Why does my 9025 use up color ink when I only print in black draft mode?

[KW127]

My 9025 all-in-one printer is using up color cartridges but I only ever print in black draft mode.  Then, when a color cartridge gets low, even though I'm printing in black only, the printer will not print until I go to the control panel and tell it to print black only!

Is this an HP scheme to get us to buy more ink from them, even though we are not deliberately using it?

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @KW127,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

HP printers, including your HP OfficeJet Pro 9025, often use color ink even when printing in black-and-white for several reasons.

• Ink Mixing for Maintenance: To prevent the printhead from clogging, the printer performs regular maintenance tasks that use small amounts of all ink colors. This ensures the printhead nozzles stay clear and the ink flows smoothly.
• "Composite Black" Printing: Some printers combine color inks to create black, especially in lower print quality settings like draft mode. Even though you're choosing black, the printer may still mix colors to enhance black print quality, resulting in color ink usage.
• Cartridge Dependency: HP printers often require all cartridges to have some ink, even if you're printing exclusively in black, to maintain functionality. When a color cartridge runs low, the printer may halt printing to prevent possible damage to the printhead.

If you're using draft mode and only want to print in black, a workaround is to select "Black Ink Only" in the print settings under "Advanced" or "Preferences." This can help reduce color ink usage. However, the printer will still use color ink for maintenance, so entirely avoiding color ink consumption isn’t possible.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support