Fixing HP Cartridge Errors: Troubleshooting “Empty” and Faulty Cartridges

HP ink cartridges are printer parts that you’ll replace regularly. Doing so is straightforward and only involves removing the existing cartridge and putting a new one in its place. Still, you might experience a cartridge error when replacing one in an HP printer.

Ink Cartridge Errors Fast Fix Checklist

1. Wait 5 Minutes: Let the ink settle.
2. Peel the Tape: Check the gold contacts for plastic tabs left from packaging.
3. Listen for the Click: Ensure it is seated firmly in the correct slot in the printer.
4. Confirm the Prompt: Tell the software the cartridge is new. Click OK/yes.
5. Clean the Contacts: Use isopropyl alcohol if the error persists.

Common HP Printers Cartridge Error Messages

There are lots of potential ink cartridge errors that you might experience on an HP printer. Here are a few common error messages that you might come across:

Why Your New HP Cartridge Isn’t Working

Let the Ink Settle

Printer ink cartridges are packaged with safety in mind because they are often stored upside-down or on their sides during shipping and in warehouses. The ink will move around and settle at different parts within the cartridge during transportation. It is possible that the cartridge is stored upside down for long periods of time in your office or desk.

As a result, when you turn the ink cartridge on the right side up and install it in your printer, the ink requires some time to flow back into the correct position. The ink needs to move back to the printhead at the bottom of the cartridge.

If installed immediately, the ink may not be sitting against the printhead, causing the printer to think the cartridge is faulty or empty. Before installation, place the cartridge right-side up on a flat surface for at least 5 minutes to allow the ink to settle at the bottom

Remove Hidden Packaging and Sealing Tape

Ink cartridges are notorious for having excessive packaging– many strips to pull, plastic to remove and caps to unsnap. Ink cartridges also come with packaging tape applied onto their electrical contact or chips.

Manufacturers apply a small, often orange or bright-colored plastic strip over the copper electrical contacts to prevent oxidation. If this tape is not completely removed, it creates a physical barrier that prevents the printer from detecting the cartridge. It also cannot communicate with the cartridge.

How to fix it: Shut your printer off and open its ink cartridge access panel. Then, remove each new cartridge that you recently installed. Ensure no sticky residue remains on the gold contacts after peeling the tape off. Reinstall the cartridge and resume your normal printing activities.

Ensure a Secure Physical Connection

Some printers require you to pull a lever down to secure the ink cartridges. Other models have an easy slide and click design. Either way, the ink cartridges must be in the correct spot (color/black) and ‘Seated’ correctly.

Many HP models use a spring-loaded tension system. If the cartridge isn’t pushed in until you hear a distinct ‘click,’ the electrical pins won’t align perfectly with the cartridge chip. If you don’t hear that click, remove the cartridge and re-insert it with firm, even pressure.

If the cartridge does not align easily, check for obstructions (paper?) that could prevent install. You don’t want to be cleaning up an ink mess from cramming it in too hard!

Clean the Gold Electrical Contacts

Earlier, you read that ink cartridges have chips and electrical contacts on them. Those contacts are crucial because they allow the cartridge and the printer to communicate through electrical signals. Aside from controlling the ink cartridge, the metal contacts also allow the printer to monitor the ink cartridge’s status and the ink levels inside.

If the metal contacts on the printer’s side are unclean, the printer will not acknowledge the cartridge correctly. These contacts are typically dirty with dust or debris, though you might also find some ink on them.

How to fix it: You can solve this problem quickly by cleaning the affected metal contacts. First, brush away any visible pieces of dust or debris.

Rub the metal contacts with isopropyl alcohol (e.g. rubbing alcohol) for a more thorough clean. The alcohol is effective for getting rid of dust or diluting any dried ink. Place a few drips on a cotton swab and use that to rub the metal contacts clean. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly, so you don’t have to worry about there being any remaining moisture afterwards.

Check Cartridge Compatibility

HP printer ink cartridges are not universal. That means you can’t necessarily insert an ink cartridge into any printer, despite being a genuine printer ink cartridge.

Each ink cartridge model is only compatible with one or a few HP printer models. So, you can check the user manual, printer packaging, or cartridge packaging to determine if the cartridge and printer are compatible. There is usually a sticker inside the printer with the cartridge number on it.

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Perform a Hard Power Reset for Printer Errors

In this case, the printer is likely experiencing a glitch or short-term error preventing it from correctly communicating with the ink cartridge. As a result, the printer might fail to sense the cartridge or don’t receive any electrical signals from it.

So, one of the first steps you can take to resolve a cartridge error is to perform a reset on your HP printer.

How to do it: Power cycling is the quickest way to reset your HP printer. First, disconnect the printer from its power source. Then, leave it alone for one minute. Reconnect and see if it has reestablished the connection.

Read: How To Fix Printer That Is Making Noises? – Troubleshooting Guide

Defective Ink Cartridge

What it is: Unfortunately, one of the likely reasons you’re experiencing a cartridge error is the cartridge was defective from the start. That means it was already faulty when it was packaged and shipped to you.

Suppose you have gone through the troubleshooting process and ruled out everything else. In that case, it’s most likely that your ink cartridge is defective. 

You’ll have to get a replacement cartridge with your HP printer.

How to do it: If your ink cartridge is still within its warranty period, you’ll likely get a new one free of charge. To be sure, contact HP or the seller you bought the cartridge from to see your exchange options.

Read: Why Printer Prints Weird Random Symbols – Troubleshooting Guide

Faulty Printer — Technical or Firmware Issues

What it is: Although it’s the least likely reason on this list, there’s always a chance that your HP printer is the reason you’re experiencing cartridge errors. 

In other words, your ink cartridges are in excellent working order. Still, your printer has mechanical or software-related problems that require troubleshooting.

At this stage, the problem is quite challenging for you to troubleshoot on your own. For example, a problem with the printer’s firmware or wiring could prevent it from communicating with its ink cartridges.

You should send your printer to a qualified technician for further troubleshooting and repairs when that happens.

How to do it: Ideally, you should contact HP to troubleshoot and repair your printer as they’ll be familiar with cartridge errors affecting their printer models. However, you can also send the unit to another preferred printer technician.

A qualified technician can then take the printer apart and troubleshoot it further to find the root cause and fix it quickly.

Related Read: Why Does My Printer Print Vertical and Horizontal Lines on the Paper?

Why New Ink Cartridge Says Empty When I Install It?

Correcting the “New Genuine Cartridge” Prompt

When you install a new cartridge, the printer or your computer’s printer software will often display a pop-up asking, ‘Did you install a new genuine cartridge?’ If you click ‘No’ or ‘Close’ too quickly, the printer may not reset the internal ink counter. It essentially continues the ‘countdown’ from the previous empty cartridge. To fix this, remove the cartridge, wait 30 seconds, reinstall it, and make sure to select ‘Yes’ or ‘OK’ when the prompt appears.

Clearing the Printer’s Internal Memory (The Double Swap)

Internal Memory Reset: Sometimes the printer’s temporary memory (buffer) holds onto the ‘Empty’ status even after a new cartridge is inserted. To clear this without a full factory reset, try the ‘Double Swap’ method: Remove the new cartridge, install an old one (if you still have it), let the printer recognize it as empty, and then immediately swap the new one back in. This forces the printer to re-examine the chip and update the ink levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Know If My Printer Uses Ink Or Toner?

A printer that uses ink will have cartridges with liquid in them. Printer ink remains in liquid form until it’s deposited on paper and dries. Toner, however, is a dry powder. That powder stays inside the toner cartridge or drum, but you’ll often see some trace of it inside the printer.

What Is The Difference Between Ink And Toner?

Do All HP Printers Use The Same Cartridge?

No, not all HP printers use the same cartridge. That’s because ink cartridges are not universal or one-size-fits-all. Instead, you’ll have to match the appropriate cartridge number to your printer model for the two to work together correctly.

How Long Do HP Toner Cartridges Last? 

An HP toner cartridge will last for 2 years if you keep it in its original sealed packaging. Once you start using it, the toner levels will last depending on how much printing you do. The more you print, the faster the toner levels will gradually drop.

Can I Use A Non-HP Toner?

No, you should only ever use genuine HP toner that’s compatible with your HP printer model. Genuine and compatible toners are designed specifically with your printer model in mind. So, the odds of faults and defects are much lower, giving you more peace of mind.

How Do I Fix Low Toner On My HP Printer?

The only way to fix low toner on your HP printer is to replace it with a new toner cartridge. Ideally, you should have an extra cartridge ready before the current one runs out entirely. That way, your printing tasks can continue uninterrupted.

Why Does My HP Printer Say Used Or Counterfeit?

HP printers can sense when an ink cartridge is counterfeit or has been refilled manually. When that happens, it will display that message to remind you that HP can’t guarantee the reliability or quality of non-genuine ink. You can continue using the refilled cartridge until you are unhappy with the print quality.