eo error on deskjet 4200 series

[swills6804]

i used to use the ink service... that account has been closed. i do not have a balance as this was verified. my ink was low so i replaced both cartridges at the same time. the color is fine but the black side says it's empty, even tried with another new cartridge. it has no problems printing the black on all these error reports so why won't it let me print anything else? i have hardly used this printer. i need it to work. 

[Max3Aj]

Hello @swills6804, and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

I understand you're seeing an e0 error on your HP DeskJet 4200 series printer, and although you've replaced both cartridges, the black cartridge still shows as empty even though it prints fine on error reports. Let's walk through some steps to resolve this.

Understand the e0 Error

The e0 error typically indicates a cartridge problem, often related to:

• Ink subscription status
• Cartridge authentication
• Cartridge contacts or alignment

Since your HP Instant Ink account is closed, make sure you're using standard HP cartridges, not Instant Ink ones. Instant Ink cartridges are locked to the subscription and won’t work once the account is closed.

Check Cartridge Type

• Remove the black cartridge and verify it’s a standard HP 67 or HP 305 cartridge (depending on your region).
• If it says "Instant Ink" on the label, it won’t work anymore. You’ll need a regular retail cartridge. 
  Which cartridges work with my HP printer? | HP® Support

Clean Cartridge Contacts

Sometimes, ink cartridges may not be properly detected due to dirty contacts.

• Power off the printer.
• Remove the black cartridge.
• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to gently clean the gold contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer.
• Let it dry, reinsert the cartridge, and power on the printer.

Reset the Printer

A simple reset can clear temporary errors.

• Turn off the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the printer and wall.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in and turn it on.

Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause cartridge detection issues.

• Visit the HP Support page and enter your printer model (e.g., DeskJet 4210, 4220, etc.).
• Download and install the latest firmware.

Bypass Cartridge Error (Temporary Workaround)

If you urgently need to print and the black cartridge is still not recognized:

• You can print in grayscale using the color cartridge:
  • Go to Print Settings > Preferences > Color Options
  • Select Print in Grayscale > High Quality

If the Issue Persists

If you've verified the cartridge is standard and cleaned the contacts but still see the error, the printer may have retained Instant Ink settings. You can try:

• Factory Reset (Note: This will reset all settings):
  • Press and hold the Cancel + Wireless buttons together for 5 seconds until the printer restarts.

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support