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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Re: Officejet 8620 cartridge doesn't move, locked on the far...

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04-14-2025 01:31 PM
I bought my printer for some years, it has always been good.
I recently need to replace cartridges.
I used aftermarket cartridges, as on the HP printer, there is no sign to say cannot use it, otherwise will lock printer.
Unfortunately, after I installed aftermarket cartridges, the printer started to give me error signs asking me to replace cartridge, then locked the cartridge to the far right, won't even move for me to replace it with HP cartridge.
I would appreciate if HP tech support can unlock it for me, so I replace it with HP brand cartridge.
Thank you!
04-15-2025 01:45 PM
Hi @Echo1313113,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
Try these steps:
Turn Off and On the Printer:
- Turn off the printer using the power button.
- Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer.
- Wait for about a minute.
- Plug the power cord back in and turn the printer on.
Manually Move the Cartridge Carriage:
- With the printer turned off, gently try to move the cartridge carriage manually to the center.
- Do not use excessive force; if it does not move easily, proceed to the next step.
Check for Obstructions:
- Open the cartridge access door.
- Look for any obstructions or packaging materials inside the cartridge area.
- Remove any visible obstructions carefully.
Reset the Printer:
- Perform a printer hard reset:
- Unplug the printer while it is turned on.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Plug the printer back in and turn it on again.
Use Genuine HP Cartridges:
- Consider replacing the aftermarket cartridges with genuine HP cartridges. Using non-HP cartridges can sometimes cause issues with compatibility and functionality.
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,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee
04-15-2025 04:46 PM - edited 04-17-2025 08:51 AM
Dear @Kuroi_Kenshi ,
Thank you so much for getting back to me.
I followed your instructions and tried every step, the cartridge is still locked to the far right, not able to move to the left so I can replace with genuine HP ink. I also tried to manually move it, but it doesn't move. After the hard reset, it still go straight to the message that one of the ink is defective or broken, please replace it. And still, cartridge is locked to the far right, I am not able to change the ink.
What should I do?
Thank you again for your help!
04-17-2025 01:15 PM
Hi @Echo1313113,
Thank you for the update, and I truly appreciate your patience in working through the steps so far.
I’m really sorry to hear that the carriage is still locked in place and that you're unable to access the cartridges. I can completely understand how frustrating this must be, especially when you're willing to switch back to genuine HP ink but are physically unable to do so.
Since the issue persists even after a hard reset and manual attempt, we need to perform a Semi-full reset. As the reset instructions are printer specific, I'll be sending the instructions in private
To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile name.
You can use this link as well:
Private Messages - HP Support Community
Best regards,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee
04-18-2025 10:26 AM
I have the same issue. HP 8620 cartridge error after using a non HP cartridge. Replaced with genuine HP but still cartridge problem/damaged (cyan) error message. Now cartridge is locked to right side after attempting a "partial" reset the error message popped up and halted everything. I am now completely stuck and locked out of doing anything. Error message on screen and locked carriage/cartridge holder.
04-21-2025 06:39 AM
Hi @Echo1313113,
Thank you for the response.
Try these steps:
Check Cartridge Installation:
- Ensure that the cartridge is properly installed. Remove the cartridge and reinsert it, making sure it is fully seated in its slot.
Clean Cartridge Contacts:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Open the printer's access door to reveal the cartridges.
- Remove the cartridge experiencing the error.
- Clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge with a lint-free cloth.
- Clean the corresponding contacts inside the printer.
- Reinstall the cartridge and close the access door.
Reset the Printer:
- Unplug the printer from the power source.
- Wait for about one minute.
- Reconnect the printer power cord to a wall outlet and turn the printer on.
Perform a Printer Reset:
- Follow the steps to conduct a printer reset to clear any false error messages.
Firmware Update:
- Check if there is a firmware update available for your printer that might resolve cartridge recognition issues.
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,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee
04-21-2025 07:35 AM
Hello Kuroi. I have the same issue as Echo1313113, I tried everything to reset and check firmware etc. I have done this multiple times and nothing works. It actually got worse because the cartridge will not move left at all (it moved to the left before when I opened the access door)) it's stuck on the right side and will not move so I cannot access the ink cartridges. Error message of damaged cartridge still exists, and I am completely stuck. Please help me with another solution. Thanks!!
04-21-2025 12:48 PM
Hi Kuroi_Kenshi,
I am not able to replace catridge because it is stuck to the far right made it impossible for me to access it.
Is there a way to make the cartridge move again to the left, so I can replace ink with geniune ink?
Thank you!
04-22-2025 02:00 PM
I was in circular hell with this exact same issue...ended up unplugging everything, removed the duplexer from the back, and paper tray and paper catcher from the front. Removed the right-side panel (quite difficult) Did not see anything that helped on that right side after doing so. Plugged the power cord back in the printer (w/the panel still off), turned it on and tapped on the right bottom corner side of the LCD panel as fast as I could while it was turning on and it started resetting again (I have no idea if this tapping step is even necessary) and the cartridge finally moved! Unfortunately, it still said I had a damaged cartridge (cyan) so I still can't print but at least I can remove all the new ink. Now deciding if I just return the ink and buy a new printer and throw this one out the window; or buy another new package of ink hoping there was indeed a flaw with the cartridge. This whole thing has taken years off my life.
04-24-2025 03:05 PM
HP advice needed:
HP Pro 8620 still showing damaged cartridges.
I broke down and bought all new HP cartridges (very expensive) to start over. After replacement of all 4 it said M and Y were depleted when they were new, and the C was miraculously fine after being the only one so called "damaged". Then after a few more attempts using multiple ways to reset, the M, C and Y now say all are damaged. This is getting comical at this point.
HP, any advice?