cartridges not communicating

[Cricket2025]

hp envy 5052

indicated cartridges not communicating.  color ink cartridge has been empty for years.  black ink was low but still printing. then the error came.  i changed the black cartridge to a new one.  same error.  turned off and unpluged. same error.  took catridges out and wiped with cloth and same error.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Cricket2025 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

That “cartridges not communicating” error on your HP ENVY 5052 can be frustrating—especially when you’ve already swapped cartridges and cleaned contacts. But you’re not out of options yet. Let’s troubleshoot this together.

Here are the steps you should follow to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:

Install the Ink Cartridges Correctly:

• Make sure all of the ink cartridges are properly installed in the printer.
• Open the ink cartridge access door and ensure that each cartridge is placed in the correct slot. They should snap into place when installed correctly.

Clean the Cartridge Contacts:

• Turn on the printer and open the cartridge access door.
• Remove each ink cartridge and clean the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge and the corresponding contacts inside the printer using a dry foam rubber swab or lint-free cloth.
• Use distilled or bottled water if needed, but do not use alcohol or other solvents as they can damage the contacts.

Replace Old Cartridges:

• If the color cartridge has been empty for a long time, consider replacing it alongside the black cartridge. Sometimes an empty cartridge can trigger communication errors.

Check for Correct Placement and Usage:

• Ensure that you're using compatible cartridges for the HP Envy 5052 printer. Sometimes using non-compatible cartridges can cause communication issues.
• Make sure that any protective tape on the new cartridges has been removed.

Reset the Printer:

• Disconnect the power cord from the printer while it is still turned on.
• Wait for about 60 seconds before reconnecting the power cord and turning the printer back on.

Let me know how far you get with these steps—I’ll stick with you until it’s sorted.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye