I cleaned the printer head but it still won't print with black ink

[smagnuson]

I cleaned the printerhead. It is a full cartiage of black ink and it still won't print with black ink

[Raj_05]

Hi @smagnuson,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

If you've cleaned the printhead and replaced the black ink cartridge, but your HP printer still won't print with black ink, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try,

• Check for Air Bubbles: Ensure that there are no air bubbles trapped in the ink cartridge. Sometimes, when installing a new cartridge, air bubbles can form and block the flow of ink. Try gently tapping the cartridge on a hard surface to dislodge any air bubbles.
• Run the Printer's Self-Cleaning Utility: Most HP printers have a self-cleaning utility that can be accessed through the printer software on your computer. Run the printhead cleaning utility to see if it resolves the issue.
• Check Ink Levels: Verify that the ink levels are adequate. If the ink levels are low or empty, the printer may not be able to print even if you've replaced the cartridge. Check the ink levels through the printer software on your computer.
• Align the Printhead: Some printers have an alignment feature that ensures the printhead is properly aligned for optimal printing. Check your printer manual for instructions on how to align the printhead.
• Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure that your printer has the latest firmware updates installed. Sometimes, updating the printer's firmware can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance.
• Use Genuine HP Cartridges: Make sure you are using genuine HP ink cartridges. Generic or refilled cartridges may not work properly with your printer and can cause printing issues.
• Manually Clean the Printhead: If the automatic cleaning doesn't resolve the issue, you can try manually cleaning the printhead. Refer to your printer manual for instructions on how to do this. Be careful and follow the guidelines to avoid damaging the printhead.
• Perform a Print Quality Diagnostic: Many printers have a diagnostic or test print function that can help identify and resolve print quality issues. Check your printer manual for instructions on how to perform a print quality diagnostic.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support