My instant ink cartridges have dried up

[Chuffed1149]

We have found the same problem frequently happening.  We don't use the printer all that much and have the minimum monthly usage package, but every time we need to print something it usually wastes about 3-4 pages of our page allowance getting the ink flowing well enough to have readable copies!  Very frustrating, particularly when printing anything with a barcode on because it otherwise the code isn't clear enough to be read by scanners.

[TEJ1602]

@Chuffed1149, Welcome to HP Support Community!

To assist you better, We would need some information related to your Instant Ink Subscription. This information cannot be shared on a public post.

I have sent you a private message, reply to the message with your details.

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Keep me posted.

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[CJFX2]

I have found the same problem -- my cartridges have dried up. I don't use the printer all that much (except for scanning) and I have the Instant Ink free 15-page monthly usage package.  I haven't received a new cartridge since 2018 and I can't figure out how to get new ones from HP, because I'm told the cartridges are full.  I've tried cleaning the printer cartridges, aligning the print heads, nothing fixes the problem.  It's obvious that the cartridges are dried up from non-use, and I've ended up wasting 10 copies just trying to get a decent print job.  Very frustrating.  What will HP do to help?

[Kumar0307]

@CJFX2, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

HP Instant Ink is a subscription service that sends ink before you need it based on your printing volume and ink levels. You might not receive ink cartridges every month. If you print many pages, you might receive multiple ink cartridges in a month.

It is recommended to print at least a couple of times in a week so that the ink does not dry up.

If you have tried cleaning the ink cartridges from the printer control panel and the issue persists, I need more information to help you out.

Since the instant ink account details are confidential, please send me the required information via private message.

I am sending you a private message with the information required.

• In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Forums profile, next to your profile Name or simply click on this link: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/notes/privatenotespage

Keep me posted.

If you feel my post solved your issue, please click “Accept as Solution”, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[whatever19]

So basically you are saying we need to waste our printed pages, by printing pages every week that we do not need, in order for the printer to work? Can I assume my printer will never print black again and thus I need a new one. It's clear from this forum that many of us have the same problem and HP does NOTHING.

[Kumar0307]

@whatever19

When the printer is not in use but powered ON, it automatically performs maintenance to the printhead.

If this maintenance is not done, the nozzles on the printhead will dry out.

If the ink cartridge is not used for more than 2-3 months, the ink will dry out.

You can do a printhead cleaning for that, but eventually, they will get to a state where they could not be recover. Hence to avoid these situations, it is advised to print once or twice a week to keep the printer in good condition.

Keep me posted for any other assistance.