HP Envy 4507 suddenly decided to stop recognising ink cartridge

[Manda59]

I have h301 xl colour and black cartridges installed. It was working fine, however, after a few weeks of not being used is now saying incompatible Cartridge(s) I followed instructions on a similar post and have tried the disconnect/ clean connectors/single cartridge print mode tips.  I've established its the black cartridge that is causing the problem. Is there anything else I can do to save wasting the £30 cartridge (and potentially another £30 too? Could it be the printer or is it definitely a problem with the cartridge?  I usually buy HP cartridges, but if I remember rightly, they were out of stock so think the h indicates it is a Tesco compatible one?  Thanks for any help you can offer!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Manda59,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand you are getting the “Incompatible Cartridge” message. The HP ENVY 4507 is designed to work with HP 301 / 301XL cartridges only. If you’re using a cartridge with an “H301” label (common with Tesco or other third-party remanufactured cartridges), it is not a genuine HP cartridge, and this may be the root cause.

1. Power Reset the Printer

Even if you've done this once, do it in this order:

• With the printer on, remove both cartridges.
• Unplug the printer from the wall and wait 2–3 minutes.
• Plug it back in and wait until it says “Cartridge Missing”.
• Reinstall only the color cartridge first. Wait 1–2 minutes.
• Then insert the black cartridge.

See if the error returns.

2. Clean the Cartridge Contacts (Advanced)

You’ve mentioned cleaning already, but ensure this process is followed:

• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
• Gently clean the gold-colored contacts on the cartridge (not the nozzles).
• Also, clean the corresponding contacts inside the printer.
• Allow everything to dry before reinserting.

3. Check for Firmware Updates

If you suspect a firmware update may have triggered this, visit:
👉 HP ENVY 4507 e-All-in-One Printer Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support

• Check if there's a firmware version released around the time the error began.
• If you find one, it is likely blocked or tightened compatibility with third-party cartridges.

HP firmware updates can cause non-HP cartridges that once worked to become unreadable.

4. Test a Genuine HP 301 Black Cartridge

The most reliable way to isolate the problem:

• Install a genuine HP 301 or 301XL Black cartridge.
• If the error disappears, then the original black cartridge is indeed incompatible or faulty.

5. Check Cartridge Authentication (Optional)

If you’re using HP Smart on a PC or mobile device:

• Go to Printer Settings > Supplies > Cartridge Details.
• See if it reports as non-genuine, used, or damaged.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Manda59,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 
Please try the steps shared above and let us know how it works.

Take care and have a good day.

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

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[Gullfaks]

I have the same issue. Yesterday my Envy 4507 printer gave the "incompatible cartridge" error. It was working fine the previous day. It indicates that it is the 301XL black cartridge that is incompatible. I tried switching on/off, cleaning the contacts and unplugging without success. I had a brand new 301 black cartridge so I swopped it out with the 301XL but came up with the same error. I downloaded and re-installed the driver from HP support without success. I removed the black cartridge to operate in single cartridge mode and managed to print 1 page. Then it would not print any more and printer status shows as "no toner/ink" although the 301 colour cartridge is almost new and ink level indicates almost full. Continued trying various combinations/sequences of the above and managed to print 1 test page in single cartridge mode before "no toner/ink" message. Any more suggestions or shall I just buy a new printer ?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Gullfaks,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for letting me know about the steps you have tried and still have trouble with the printer.

To get you the best assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name.  

We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support