HP Envy 7640 not printing black text

[Morris04]

Hi and thanks for the help in advance. 

I have an HP Envy 7640 that will not print black text.  It currently shows that both cartridges are full. The printer will print text and images in color.  It also clearly prints the black squares around the color blocks on the print diagnostic page, indicating that there is black ink in the black cartridge. 

I have updated the alignment

Cleaned the print heads

Tested printer settings at Best, Full Color, and Grayscale

Restarted the printer

Updated the printer to the latest software and drivers

Factory reset the printer

This printer was printing black text last week with the same ink cartridge, but is no longer printing black text.  

Short of buying a new black cartridge, is there anything else I should try. 

Thanks again. 

[Max3Aj]

@Morris04, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Based on your detailed description, it sounds like you've already taken many of the right steps. Since your HP ENVY 7640 is printing color and even the black squares on the diagnostic page, but not black text, the issue may be related to print settings, ink flow, or cartridge venting.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to try before replacing the black cartridge:

Run the Print Quality Diagnostic Tool

Even if the black squares print, the diagnostic tool can help identify subtle issues.

• Go to the HP Print Quality Diagnostic Page. HP DeskJet, ENVY, OfficeJet Printers - Black or color ink not printing, other print quality issues |...
• Follow the steps to print and interpret the diagnostic page.

Check Cartridge Venting

Sometimes, the vent on the black cartridge can be clogged, especially if it's been refilled or stored.

• Remove the black cartridge.
• Look for the small vent hole on top.
• Use a pin or paperclip to gently clear any blockage.
• Reinsert the cartridge and try printing again.

Try a Different Print Mode

Sometimes forcing the printer to use composite black (mixing colors to simulate black) can help isolate the issue.

• In the print dialog, go to Printer Properties > Advanced > Print in Grayscale > High Quality.
• This uses color cartridges to simulate black. If this prints correctly, the black cartridge is likely the issue.

Reinstall the Printer Driver

Corrupted drivers can cause strange behavior.

• Uninstall the printer from Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
• Download and reinstall the latest driver from HP: Official HP® Support

Try a New Black Cartridge (if all else fails)

Even if the cartridge shows as full, it may be clogged or defective. If the above steps don’t work, trying a new genuine HP black cartridge is the next best step.
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support