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HP Recommended

Printer will not print in black 

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@Chaz32, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer not being able to print! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

  

It's definitely frustrating when your printer decides to go on a color-only vacation. I'm here to help you get it back on track.

First, let's run through some common troubleshooting steps:

 

Check Ink Levels:

  • This might seem obvious, but it's often the culprit! Even if your printer thinks it has ink, sometimes the levels can be inaccurate.
  • Open your printer's software (usually found by searching your printer model in your computer's start menu).
  • Look for the "Estimated Ink Levels" or similar section.
  • If the black ink is low or empty, replace the cartridge.

Clean the Printhead:

  • Sometimes, dried ink can clog the printhead, preventing black ink from flowing.
  • Again, use your printer's software. There should be a "Clean Printhead" or "Maintenance" option.
  • Run the cleaning process. It might take a few minutes.
  • After cleaning, print a test page to see if the black ink is working.

Check Cartridge Installation:

  • Make sure the black ink cartridge is properly installed.
  • Remove the cartridge and reinsert it, ensuring it clicks into place.
  • Sometimes, a loose connection can cause printing issues.

Printer Driver Issues:

  • Sometimes, the printer driver on your computer can become corrupted or outdated.
  • Go to the HP support website, and search for your printer model.
  • Download and install the latest drivers for your operating system.
  • Restart your computer and try printing again.

Check Print Settings:

  • Verify that your print settings are not set to print in grayscale or color only.
  • When you go to print, look for print preferences or properties.
  • Ensure the color settings are set to "Black & White" or "Grayscale" if that is your intent, or if it is set to color, that you do not have a setting that is preventing black ink from being used.

Now, to help me narrow down the issue, could you answer a few questions?

  1. When did you first notice the issue? Did it start suddenly, or did the black ink gradually fade?
  2. What model of HP printer are you using, and what operating system is your computer running? (e.g., HP OfficeJet Pro 8025, Windows 10)
  3. Have you recently replaced the black ink cartridge? If so, was it an official HP cartridge, or a third-party cartridge?

Let's get this sorted out!  

  

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

  

Regards, 

ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.