Ink Cartridge

[zooma47]

New replacement ink cartridge supplied by instant ink service comes up with error - not communicating with printer. Have carried out all all recommended solutions and still comes up same message. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @zooma47,

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 HP ENVY 5010 is showing an “ink cartridge not communicating with printer” error even after installing a new Instant Ink cartridge and trying the usual steps.
Let’s go through a few more detailed checks to see if we can get the cartridge recognized.

1. Check Cartridge and Printer Compatibility

Make sure the cartridge is an HP Instant Ink cartridge for the ENVY 5010 series (e.g., HP 304/HP 305 depending on region).

Instant Ink cartridges are tied to your HP Instant Ink account; they won’t work if the subscription is inactive or the cartridge has been deactivated.

2. Power Cycle the Printer

Turn the printer ON.

Disconnect the power cable while the printer is ON.

Wait 60 seconds, then reconnect the power cable directly to the wall outlet (avoid surge protectors).

Power the printer back ON and check if the error clears.

3. Clean Cartridge Contacts

Turn the printer OFF and unplug it.

Remove the cartridge carefully.

Gently wipe the gold-colored electrical contacts on the cartridge and the matching contacts in the printer with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.

Let them dry for a minute.

Reinstall the cartridge firmly.

4. Update Printer Firmware

On your Windows 11 PC, open HP Smart.

Go to Printer Settings → Advanced Settings → Tools → Firmware Update.

Install any available update — this often resolves new cartridge recognition issues.

5. Check HP Instant Ink Account

Sign in at https://instantink.hpconnected.com.

Verify the printer is listed as active and that the subscription is current.

If it shows “cartridge blocked” or “subscription inactive,” that’s the cause.

6. Try a Printer Reset

If all else fails:

On the printer’s touchscreen, go to Setup → Printer Maintenance → Restore Factory Defaults.

Re-connect the printer to Wi-Fi and sign back into HP Instant Ink via the HP Smart app.

I hope this helps.

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