How to recognize ink cartridge

[Debbie0405]

Need editable ink for cookie decorations. Purchased this HP 2800e and some Penguin editable ink cartridges off Amazon. This is initial set up of printer. Printer does not recognize ink. I know there is something to change to get it to recognize it but not sure what or how to do it

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Debbie0405,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

To complete the initial setup of your HP DeskJet 2800e printer, you must use the original HP setup cartridges that came in the box. These are special cartridges that are required to initialize the printer.

HP printers are designed to recognize and accept only HP setup cartridges during the very first setup. Until this step is completed, other cartridges—even compatible or edible ink ones—will not work.

What to Do:

1. Insert the HP setup cartridges that came with your printer.
2. Complete the setup using the HP Smart app on your Windows 11 device.
3. Once setup is finished and the printer is working, you can remove the HP cartridges and try using your Penguin edible ink cartridges.

⚠️ If the original HP setup cartridges are missing, to set up the printer, you have to buy genuine HP Ink cartridges, and only with the help of those can we finish the setup.

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

[Debbie0405]

Thank you for responding. Can my printer be set up, with the original ink cartridges isn’t, but no printing done with the original ink. Because this printer will be used with editable ink to decorate cookies, I can’t have regular ink in the machine. 
can I set it up but NOT print a test page with the original ink?

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @Debbie0405,

HP printers—especially models like the HP DeskJet 2800e series with HP+ features—require the use of original HP setup cartridges to complete the initial setup, which includes printing an alignment or test page.

This process:

• Activates the printer
• Registers it with HP
• Finalizes cartridge authentication

Without completing this step, the printer will stay in "setup mode" and will not function, even if you try to switch to edible ink afterwards.

If you're concerned about using non-edible ink inside the printer, here are your options:

🔁 Option 1: Use the HP Setup Cartridges, then Thoroughly Clean

• Complete setup with the original HP ink (you'll need to print 1–2 pages).
• After setup:
  • Remove the cartridges
  • Run multiple cleaning cycles with edible ink cartridges to flush the system
  • Or use a printer designed with removable printheads, which are easier to clean or replace

Also, please ensure that you do not set up HP+; if it is done, you will not be able to use any third-party cartridges.

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 

[Debbie0405]

Thank you for your suggestion of using the HP cartridge to set up then cleaning that ink our in order to use the editable ink for cookie decoration BUT, after speaking with several bakers, it would be impossible to remove all the HP ink. 
The instruction booklet that came with this printer said it was an HP2800e but after looking at the bottom of the machine it’s really a HP 2855e (they look the same on the outside)

SO, what I need to know is does this printer have Dynamic Security and if so what’s the work around so that I can avoid using any HP ink. 
 HP does not advertise that it uses HP ink only so if I can’t “work around” I have wasted money & can’t afford a printer that can use editable ink. 
thank you

Debbie