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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- HP Printer Cartridge 971 Yellow broken?

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05-25-2025 06:57 AM
Inserted a brand new OEM HP 971 Yellow and the printer says it appears to be broken. I’ve visually inspected it and there appears to be no damage. After a hard restart (unplugging) and printer head cleaning, the problem persists. Is there anything else to try or a possibility of replacement from HP?
05-27-2025 03:28 AM
@JJsPCrepair, Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding HP 971 Yellow Ink Cartridge Issues!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
If your HP printer is indicating that a brand new HP 971 Yellow ink cartridge is broken despite visual inspection showing no apparent damage, here are some additional troubleshooting steps you can try:
Verify Cartridge Authenticity:
- Ensure that the cartridge is a genuine HP cartridge. Non-genuine or counterfeit cartridges can cause errors and poor performance. You can verify its authenticity here.
Check the Cartridge Chip:
- Remove the Yellow HP 971 cartridge and inspect the chip area for any debris or dust. Gently clean it with a dry, lint-free cloth, such as a coffee filter or eyeglass cleaning wipe, without touching the chip surface.
Reinstall the Cartridge:
- Reinsert the cartridge firmly into the printer. Wait for about 10 seconds and ensure it is seated properly.
Printer Reset Procedure:
- Turn off the printer completely and unplug the power cord from the outlet.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back in and turn the printer on again.
Update Printer Firmware:
- Sometimes, outdated firmware can cause cartridge recognition issues. Check the HP website for any available firmware updates for your printer model and follow the instructions to update.
Inspect the Cartridge Door and Connectors:
- Ensure the cartridge door is fully closed and all connections are secure. Inspect the cartridge connectors inside the printer for any signs of residue or blocked contacts, and gently clean them if necessary.
Hope this helps!
Take care, and have an amazing day!
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ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee