Ink Cartridge not communicating

[MartyMagee]

I put in a brand new HP Black XL cartridge.  NOW the screen shows the Yellow cartridge is not "communicating".  I switched it out for yet another new HP cartridge and get the same screen!  I have to print!  Help

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @MartyMagee,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your printer is showing a “cartridge not communicating” error for the Yellow cartridge even after replacing it with new HP cartridges. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Power reset the printer
Turn the printer on, then unplug the power cord from the printer and the wall outlet.
Wait 60 seconds, reconnect the power, and turn the printer back on.

Reseat the cartridges
Open the cartridge access door and remove all cartridges.
Reinsert them one by one, making sure each cartridge clicks firmly into place.

Check for protective tape or debris
Remove the Yellow cartridge and confirm no orange tape or plastic is left on the contacts.
Inspect the cartridge and carriage for ink, dust, or debris.

Clean the cartridge and carriage contacts
Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water.
Gently clean the copper-colored contacts on the Yellow cartridge and the matching contacts inside the printer.

Test with Yellow cartridge only
Remove the Black cartridge and leave only the Yellow cartridge installed.
Close the access door and check if the error changes or clears.

Perform a printer reset from the control panel
With the printer powered on, unplug the power cord from the rear of the printer.
Wait 60 seconds and plug it back in without pressing any buttons.

Update printer firmware (if accessible)
Open HP Smart on your computer and check for firmware updates.
Allow the update to complete if available, then restart the printer.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[MartyMagee]

I got all new cartridges (cost a fortune, which I don't have)!  I need the printer!  I did exactly as you suggested.  At one point, instead of being told that the yellow cartridge did not communicate, it read that the red cartridge did not.  Now it is back to the yellow cartridge not communicating.  I did as you suggested again and still nothing.  I can't afford new cartridges (as I just bought all new HP cartridges) and I certainly cannot afford a new printer on top of the cost of the now unreturnable cartridges.  I am flummoxed and very unhappy!

[MartyMagee]

I just sent my Grandson out for yet another new HP yellow cartridge.  If this expensive unit still does not "communicate" I do not know what I can do.  Is there no recourse???

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @MartyMagee,

I understand how upsetting this situation is — you’ve already spent money on multiple genuine HP cartridges, and the printer is still refusing to recognize them. I know you need to print urgently, and this is extremely frustrating. Let’s walk through what this behavior means and what you can realistically try next.

What the symptom tells us
When the error jumps between Yellow and Magenta (“red”), even with brand-new HP cartridges, this usually means the issue is not the cartridges themselves.
Instead, it points to a problem with the cartridge carriage or internal contact circuitry inside the printer.

Perform a full electrical reset (important)
This reset is different from a normal power cycle and can clear false cartridge detection errors.

Turn the printer ON

Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer

Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet

With the printer unplugged, press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds

Wait another 2 minutes

Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet (no surge protector)

Plug it back into the printer and turn it on

Test cartridges one set at a time
Once the printer powers on:

Install only the color cartridges (no black)

Close the door and check the display
Then:

Remove color cartridges

Install only the black cartridge
This helps confirm whether the carriage can correctly read any cartridge group.

Inspect the carriage contacts carefully
Since multiple cartridges show “not communicating,” inspect inside the printer:

Look for bent pins, ink smears, corrosion, or residue inside the cartridge slots

Even a small amount of dried ink or oxidation can break communication
If you see residue, gently clean with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water, then let it dry completely.

Understand the likely root cause
Based on everything you described:

Multiple new genuine HP cartridges

Error changing between colors

No permanent improvement after reseating and cleaning

This strongly indicates a failed cartridge carriage or logic board, not user error and not the cartridges.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,