Third Party INk

[Ozgirl55]

I notice a lot of people are complaining about not being able to use third party ink in their HP All in One.   I have loved my HP all in one.  But now have come to hate it.  Why?  Because I cant afford the ink.  First of all, you can even use the black if one of the color cartridges is out.  In my case, they usually dry out before empty.  Secondly, it will not accept third party ink.  The cost of HP 952 cartridges has gotten so expensive.  Being on Social Security and in this economy, I can no longer afford to use it.   The difference in cost of HP ink and generic brands will purchase a new printer in a short time.  I am going to dump mine and buy a product that allows me to use whatever ink I want.  After all, it is my printer, not HPs.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Ozgirl55,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation, especially with the high cost of genuine HP ink cartridges. Here are a few points to consider.

• Ink Cost: Genuine HP cartridges can be quite expensive, and the cost can add up quickly, especially for frequent printing. Many people find that third-party or generic inks are significantly cheaper, which is why the inability to use them can be a dealbreaker.
• Cartridge Locking: As you've mentioned, HP printers sometimes require all cartridges to have ink for the printer to function, meaning you can't print in black if one color cartridge is empty, even if the black cartridge is full. This is a significant inconvenience for users who don’t print in color often.
• Printer Limitations: Some newer HP printers have firmware designed to discourage the use of third-party inks. This can lead to frustration when generic cartridges are rejected.
• Refill Options: Another avenue to explore is ink refill kits, which can be a more economical choice if you're comfortable refilling cartridges yourself. Just ensure that they are compatible with your printer model.

Ultimately, your printer should meet your needs and be cost-effective, especially when managing a fixed income.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support