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Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended
HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

all new print cartridges but only prints blue

 

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

Hi @ChasG5,

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer printing only blue!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

 

Try these steps:

Check Cartridge Installation

  1. Remove and Reinstall Cartridges:
    • Turn on the printer.
    • Open the cartridge access door.
    • Remove each cartridge and reinstall it to ensure they are correctly seated.
    • Close the cartridge access door.

Perform Printhead Cleaning

Using Printer Software:

  • Open the HP Printer Assistant on your computer.
  • Select Maintenance or Tools.
  • Perform a printhead cleaning.

Using Printer Control Panel:

  • From the printer's touchscreen, navigate to Setup.
  • Select Printer Maintenance.
  • Choose Clean Printhead.

Print Diagnostic Page

  1. Print Quality Report:
    • From the printer's touchscreen, go to Setup.
    • Select Reports.
    • Print the Print Quality Report to see the status of each ink color.

Align Printhead

  1. Align Printhead via Printer Software:
    • Open the HP Printer Assistant on your computer.
    • Go to Printer Maintenance.
    • Select Align Printhead.

Check Printer Settings and Preferences

  1. Check Software Settings:
    • Ensure that you are not accidentally selecting grayscale or monochrome in your print settings.
    • Go to Devices and Printers > HP OfficeJet Pro 6968.
    • Check Printer Properties and Preferences to verify color printing mode.

I hope this helps.

 

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍

 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

 

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee

HP Recommended

update: prints every color but black. Tried all the suggestions, then have used a cleaner kit fluid several times -  still no black, not hints of black or streaks of black, NO BLACK. 

 

thanks

HP Recommended

Hi @ChasG5,

 

Thank you for the update, and I truly understand how frustrating this must be, especially after trying all the suggested steps and even using a cleaning kit.

If your printer prints every color except black, with no traces, streaks, or hints of black ink, this usually indicates one of the following:

 

Black Cartridge Is Faulty or Empty

Even new cartridges can sometimes be defective or dry.

Remove the black cartridge.

Gently blot the printhead on a tissue. Do you see a solid black ink mark?

If no ink appears, the cartridge is likely defective or dried up.

Try replacing it with another black cartridge (preferably genuine HP if available).

 

Printhead Is Clogged or Damaged

If you've already used a cleaning kit several times with no improvement, the black printhead might be permanently clogged or electrically damaged.

You can try this final step:

Manual Warm Water Cleaning (At Your Own Risk):

Remove the black ink cartridge.

Use a lint-free cloth dampened with warm (not hot) distilled water.

Gently clean the printhead contacts inside the printer.

Let it dry completely.

Reinsert the cartridge and try printing again.

If you have a separate printhead (like in OfficeJet models), it may need replacement.

 

I hope this helps.

 

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍

 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

 

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee

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