HP 950/951 Ink Cartridges – Find Your Compatible HP Printer

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HP OfficeJet Pro printer has stopped working and you have unused HP 950 or 951 ink cartridges, you may want to find a replacement printer that can use your existing supplies.

HP 950 and HP 951 cartridges are associated with older HP OfficeJet Pro printer models. Most newer HP printers use different cartridge numbers or ink tank systems, so checking compatibility before purchasing a replacement printer is essential.

This article explains how to identify compatible printer models, verify cartridge numbers, and troubleshoot cartridge compatibility issues.

1. Identify Compatible Printer Models

HP 950 and HP 951 cartridges were used in several older HP OfficeJet Pro printers, including:

• HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 series

• HP OfficeJet Pro 8610

• HP OfficeJet Pro 8620

• HP OfficeJet Pro 8630

These models are examples of printers associated with the HP 950/951 cartridge family. Check the exact printer model and regional specifications before purchasing a replacement.

Important: Do not assume that a newly released HP printer supports HP 950 or 951 cartridges. Newer models may use different cartridge families or ink tanks.

2. Verify Cartridge Compatibility Before Buying a Printer

Follow these steps to confirm whether a replacement printer supports your existing cartridges.

• Identify the cartridge numbers. Check the labels on the cartridges and confirm whether they are HP 950, HP 950XL, HP 951, or HP 951XL.

• Identify the complete printer model. Check the product label or documentation for the exact model number.

• Open the official HP cartridge compatibility resource. Visit Which cartridges work with my HP printer?.

• Check the printer's supported cartridges. Confirm that the exact cartridge numbers are listed for the selected printer model.

• Verify regional compatibility. Cartridge compatibility can vary by country or region. Check the applicable HP specifications before purchasing.

• Confirm availability. Check the HP Store or an authorized retailer for compatible printer models and replacement supplies.

Do not purchase a printer based solely on its brand or product series. The exact model and cartridge numbers must match.

3. Troubleshoot Cartridge Compatibility Issues

If a compatible printer displays a cartridge error, follow the steps below.

1: Check the Cartridge Numbers

• Turn on the printer.

• Open the cartridge access door and wait until the carriage stops moving.

• Check the cartridge labels.

• Compare the cartridge numbers with the printer's supported supplies listed on the official HP website.

• Replace any incompatible cartridges with the correct supplies.

Refer to HP ink cartridge issues, including incompatible, missing, and not recognized errors.

2: Remove and Reinstall the Cartridges

If the cartridge numbers are correct but the printer does not recognize them:

• Turn on the printer and open the cartridge access door.

• Wait until the carriage stops moving.

• Remove the affected cartridge according to the printer's instructions.

• Check that the protective tape has been removed from a newly installed cartridge.

• Avoid touching the copper-colored electrical contacts or ink nozzles.

• Reinsert the cartridge into its correct, color-coded slot.

• Ensure that it is securely seated.

• Close the cartridge access door and check whether the error has cleared.

For model-specific instructions, see Replace HP inkjet printer cartridges.

3: Reset the Printer

If the cartridge error continues, perform a power reset:

• Turn off the printer using its power button.

• Disconnect the power cord from the printer if it does not turn off normally.

• Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.

• Wait at least 60 seconds.

• Reconnect the power cord directly to a wall outlet and the printer.

• Turn on the printer and check the displayed message.

Follow the reset instructions applicable to your printer model.

4: Check for Cartridge Recognition or Communication Errors

If the printer still does not recognize the cartridges:

• Confirm that each cartridge is supported by the exact printer model.

• Check for messages such as Incompatible Cartridge, Cartridge Missing, or Cartridge Not Recognized.

• If possible, test with a known-compatible genuine HP cartridge.

• If the error persists, use the HP Support website to locate model-specific troubleshooting instructions.

Some printers use electronic circuitry or cartridge authentication features to verify installed supplies. A cartridge that fits physically may not necessarily be compatible.

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