Using a HP 6968 printer, new black ink cartridge would not print. Now labeled as USED.

[Sailor133]

Recently my black ink was getting low and last lines on page were not completely printed.  I put in a new HP black 902XL cartridge and it would not print either.  Running clean print heads did not help.  I put the previous cartridge back in the printer for a test and the printer labeled it as "Used" and would not print.  So, I put the new cartridge back in and now it is labeled as "Used" and will not print.  I've cleaned the contacts and made sure all software was up to date.  All color cartridges print okay.  On my previous HP 6830 I had a similar problem and tried cleaning the print heads which only resulted in a mess of ink in the printer.  Never could get it to print so I replaced it.  I'm hesitant to buy new cartridges for the 6968 out of fear that might not fix the problem.  Even though the printer shows the new black cartridge as installed and nearly full I feel like it is being locked out as a "Used" cartridge.

[Max3Aj]

@Sailor133, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
It sounds like the printer is not recognizing the new black 902XL cartridge correctly and is now labeling both the new and old cartridges as "Used," preventing printing. 

Here are step-by-step troubleshooting steps to help resolve this:

Reset the Printer

A simple reset can often clear cartridge recognition issues.

1. Turn the printer on.
2. With the printer on, disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer.
3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
4. Wait at least 60 seconds.
5. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and then into the printer.
6. Turn the printer back on.

Clean the Ink Cartridge and Printhead Contacts

Even if you've done this once, it's worth doing again carefully:

• Turn off the printer and open the cartridge access door.
• Remove the black cartridge.
• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to gently clean the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge and the corresponding contacts inside the printer.
• Let everything dry for 5–10 minutes before reinserting the cartridge.

Run the Printhead Cleaning Utility

Since color prints fine but black does not, the black printhead may be clogged.

• On the printer control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead.
• Run the cleaning cycle up to 2–3 times if needed.

Check Cartridge Authenticity

If the printer thinks the cartridge is "used," it might be due to:

• A non-genuine or refilled cartridge.
• A genuine HP cartridge that was previously used in another printer.

Make sure you're using a new, genuine HP 902XL cartridge. If you're unsure, you can verify it here: HP anti-counterfeit | HP® Official Site

Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause cartridge recognition issues.

• Go to HP Support page and enter your printer model.
• Download and install the latest firmware for your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968.

Replace the Cartridge (if needed)

If the issue persists and the cartridge is still marked as "Used," it may be defective.

You may refer to this document - HP Printers - Used, Refilled, or Counterfeit ink cartridge message | HP® Support

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support