HP Envy 6055e printer functioning, fails to print due to false negative non-HP cartridge alert

[pedro_anejo]

Is it the case that HP has implemented a sensor detection system to determine if the cartridge is sold by HP? When I buy ink at Walmart there are at least 2 other ink cartridge vendors that make a cartridge that fit the Envy 6055e p.o.s. Not only is this the most counter intuitive electronic device I have ever owned, I now have to try to return the non-HP cartridges. I use the printer seldomly, and when I need it , it doesn't work for many reasons. I never come close to draining a cartridge. but it never fails that the HP diagnostics finds some reason why the ink cartridge needs to be replaced. They dry out or some issue well before I have gotten 50 copies. When it works it is OK. Most of the time i waste time trying to get it to work. This has been from day 1 like 5 years ago. Worst printer ever. I have been happy with HP laptops, decent hardware, stable and reliable. The Envy 6055e printer is not well designed. Scanning is OK. Copying is plagued by same issues as printing. Colors are muted, faded. OS: Win11. Computer: Probook 11 64GB/2TB or EliteBook 

[Jerry_57]

Hi @pedro_anejo,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for sharing your experience — I’m truly sorry it’s been so frustrating, especially when you only print occasionally and expect the printer to be ready when needed. Let me shed some light on how the cartridge system works with the ENVY 6055e and outline the options available to keep things running more smoothly.

About non-HP (third-party) cartridges

The HP ENVY 6055e uses Dynamic Security, a firmware‑based system that senses the cartridge chip to confirm it’s an original HP part. Cartridges that are refilled, remanufactured, or made by other vendors may trigger error messages, be rejected, show incorrect ink levels, or produce faded and inconsistent colors.

 Because of this design, the printer works best and most reliably with genuine HP cartridges or HP Instant Ink. Third‑party cartridges aren’t tested or supported, so their behavior can feel unpredictable.

When printing is infrequent, ink can dry or clog before it’s fully used — a challenge common to most inkjet printers. To keep the flow smooth, try printing a color test page every week or two, leave the printer powered on so it can run its gentle maintenance cycles, avoid removing cartridges often, and store the printer in a room with balanced humidity. Use the Clean Printhead tool only when needed, as overuse can drain ink unnecessarily.

If printing is only an occasional need, you might find value in HP Instant Ink’s lowest page plan, which can feel lighter on cost for low usage. Looking ahead, a laser printer could offer a smoother fit for rare printing, as toner doesn’t dry out the way ink does. And if you notice colors fading or looking muted even with genuine cartridges, there are steps we can explore to bring vibrancy back.

If you switch back to genuine HP cartridges and still see faded output:
 

1. Open HP Smart
    
2. Go to Printer Settings
    
3. Run Print Quality Diagnostic
    
4. Run Clean Printhead
    
5. Print a test page again

If you’d like, you can share whether you’re using Instant Ink cartridges or store‑bought HP cartridges, and I’ll guide you toward the best next steps for your setup. We truly value your long history with HP laptops, and we want your printer experience to feel just as steady and reliable.

Regards
Jerry_57
HP Support