How to Fix HP Printer Doesn’t Recognize the Ink Cartridge- Most people are aware that HP printers are top-notch; nevertheless, nightmarish situations may still arise for users at some point in time. Such issues commonly relate to the printer’s non-detection of ink cartridges. This is a problem that can happen to new cartridges as well as refilled cartridges, which is often infuriating and causes incompletion of tasks. In this article, we will understand why this issue persists before moving on to explain how this problem can be resolved with clear guidelines.
Read: How to Resolve HP Printer Error Code 0x803c010b
Why HP Printer Doesn’t Recognize the Ink Cartridge:
Diagnostics of this problem may start by simply understanding the various reasons that could contribute to this problem. In this regard, common issues associated with ‘cartridge not recognized’ in HP printers are as follows.
- Improper Fixation of the Cartridge: The cartridge may not be well fixed in place and with its parts appropriately fit into position which leads to the failure to acknowledge it.
- Wrong Cartridge Usage: Inserting an ink cartridge that does not correspond to the specifications of your HP printer is likely to pose this problem among others.
- New Firmware Changes: In some instances, a new printer operation software from HP may be the reason why such models refuse refilled or generic ink cartridges.
- Contact Spoilt: Loss of connection because the cartridge blades or the printer contacts might have grease or dust thus failing in communication.
- Non-linear Operation Of The Printer Cartridge: The problem may, however, be with the cartridge itself whereby the cartridge head may be functioning but the cartridge does not work.
- Cartridge Protection Setting: Some HP printers have a feature that may restrict the use of refills or remanufactured cartridges.
How to Fix the HP Printer Doesn’t Recognize the Ink Cartridge:
1- Check Cartridge Compatibility
- The first thing that needs to be done is to check if the cartridge is suitable for the model of an HP printer. Some information can be found in the manual provided with the printer, whereas other information can be looked up on the HP website.
2- Reinstall the Ink Cartridge
- Allow the printer to come to a standstill and be disconnected from the sources of power.
- Release the printer cover and take out the cartridge with some care.
- Check the cartridge for any tape that may have not been removed as a protective cover. If one is found, remove it.
- Take the cartridge and place it back in its place checking if it clicks inside.
- When the cartridge is in place, crowning the printer cover, and switching off the printer goes first.
3- Clean the Cartridge and Printer Contacts
- This circumstance requires the printer to be removed from the power source.
- Clean the inside draw and remove the ink cartridge and the black dots as well as these lines.
- A slightly damp cotton cloth should be used to clean the electronic contacts on the cartridge which do not allow the use of any abrasive cleaning materials.
- Also, clean the area within the printer where the cartridge touches the printer with contacts.
- Ensure that the inches for inserting the cartridge are dry before placing the cartridge and covering the printer.
4- Reset the Printer
- In some instances, resetting the printer may assist in fixing the recognition problems. This can be done by switching the power off and unplugging the printer for about 10 – 15 minutes.
- After the waiting period, you can plug the printer back in and turn on the power switch. If required, remove and then reinstall the cartridge.
5- Disable Cartridge Protection
- For instance, if it is a refilled or remanufactured cartridge, the problem could be because of the cartridge protection set by your printer.
- Printer settings can be adjusted via the control panel or install HP software on your PC.
- Check and uncheck the “Cartridge Protection” setting under the options tab. This may sensible the printer towards the cartridge.
6- Update or Downgrade Firmware
- Conversely, should this be the case, an update after the logic board update could relate to the issue in question if such an update is present?
- In certain instances, reversal operation by reverting to a previous version of the firmware may become critical, although this could even be more involved, and may need assistance from skilled personnel.
7- Replace the Ink Cartridge
- If all of the above-mentioned steps fail, there might be a problem with the cartridge itself. Change the cartridge to a new HP cartridge and troubleshoot if the issue continues.
Final Thoughts
The frustration experienced when receiving an HP printer not recognizing ink cartridge issues is considerable. Nevertheless, in most cases, such issues can be repaired with appropriate measures. This involves checking compatibility, cleaning the contacts, and applying the strategies that have been outlined above. Such steps may assist you in rectifying the problem and restoring your printer to its operational mode. Otherwise, contacting HP support or a technician may become inevitable if this does not fix the situation.