If printing in Black, why does an empty blue cartridge interfere?

[ISURedbird]

HP Printer 8610 - If I am printing in black, why does an empty blue cartridge prohibit me from printing?

[Elohi_NR]

Hi @ISURedbird,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I understand how frustrating it can be when an empty color cartridge prevents you from printing in black. Let's get to the bottom of this issue together.

• Is the printer set to print in “black ink only” mode, or is it using a mix of colors for grayscale printing?
• Have you recently updated the printer firmware or software, which might have reset the settings?
• Is the blue cartridge completely empty, or is it showing as low but not yet depleted?

Let's try these steps. 

Set the Printer to "Black Ink Only" Mode

• Go to your printer settings in the print dialog box on your computer.
• Select Print in Grayscale or Black Ink Only, and attempt to print.

Check Printer Firmware and Software

• Ensure your printer firmware is updated to the latest version. Visit the HP Support Page for your model to download updates.

Reset the Printer

• Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Wait for about 2 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on. This can clear temporary errors.

Inspect and Reinstall the Cartridges

• Remove the blue cartridge and inspect it for any damage or obstructions on the contacts.
• Gently clean the copper-colored contacts with a lint-free cloth and reinstall the cartridge.

Use HP Smart App for Diagnostics

• Download and open the HP Smart app on your computer or smartphone.
• Use the built-in diagnostic tools to identify and resolve cartridge-related issues.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, the printer may require a functional blue cartridge even in black-only mode due to maintenance cycles.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

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