• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Experiencing 'Printer Blocked' or 'Printer Error' message? Click here for more information.
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended

I have a HP Envy Inspire 7200 printer. No more than a few months old. Tried to replace the black ink cartridge for the very first time with a new 304 genuine cartridge. What a surprise, immediately have issues. “The indicated cartridges are not communicating correctly with the printer”. Please someone help me. Incredibly frustrating as it’s a new printer, genuine cartridge and I shouldn’t be having these issues immediately 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
HP Recommended

Hey @dreamweaver46,

 

Yes, the HP Envy Inspire 7200 series printer is indeed compatible with HP 303 cartridges, not the 304 cartridges. If you’ve been using 304 cartridges, that would explain the issues you’re experiencing. To ensure proper functionality, you’ll need to purchase the 303 cartridges for your printer.

 

 

I hope that clears things up! Let me know if you need further assistance.

 

Take care and have a good day. 

 

If this reply nailed it, 🔨 mark it as the "Accepted Solution"—it’s like a spotlight for future problem solvers.  And clicking 'yes' under 'Was this reply helpful?' is the cherry 🍒 on top of the solution sundae. Sharing is caring! 💕

 

Regards,

Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee

View solution in original post

4 REPLIES 4
HP Recommended

@dreamweaver46, Welcome to HP Support Community,

 

Thank you for posting your query.

 

(I totally get your frustration! 😩 It’s like you’re all excited to use your new printer, and then bam—the dreaded “cartridge not communicating” error hits. 😤 That moment when you just want to print something simple, but instead you’re left staring at an issue you didn’t sign up for. It’s a punch in the gut, especially with a new printer and a genuine cartridge! 😵💫

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! 💪 )

 

Let’s get this sorted so you can get back to printing without all the headaches. We’ll figure it out together, and you’ll be good to go in no time! 😊

 

Check Cartridge Installation

  • Turn off the printer and open the printer's ink cartridge access door.
  • Remove the black ink cartridge carefully.
  • Inspect the cartridge for any protective tape or plastic that may still be covering the ink nozzles or contacts. Ensure all protective materials are removed.
  • Reinstall the cartridge, making sure it clicks securely into place.

Clean the Cartridge Contacts

  • Power off the printer.
  • Remove the ink cartridge and examine the metal contacts on the cartridge.
  • Clean the cartridge contacts and the contacts inside the printer using a soft lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water.
  • Let the contacts dry before reinserting the cartridge into the printer.

Perform a Printer Reset

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  • Wait for 1-2 minutes, then plug the printer back in and power it on.
  • Sometimes, a reset can resolve communication issues between the printer and cartridge.

Update Printer Firmware

  • Check for firmware updates that might resolve communication issues with the new cartridge.
  • You can go to the HP Support website and enter your printer model to download the latest firmware update.
  • Alternatively, you can update the firmware directly from the printer’s control panel if it’s connected to Wi-Fi.

Check for Printer Errors

  • Check the display screen on the printer for any error codes or messages. If you see any, look them up in the printer manual or on HP's support site for more information.

Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee

HP Recommended

Try a Different Cartridge

  • If you have a spare new cartridge available, try swapping it out. It's possible that the new cartridge you installed is defective, even though it’s genuine.
  • If the error clears with the other cartridge, your original cartridge may be faulty.

Check Printer Connection

  • Ensure the printer is connected to your computer or network (Wi-Fi or USB, depending on your setup).
  • If the printer is connected via Wi-Fi, try restarting your router to resolve any connection issues.

Run the Printer's Diagnostic Tool

  • Some HP printers have a built-in diagnostic tool for troubleshooting.
  • Access this via the printer’s settings or tool menu and run a diagnostic check to see if it detects any issues with the ink cartridges or printhead.

Check for Software Conflicts

  • Make sure you have the latest drivers and software installed on your computer, especially if you're printing from a computer. Sometimes outdated software can cause communication issues with the printer.
  • You can download the latest drivers from HP's support site.

You can also refer to this guide for resolving the issue of the cartridge not communicating properly with the printer.

 

I hope these steps help resolve the issue

 

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

 

Take care and have a good day. 

 

Problem solved? 🎉 Awesome! Mark this as the Accepted Solution to help the next person find their way faster. 🧭 And if it was helpful, click 'yes'—you’ll make someone’s search journey that much easier (and give this reply some well-deserved street cred 🏅)

 

Regards,

Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee

HP Recommended

Hello,

i was told by HP chat associate that the reason could be because my cartridges are not compatible. It’s an envy inspire 7200 printer and i bought the 304 cartridges. Apparently only the 303s are compatible. Are you able to confirm before i go ahead and purchase these?

 

Thanks

HP Recommended

Hey @dreamweaver46,

 

Yes, the HP Envy Inspire 7200 series printer is indeed compatible with HP 303 cartridges, not the 304 cartridges. If you’ve been using 304 cartridges, that would explain the issues you’re experiencing. To ensure proper functionality, you’ll need to purchase the 303 cartridges for your printer.

 

 

I hope that clears things up! Let me know if you need further assistance.

 

Take care and have a good day. 

 

If this reply nailed it, 🔨 mark it as the "Accepted Solution"—it’s like a spotlight for future problem solvers.  And clicking 'yes' under 'Was this reply helpful?' is the cherry 🍒 on top of the solution sundae. Sharing is caring! 💕

 

Regards,

Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.