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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- HP ENVY 5640 printer head/cartridge problem

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10-08-2023 01:08 PM
Hi,
My HP Envy isn’t recognising the colour cartridge. I’ve done the cleaning reinstall etc but no avail.
switched to black only and hardly any ink appears on paper. I’ve cleaned and initiated the cleaning of the heads etc but even after 3 cleans there is nothing.
It’s not run out and there is ink on cartridge when I run my thumb over it.
help!!!
cheers
10-11-2023 04:35 AM
Hi @Moog77,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It's frustrating when your printer isn't recognizing a color cartridge or is having trouble printing correctly. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue with your HP Envy printer.
Check Cartridge Installation:
- Make sure the color cartridge is securely and properly installed in the printer. Remove it and reinsert it to ensure it's in place correctly.
Cartridge Compatibility:
- Ensure that you're using a compatible and genuine HP ink cartridge for your printer model. Non-genuine or expired cartridges may not work correctly.
Clean the Cartridge Contacts:
- Turn off the printer.
- Remove the color cartridge.
- Gently clean the electrical contacts on both the cartridge and the printer with a lint-free cloth or a cotton swab dampened with distilled water. Allow them to dry.
- Reinstall the cartridge and turn the printer back on.
Print a Quality Diagnostic Page:
- Many HP printers have a built-in diagnostic test that can help identify printing issues. Check your printer's user manual for instructions on how to print a quality diagnostic page.
Update Printer Firmware:
- Ensure your printer has the latest firmware installed. Sometimes, firmware updates can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance.
Check for Driver Issues:
- Update or reinstall the printer driver on your computer. Sometimes driver issues can affect how your printer communicates with the computer.
Perform a Hard Reset:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source for a few minutes. Then, plug it back in and turn it on. This can reset any internal errors.
Replace the Cartridge:
- If the problem persists and your color cartridge is not recognized or printing correctly, it may be a faulty cartridge. Consider replacing it with a new, genuine HP cartridge.
It's also worth noting that sometimes, even when there appears to be ink in the cartridge, it may be clogged or dried up. If you've had the color cartridge for a while, it could be the cause of the problem. Replacing it with a new one is often the best solution in such cases.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator