HP photosmart 5520 does not print color

[Sara29]

I just installed new cartridges and the black is printing better (but not great), but the colors won't print at all. I have re-installed the software, cleaned printhead and ink smear, aligned printer, printed status pages, and checked all of my cartidges but there is no color printing. It is not printing in shades of grey, just simply blank where the color should be.

[DavidSMP]

Hi @Sara29,

Good Day. A warm welcome to the HP community. I reviewed the case regarding assistance with the printer not printing in color even after replacing in cartridges. I will be delighted to assist you here.

Superb description, brilliant troubleshooting and terrific observations made before posting. Kudos to you for that. 🙂

To assist you with accurate information I would require more information regarding this:

• Did this happen after a recent power outage or surge?
• Did you make copies in color directly from the printer and check?

For now, let me keep you posted about a few things here:

• Please make 2 copies in color directly from the printer without any communication from the computer.
• Now check if it copies in color correctly.
• If it does not, then perform all the recommended steps from this link: http://hp.care/2BuoVTp (HP Photosmart, Deskjet 5520 Printers - Black Ink Not Printing and Other Print Quality Issues)  if it has not been done already and check if the issue gets resolved.

If the problems continue, then contact HP phone support to get the printer replaced as it might be faulty since you’ve replaced cartridges and still it does not work. I am being honest about it without beating around the bush.

HP Technical Support can be reached by clicking on the following link: http://hp.care/2r9wSvP

• Once the support page opens please select the country in which you're located. Next, enter your HP model number on the right.
• Next, choose the 'Contact Support' tab at the top and scroll down to the bottom of the 'HP Support- Contact' page to fill out the form provided with your contact information.
• Once completed click the 'Show Options' icon on the bottom right.
• Lastly, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select 'Get phone number.' A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

They will be happy to assist you immediately.

If the unit is under warranty, the manufacturer’s warranty should take care of it for you.

Please perform all these steps patiently as it is critical to resolving the issue. The trick is to remain patient. Going by your technical expertise and competence I am sure you will be able to perform these steps without breaking a sweat.

Hope this helps. Let me know how this goes. I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great. Please reach out for any issues and I'll be there to assist you.

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care now and have a splendid week ahead. 🙂