Printing blank pages

[Inkcarus]

replaced black ink cartridge after a month or so of no use.  Other cartridges are empty.  However, when printing black and white documents, all pages are blank.  I've ran the 3 levels of printer head cleaning, and pages are still blank.  I've reset to default settings as well.

[Rachel571 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Inkcarus 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like your printer is not printing black ink properly, despite replacing the black ink cartridge and running the head cleaning cycles. Here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to help you resolve the issue of blank pages.

1. Check the Ink Cartridge Installation

First, ensure that the black ink cartridge was installed properly. Sometimes, if the cartridge isn't seated correctly, it can cause issues like blank pages.

• Remove the black ink cartridge and check for any protective tape or seals that might still be on it. Ensure the ink cartridge is fully seated in its slot before reinserting it.
• Double-check that the cartridge is the correct model for your printer.

2. Check Ink Levels

Even though you've replaced the black ink cartridge, the other cartridges are empty. Some printers require all ink cartridges to have a sufficient amount of ink in order to print, even if you're printing in black and white.

• Replace the empty cartridges if possible (especially the color cartridges, if applicable) and check if that resolves the blank page issue.
• Some printers will refuse to print black and white when any cartridge is empty, especially if the printer is trying to use color ink for black text.

3. Run the Printer's Cleaning and Alignment Cycle

You mentioned running the head cleaning, but it might be helpful to try a more thorough cleaning and align the print heads.

• Run the deepest cleaning cycle: Some printers have a setting for more intense head cleaning, so try running that.
• Print a test page or alignment page after the cleaning process. This can help identify if the printer head is still clogged or misaligned.

How to perform a head cleaning and alignment (general steps):

1. Access the printer’s menu (via the printer screen or software).
2. Look for "Maintenance" or "Tools" and select "Clean Print Heads" or "Deep Cleaning".
3. After cleaning, choose to print an alignment page or test page to ensure the issue is fixed.

4. Check for Clogged Print Heads

If cleaning doesn't work, the print head might still be clogged, especially if the printer has been sitting unused for a month. Over time, ink can dry up and clog the tiny nozzles that deliver ink to the paper.

• Manually clean the print head: Some printers allow you to remove the print head (check your printer’s manual). You can gently clean it with a soft cloth and a small amount of distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.

If the print head is not removable, you can try running a few more cleaning cycles, as sometimes it can take multiple cycles to clear the clogs.

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