Officejet 4635 ink cartridge issues

[Brimo-]

I have an OfficeJet 4635 that we just started using a couple weeks ago. It was working great and then it said the black ink needed to be replaced. The message wouldn't go away and we couldn't access anything else on the screen. We got a new cartridge and we had the same issue. "The following ink cartridge(s) must be replaced". When we opened the access door, the message would change to the generic "an access door is open, please close it" but once we closed it it was the same ink cartridge message. I've unplugged the printer for several minutes, several times. I've cleaned the little panels, both on the cartridges and the printer. I've made sure the cartridges are installed correctly. The cartridge is a brand new HP cartridge, as was the one before it. Nothing will print and I can't access the settings, or any other screens on the printer. No idea what to do now. Printer is definitely not under warranty anymore. 

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @Brimo- 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how frustrating this must be—especially when you've tried multiple new cartridges and the error persists. Let's go through some HP-specific troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue on your HP OfficeJet 4635.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Ink Cartridge Issues

 

1. Perform a Hard Reset

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Disconnect all cables (USB, Ethernet, etc.).
• Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
• This can help clear any temporary ink system errors.

2. Remove and Reinstall the Ink Cartridges

• Open the ink cartridge access door.
• Remove both cartridges and inspect them for any damage or leaks.
• Reinsert them firmly into their respective slots until they click into place.
• Close the access door and check if the error persists.

3. Clean the Cartridge and Printer Contacts

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Remove the cartridges and gently wipe the copper contacts on both the cartridges and the printer’s cartridge slot using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
• Allow them to dry completely before reinserting.

4. Reset the Printer Using Button Combination

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Press and hold the Power button and Cancel button simultaneously.
• While holding both buttons, plug the power cord back in.
• Continue holding the buttons until the printer turns on and displays the reset menu.
• Select Reset or Semi-Full Reset from the menu.

5. Check for Firmware Updates

• Open HP Smart on your computer or mobile device.
• Go to Printer Settings > Advanced Settings > Firmware Update.
• Install any available updates and restart the printer.

6. Try Printing a Test Page

• If the printer is still stuck on the error screen, attempt to print a test page from the printer’s control panel.
• If only certain colors are printing, the cartridge may be defective.

 

Let me know if you need further clarification! I know how frustrating printer errors can be, but hopefully, this gets your HP OfficeJet 4635 back to printing properly. 😊

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Brimo-]

Thank you for recommending HP smart. Turns out while the printer was telling us the black ink cartridge was the problem, the app told us it was actually the color. 🙄 Put a new color in and problem solved.