I am using a 2800 and installed new hp cartridges but the printer tells me out of tri-color.

[padrichd]

I am using a 2800 series printer and installed new hp cartridges but the printer keeps telling me that the tri color is empty.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @padrichd 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for explaining the situation so clearly—and I’m genuinely sorry your HP 2800 series printer isn’t recognizing the new tri-color cartridge. Since you’ve already installed genuine HP cartridges, let’s walk through a focused recovery sequence to help the printer detect and accept the cartridge properly.

Step-by-Step: Fix Tri-Color Cartridge Not Recognized on HP 2800 Series

1. Power Reset the Printer

• Turn off the printer using the power button.
• Unplug the power cord from both the printer and wall outlet.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors).
• Turn the printer back on.

This clears residual memory and resets cartridge detection logic.

 

2. Reinstall the Tri-Color Cartridge

• Open the cartridge access door.
• Remove the tri-color cartridge.
• Gently wipe the copper contacts with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
• Let it dry for 5 minutes.
• Reinsert the cartridge firmly until it clicks into place.
• Close the door and wait for initialization.

Even new cartridges can trigger errors if contacts are misaligned or slightly oxidized.

 

3. Check Cartridge Status via HP App

• Open the HP App on your Windows PC or mobile device.
• Select your printer > Printer Settings > Supplies Status.
• Confirm whether the tri-color cartridge is:
  • Installed
  • Recognized
  • Showing ink levels

If the cartridge is listed but shows empty, the printer may need a reset or firmware update.

 

4. Update Printer Firmware

Visit: HP DeskJet 2800 Series Drivers and Firmware

Select your operating system and install the latest firmware.

Firmware updates improve cartridge recognition and resolve detection issues.

 

5. Run Cartridge Cleaning Cycle

• In the HP App, go to Settings > Maintenance > Clean Cartridges.
• Run the cleaning process once.
• Wait for the printer to complete the cycle and check the display.

This helps reinitialize ink flow and may clear internal error flags.

Let me know how the printer responds after reseating the cartridge and updating the firmware. If needed, I can guide you through checking alignment or preparing a static IP setup to stabilize communication. 

You're doing everything right—this sequence should help restore full cartridge functionality.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye