how to reverse stopping black cartridge use

[DianeB4]

My black ink cartridge was smearing despite changing cartridges and cleaning. I found a way to stop printing in black and to print only in color. Now I can't remember how I did that so I can reverse and use black ink again. I've tried lots of things, but no good! I have a HP Envy 4500 desk jet printer that is probably 8 or 9 years old.

DianeB4

[Sneha_01]

Hi @DianeB4,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If you previously stopped your HP Envy 4500 printer from using the black ink cartridge and now need to reverse that setting to use the black ink again, you can follow these steps to reset the settings and enable black ink printing. Here's how to do it:

1. Check Printer Settings on Your Computer

Open Printer Preferences:

• Windows: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Right-click on your HP Envy 4500 printer and select Printing preferences.
• macOS: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Select your HP Envy 4500 and click Options & Supplies, then go to Driver.

Adjust Color Settings:

• Look for a setting related to Print Quality or Color Options.
• Ensure that the option for Use Black Ink Only is unchecked if it is selected. If you find any option related to only printing in color or disabling black ink, make sure it is disabled.

Save and Apply Settings:

• Click Apply or OK to save your changes.

2. Check Printer Settings on Printer

• Use the control panel on your HP Envy 4500 to navigate to the settings menu.
• Find the section related to Ink Usage, Print Quality, or Maintenance.
• If available, choose an option to reset or restore the printer settings to default. This can help revert any changes that may have disabled the black ink.

3. Perform a Print Head Alignment

1. Run Print Head Alignment:
   • In the printer’s settings menu, look for Print Head Alignment or Printer Maintenance options.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to perform the alignment, which can sometimes resolve issues with ink usage.

4. Reinstall Printer Drivers

Download and Install Latest Drivers:

• Go to the HP Support website and search for your HP Envy 4500 printer.
• Download and install the latest drivers for your printer model.

Check Printer Preferences Again:

• After reinstalling the drivers, revisit the Printing Preferences and Printer Settings to ensure that black ink usage is enabled.

5. Replace Ink Cartridges

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Rachel571

HP Support