Printer won't print black, only colors

[dhjames]

Printer has stopped printing black.  It only prints colors.  All cartridges are new, from HP InstantInk.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @dhjames,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your printer is only printing colors and not black, even with new cartridges from HP Instant Ink, it could be due to several reasons related to the printer’s hardware, software, or settings. Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

1. Check and Clean the Black Ink Cartridge

Verify Cartridge Installation:

• Ensure that the black ink cartridge is installed correctly. Remove it and reinstall it to make sure it’s seated properly.

Clean the Cartridge Contacts:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Remove the black ink cartridge and gently clean the contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer using a soft, lint-free cloth.

2. Run the Printer’s Cleaning Cycle

• Use Built-In Cleaning Function:
  • Most printers have a built-in cleaning cycle to help clear clogs from the print heads. This can usually be accessed from the printer’s control panel or via the printer software on your computer.
  • Look for options such as Clean Print Heads or Print Head Cleaning and run the cleaning cycle.

3. Check Printer Settings

Verify Print Settings:

• Open the print settings from your computer or the HP Smart app.
• Ensure that the option to print in color is selected and not set to print only in color or grayscale.

Check for Grayscale Settings:

• Sometimes the printer might be set to print in grayscale, which can affect black ink. Make sure the option for grayscale is disabled.

4. Update Printer Drivers and Firmware

Update Drivers:

• Ensure you have the latest printer drivers installed. Download and install the latest drivers from the HP Support website.

Update Firmware:

• Check for any firmware updates for your printer on the HP Support website. Updating the firmware can sometimes resolve printing issues.

5. Check Ink Levels and Cartridge Status

Verify Ink Levels:

• Use the HP Smart app or printer’s control panel to check the ink levels of all cartridges, including the black one. Even new cartridges can sometimes be faulty or empty.

Replace Cartridge if Necessary:

• If the black ink cartridge shows as empty or defective, replace it with a new one.

6. Perform a Printer Reset:

• Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for about a minute, then plug it back in and turn it on.
• If the problem persists, consider performing a factory reset. Refer to your printer’s manual or the HP support site 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