Installed a new ink cartridge and an icon popped up that looks like an envelope and a drop of liquid

[Joe_Caruso]

Just installed a new cartridge. icon showed up; copies very light

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Joe_Caruso 

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

Thank you for sharing what you’re seeing. It’s genuinely frustrating when a new ink cartridge installation leads to unexpected icons and light print quality. 

Let’s walk through what’s happening and how you can resolve it.

 

What the Envelope and Drop Icon Means

The icon that looks like an envelope and a drop of liquid typically indicates a print quality issue or a cartridge-related alert. It may be pointing to:

• Low ink flow or clogged nozzles
• Improper cartridge seating
• Air bubbles or vent blockage in the cartridge
• Ink not primed properly after installation

This is especially common after installing a new cartridge if the ink hasn’t fully flowed into the printhead.

 

Steps to Fix Light Copies and Clear the Icon

1. Run a Printhead Cleaning Cycle

This helps clear any blockages and improve ink flow.

• On the printer’s touchscreen:
  • Go to Settings > Tools > Clean Printhead
  • Run the cleaning process and print a test page
  • Repeat up to 3 times if needed

 

2. Check Cartridge Seating

• Open the cartridge access door
• Remove and reinsert the cartridge firmly
• Make sure it clicks into place and the protective tape is fully removed

 

3. Inspect Cartridge Vent

• Look for a small vent hole on top of the cartridge
• If it’s blocked (e.g., by a label or dried ink), gently clear it with a pin

 

4. Print a Diagnostic Page

• Go to Settings > Tools > Print Quality Report
• Review the page for missing lines or faded areas
• If issues appear, continue cleaning or consider replacing the cartridge

More details are available in this HP Support Community thread.

If the issue persists after these steps, I can help you check firmware updates or walk through a deeper cleaning process. Just let me know what you'd prefer.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye