridge and power the printer back on.

Step 4: Perform a Hard Reset

• Leave the printer powered on.
• Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet.
• Reconnect the power cord to the printer.
• Turn the printer on and check if the issue persist.

Hope this helps, Please revert if the issue persists.

Take care and have an amazing day!