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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Prints only Black; Won’t accept Yellow Cartridges

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03-31-2025 08:55 AM
Product has worked perfectly until recently. When replacing yellow cartridge with genuine HP product, still shows low ink in yellow and prints only black. I have purchased up to four different cartridges (from Staples or Amazon) and get the same result. This happened several months back (again with yellow, I have before and since replaced other cartridges), and all of a sudden it started printing in color again. Then, yellow ran out and now will only print in black.
11-01-2025 03:26 PM
Hi @JKH1124
If your printer is not recognizing the yellow cartridge and only printing in black, here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
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Check the Cartridge Installation:
- Ensure that the yellow cartridge is installed correctly and securely in the printer.
- Remove the cartridge and reinsert it to ensure a good connection.
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Inspect the Cartridge Contacts:
- Check for any protective strips or tape that might not have been fully removed from the cartridge.
- Clean the electrical contacts on both the cartridge and the printer with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water.
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Printer Reset:
- Turn off your printer and unplug it from the power source. Wait about 2-3 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on. This can sometimes reset the printer and resolve issues.
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Firmware Update:
- Check if there is a firmware update available for your printer model. An update can improve compatibility with cartridges and resolve recognition issues.
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Check for Errors:
- Look for any error messages on your printer's screen and refer to your printer’s manual or support site for any specific troubleshooting steps related to the error.
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Print Quality Diagnostic Report:
- Run a print quality diagnostic test from your printer's control panel. This can help identify specific issues with ink delivery or nozzle blockages.
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Use Genuine HP Cartridges:
- Although you mentioned using genuine HP products, ensure the packaging clearly states this, as counterfeit cartridges can sometimes slip into legitimate supply chains.
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