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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Incompatible cartridge (301) with Deskjet 3050 J610a

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10-08-2021 04:43 AM
My Deskjet 3050 J610a recognises my authentic HP 301 Black ink cartridge, but tells me that it is incompatible because "The cartridges listed above are not intended for use in this printer as it is currently configured" (see screenshot below).
It's very frustrating. I would be very grateful for some assistance.
10-11-2021 11:16 AM - edited 10-11-2021 11:17 AM
Hi @jfsheerin,
I'd like to help!
I understand you are facing a cartridge error on the printer.
Follow the steps to resolve the issue-
Reset the printer
Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.
- If your printer has a rechargeable battery, remove it.
- With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the power source.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.
NOTE:
HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet. - Turn on the printer to complete the reset.
Clean the ink cartridge and carriage electrical contacts
Remove any debris or buildup from the contacts on the cartridges and in the carriage.
Open the door or lid to the cartridge access area. Wait until the carriage stops moving before continuing.
Remove the cartridge indicated in the error message from the carriage.
Carriages with cartridge latches: Open the latch, and then pull the cartridge up and out of the slot.
Carriages without cartridge latches: Gently press down on the cartridge to release it, and then pull it out of the slot.
Holding the cartridge by the sides, remove any protective tape that still might be on the contacts.
CAUTION:Do not touch the ink nozzles or the copper-colored electrical strip. Touching or trying to remove these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.
Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water, and then wipe the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge.
Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth or swab with distilled water, and then clean the electrical contacts in the carriage.
Wait 10 minutes for the contacts to dry, and then reinsert the cartridge into its color-coded slot.
Repeat these steps for the other cartridge if it was indicated in the error message.
Close the door or lid to the cartridge access area.
If the error persists, clean the cartridge and carriage contacts a second time.
Try the single-cartridge mode
The printer you own can work in single-cartridge mode, wherein the printer will be able to print with one cartridge in the printer. Which will help us identify if its a cartridge issue or a printhead issue
To try single-cartridge mode follow the below steps:
- remove the black ink from the printer, leave the color in and try printing
- then remove the color ink and, insert the black in and try printing
If the issue persists, I'd suggest you Contact HP in your region regarding the service options for your printer
Hope this helps! Keep me posted.
And, Welcome to the HP Support Community.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
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10-17-2021 08:56 AM
Hi Jay,
Thank you for your reply.
I have followed the steps you suggested, but the problem has not been solved.
The printer will work in single cartridge mode (using only the colour cartridge) so I do not think there is a problem with the printhead. However, I have installed 2 different 301 black ink cartridges and they both give me "incompatible" error messages.
This problem began when I set up the printer to work over wifi. It worked fine before that, printing over a USB connection. Is it possible that an automatic software or firmware update may have reset the region on the printer so that it no longer works with my European region cartridges?
10-19-2021 10:10 AM
Change in the software will not affect cartridge error.
I understand that you have already tried two ink cartridges.
This does seem like a hardware issue,I'd recommend you contact HP Phone Support in your region for service options
Follow the instructions below to reach them:
1) Click on this link - https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp
2) Select your product type below.
3) Enter the serial of your device.
4) Select the country from the drop-down.
5) Select the chat or get phone number options based on your preferences.
6)Fill the web form and proceed further.
If you are having trouble navigating through the above options, it's most likely because the device is out of warranty. If yes? please send me a private message with the region you are contacting us from. Check next to your profile name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it.
Have a great day!
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!