Printer is not printing in black only color

[amkale]

Hi my black ink was running low so I reached out to instant ink.  They sent me the new ink and I received an error message stating that it was not the correct ink cartridge.  I did the troubleshooting and nothing fixed it.  I have purchased a new ink cartridge from the store and it still didn't work.  It's not printing anything black only color

[Sneha_01]

Hi @amkale,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your printer is only printing in color and not black, despite replacing the black ink cartridge and trying various troubleshooting steps, the issue might be related to a few potential causes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you diagnose and resolve the problem:

**1. Check Cartridge Installation

• Reinstall Cartridges: Ensure that the black ink cartridge is properly installed. Remove it and reinsert it, making sure it clicks into place.
• Protective Tape: Ensure that any protective tape or packaging has been removed from the new cartridge.

**2. Verify Ink Cartridge Compatibility

• Correct Cartridge: Double-check that the cartridge you’re using is compatible with your printer model. HP printers are sensitive to incorrect cartridges, even if they are genuine.
• Cartridge Numbers: Verify the cartridge model numbers and ensure they match your printer’s requirements.

**3. Clean the Printhead and Cartridges

• Automatic Cleaning: Run the printer’s automatic printhead cleaning cycle through the control panel or HP Smart app.
• Manual Cleaning:
  • Turn Off Printer: Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  • Clean Printhead: Use a lint-free cloth or cotton swab moistened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol to clean the printhead and the area where the cartridges make contact.
  • Clean Cartridge Contacts: Gently clean the contacts on the cartridge with a dry, lint-free cloth.

**4. Check for Error Messages

• Printer Display: Look for any error messages on the printer’s display that might provide more details about the issue.
• HP Smart App: Check the HP Smart application for any error codes or messages related to the black ink cartridge.

**5. Test the Black Ink Cartridge

• Different Printer: If possible, test the black ink cartridge in another compatible HP printer to see if it works there. This helps determine if the issue is with the cartridge itself or the printer.

**6. Run a Printhead Alignment

• Alignment: Perform a printhead alignment through the printer’s control panel or HP Smart app. Misalignment can sometimes cause issues with printing.

**7. Check Printer Settings

• Print Settings: Ensure that the print settings are configured to use the black ink. Sometimes, settings may default to color only or draft mode.
• Color vs. Black: In some cases, printers may be set to print in color only. Verify that the settings are set to print in black and white or grayscale if needed.

**8. Update Printer Firmware

• Firmware Update: Ensure that the printer firmware is up-to-date. Check the HP website or HP Smart app for any available updates.

**9. Perform a Printer Reset

• Factory Reset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your printer. This will revert the printer to its original settings.
  • Factory Reset Instructions: Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support