How to Put Ink in a Printer HP?

HP printers are one of the most popular choices for home and office printing because of their reliability and ease of use. When ink cartridges run out, they need to be replaced. Many first-time printer users find the process of replacing ink daunting. In this blog, we will walk you through the detailed steps to put a new ink cartridge in your HP printer and provide solutions to common printer errors.

How to Put Ink in a Printer HP?

Replacing the ink cartridge in your HP printer is a simple process and following these detailed steps will help you do it smoothly. The installation is applicable to all HP cartridges, including but not limited to HP 728, HP 902XL, HP 910XL, HP 923e, HP 950XL/951XL, HP 952, HP 936e, HP 63XL, HP 67XL, etc.

1. Open the Printer Cover

First, check the ink levels to confirm that the ink cartridge is almost depleted. Read the blog How to Check Ink Levels on HP Printer to learn more.

Open the HP printer and locate the printer’s ink cartridge access door. This is usually located on the front or top of the printer.

Carefully open the cover and wait for the ink cartridge carriage to move to the center. When the printer ink cartridge carriage stops moving, prepare to remove the ink cartridge.

2. Remove the Old Ink Cartridge

Identify the ink cartridge that needs to be replaced and gently press down on it to release. HP printers usually indicate which ink is low through an error message on the printer display or through a connected computer. Then carefully pull the ink cartridge out of its slot.

3. Insert the New Ink Cartridge

Remove the new ink cartridge from its packaging and remove the protective tape covering the ink cartridge nozzles. Avoid touching the ink nozzles or copper contacts as this may cause printing problems.

Hold the ink cartridge with the nozzles facing down and slide it into the correct slot. Press firmly until the cartridge clicks into place.

4. Close the Printer and Test the Ink

Close the printer’s access door and wait for the printer to recognize the new ink cartridge.

Run a test print to check that the ink is flowing properly. Some HP printers prompt you to align the printheads; if prompted, follow the on-screen instructions.

If necessary, clean the print heads using the printer’s maintenance settings to ensure clear printing.

Taking HP 910 / HP 910XL as an example, the following video provides detailed steps for replacing ink cartridges.

Common HP Printer Errors and How to Fix Them

Ink Cartridge Not Recognized

If your HP printer doesn’t recognize a newly installed ink cartridge, it could be due to improper installation, dirty ink cartridge contacts, or a firmware issue.

First remove the ink cartridge and then carefully reinsert it, making sure it clicks into place. If the problem persists, clean the metal contacts on the cartridge and printer with a lint-free cloth to remove any dust or residue. Restarting the printer may also help detect the new ink correctly.

If none of these steps work, check for firmware updates on the HP website, as older firmware may not support newer ink cartridges.

Printer Shows “Low Ink” After Replacing Cartridge

If the printer still displays a low ink warning when you replace the ink cartridge, this is typically due to a problem with the printer’s memory that prevents the ink levels from being reset.

Try turning the printer off, unplugging it from the power source for a few minutes, and then restarting it. If the problem persists, remove the ink cartridge and reinsert it correctly, making sure it is fully seated in the slot.

Additionally, some HP printers allow you to manually reset the ink levels through the printer software or control panel.

Streaky or Faded Prints

Poor print quality is often caused by a clogged printhead, low ink levels, or incorrect paper settings.

If your prints are streaked, faded, or missing colors, first check the ink levels in the printer software. If the ink levels are sufficient, run the printhead cleaning function from the printer’s maintenance settings. For stubborn clogs, you may need to repeat this process several times.

Also, make sure that the paper type and print settings you are using are appropriate for your document. Low-quality or incompatible paper can cause uneven ink distribution.

If the problem persists, remove the ink cartridge and gently wipe the printhead with a damp, lint-free cloth to remove any dried ink residue.

“Cartridge Problem” or “Incompatible Cartridge” Error

When your printer displays a “Cartridge Problem” or “Incompatible Cartridge” error, it usually means there’s an issue with the connection or authenticity of the cartridge.

First, remove the cartridge and check for any protective tape that wasn’t completely removed. Then, clean the cartridge’s contacts with a dry cloth and reinsert it firmly into the printer.

If you’re using a third-party or refilled cartridge, your printer may reject it due to firmware limitations. In this case, consider downgrading your firmware or contacting your third-party vendor for a replacement. Read our blog for information on HP Printer Firmware Downgrade Download.

If the error persists, perform a printer reset by turning off the printer, unplugging it for a few minutes, and then restarting it.

Non-HP Chip Detected

HP printers sometimes block third-party cartridges that do not have an HP chip and display a “Non-HP Chip Detected” error. This is a safety measure designed to encourage the use of genuine HP products.

If you encounter this issue, using printer cartridges that are compatible with the new chip, downgrading the printer firmware, using genuine HP cartridges, and disabling HP automatic updates can resolve this error message. Check out the blog Non-HP Chip Detected Fix to learn more.

Printer Won’t Print After Installing New Ink

If your printer still refuses to print after installing new ink cartridges, there may be several factors at play.

First check for a paper jam, as paper jams can prevent the printer from functioning properly. Make sure the printer is selected as the default printer in the computer settings.

If the problem persists, run a diagnostic test from the HP printer software to identify any potential problems.

Also, make sure the ink cartridges are installed correctly and there is no dried ink blocking the printhead.

Restarting the printer and computer can also help resolve connection issues that prevent the printer from functioning.

Wrap It Up

Putting ink into your HP printer is a simple process by following the steps above. By installing the ink cartridges correctly and resolving common errors, you can ensure smooth printing operations. If the problem persists, HP support and troubleshooting guides can provide further assistance.