Printing Problem: Won't print in Black

[CP04046]

I have an HP OfficeJet Pro 6968. It is not printing in black. I have now changed black HP cartridges twice -- not inexpensive, these!

The only way I can get it to print at all is to go to the HP app and select print. Items are printed in pale gray where black should be. And, the only items I can access are PDF files from the HP app.

I have uninstalled, re-installed the printer. Run maintenance and cleaned print heads.

I am at a loss.  I have had this printer for almost exactly 6 years. It has never had a problem until I changed ink cartreidges. I got 2 pages printed in black. Then nothing. Please help. Thank you.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @CP04046 ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you are facing an issue with your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 printer. Here are some steps you can take to try to resolve the problem of your printer not printing in black:
 

1. Check the Ink Levels and Cartridge Installation

• Verify Ink Levels: Make sure the printer recognizes the new black ink cartridge and that it shows sufficient ink levels.
• Reinstall the Cartridge: Remove the black ink cartridge and reinstall it. Ensure it clicks into place properly.

2. Print a Diagnostic Page

• Print a Print Quality Diagnostic page to see if the black ink is being used at all. This can help identify if the problem is with the black ink cartridge or if there's a deeper issue with the printer.
• To print this page, go to the printer's control panel, navigate to Setup > Reports > Print Quality Report.

3. Run a Printhead Cleaning

• You've mentioned running maintenance and cleaning the printheads, but it's important to run this process multiple times if necessary.
• Go to the printer's control panel, then navigate to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead. You may need to perform this cleaning up to 3 times to see any improvement.

4. Check the Printer Settings

• Ensure that your printer settings are set to use black ink. Sometimes, the settings may be set to print in grayscale or color only.
• On your computer, go to Devices and Printers, right-click on your printer, and select Printing Preferences. Check the color settings and ensure they are set to use black ink.

5. Run a Firmware Update Update the firmware on an HP printer

• Sometimes, a firmware update can resolve issues with printing. Check if there’s an available firmware update for your printer.
• You can do this from the HP website by searching for your printer model and checking for firmware updates under the Software and Drivers section.

6. Try Different Media

• Attempt to print from a different application (e.g., Word, Excel) and not just PDFs from the HP app. This will help determine if the issue is software-related or specific to certain types of documents.

7. Check for Obstructions or Clogs

• Inspect the Ink Cartridge Contacts: Sometimes the metal contacts on the cartridge or inside the printer can get dirty or have ink buildup. Clean these with a lint-free cloth and a bit of distilled water or rubbing alcohol.
• Check for Clogs: If you haven't already, check the printhead nozzles for clogs that might be preventing ink from flowing properly.

8. Reset the Printer

• Resetting the Printer: Sometimes, resetting the printer can clear any errors that might be causing the problem. To do this, unplug the printer while it's on, wait for about a minute, and then plug it back in.

9. Perform a Factory Reset

• If none of the above steps work, you can try performing a factory reset on the printer. This will reset all settings to default and may clear any software glitches.
• You can find the reset option under Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore.

10. Check for Air Bubbles in the Ink Supply Path

• Sometimes, if the ink cartridges have been sitting for a while or were shaken during installation, air bubbles can form in the ink supply path. This can prevent ink from reaching the printhead. To resolve this, remove the black ink cartridge and gently shake it, then reinstall it.

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer User manual

HP OfficeJet 6900, 8010, 8020, 8030 printers - No black ink, wrong colors, other print quality issue...

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.