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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Printer not printing black

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11-12-2024 12:18 PM
Hi @H215
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP printer isn’t printing black ink after replacing the black cartridge, this could be due to a variety of reasons, such as issues with the cartridge, printhead, or printer settings. Let’s walk through some troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue.
Step 1: Check the Ink Cartridge Installation
Even though you’ve replaced the black ink cartridge, it’s worth making sure that it’s installed correctly and is functioning properly.
- Turn off the printer and unplug it for a moment to reset the internal components.
- Open the printer’s cartridge access door and remove the black ink cartridge.
- Inspect the cartridge to make sure the protective tape has been removed from the ink nozzles and electrical contacts.
- Reinstall the cartridge securely, making sure it clicks into place.
- Close the access door and plug the printer back in.
Step 2: Check for Low or Empty Ink
While you replaced the black cartridge, it’s still possible that the cartridge isn’t functioning correctly, or it may be a defective new cartridge.
Check the ink levels:
- If you’re using HP Smart or the HP Printer Assistant software, check the ink levels and make sure the black ink cartridge is full.
- You can also print a printer status report or Ink Level Report from the printer’s menu (depending on the model).
Try another new black ink cartridge: If the ink levels seem fine but the black ink still isn’t printing, it’s possible the new cartridge is defective. Try installing a different new black ink cartridge to rule this out.
Step 3: Run a Printhead Cleaning Cycle
If the cartridge is installed correctly and has sufficient ink but the black is still not printing, the printhead may be clogged. HP printers often use integrated printheads, and ink clogs can prevent certain colors (in this case, black) from printing.
Run a Printhead Cleaning Cycle:
- Go to the Printer Settings or HP Smart app.
- Look for an option under Maintenance or Tools to run a cleaning or printhead cleaning cycle. The printer may have multiple cleaning options: a standard cleaning and a deep cleaning.
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
Sneha_01- HP support