HP's cartridge error article lists the error topics: cartridges incompatible, incorrect or not intended for the printer; depleted; missing or damaged; not communicating correctly with the printer; Instant Ink cartridge errors; the Use SETUP cartridges message; the Non-HP chip or circuitry detected error; and all other errors. The quick fixes are to turn the printer off, remove the cartridge, look for the protective tape or a damaged contact, reseat it until it snaps into its color-coded slot, close the door and try again; wipe the copper contacts with a dry lint-free cloth if they look dirty; try the cartridge in another printer or a known-good cartridge in yours to find which is at fault.
Check the cartridge is the right model for your printer and region, and that a setup cartridge from the box is not in use after setup.
The checks in more detail
Many HP printers use dynamic security, which blocks cartridges with non-HP chips or modified circuitry and can be tightened by firmware updates delivered over the internet, so a third-party cartridge that worked yesterday can stop working today; HP says printers can often be set to notify before updating, but Instant Ink and some services require automatic updates. Original HP cartridges that keep the HP chip can be reused or remanufactured. Check the printer's warranty and HP's replacement offer if the cartridge is genuine and faulty. Keep the packaging of cartridges until they work, note the date you fitted them and the model number, and keep the receipt: HP checks eligibility for replacement of faulty genuine cartridges, and proof of purchase makes that easier.
Differential
Likely causes of “HP printers does not recognize ink or toner”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A dirty contact
What separates it The cartridge is not communicating because its contact is dirty
How to confirm Wipe the contact with a dry cloth, and reseat the cartridge
- 2
The wrong model
What separates it The printer says the cartridge is incompatible because it is the wrong model
How to confirm Fit the correct cartridge for your model, using the model number
- 3
Dynamic security
What separates it The printer says a non HP chip was detected because of dynamic security
How to confirm Use a supported cartridge that has a genuine chip
- 4
A setup cartridge
What separates it The printer asks for SETUP cartridges because a setup cartridge is required
How to confirm Fit full cartridges, which the printer needs during the first setup
- 5
Instant Ink status
What separates it An Instant Ink error shows because of the status of the account
How to confirm Check the Instant Ink account and the connection, and then try again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact message that the printer shows
- The model numbers of the cartridges that you fitted
- Whether the printer received a recent firmware update
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedRead the error
ReversibleRead the error, and note which HP support topic it matches, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Remove and reseat
ReversibleRemove and reseat the cartridge, until it snaps into place firmly, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check tape and contacts
ReversibleCheck for tape and dirty contacts, and wipe them gently with a dry cloth, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the model
ReversibleCheck the model number, and make sure that it is the right cartridge, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Try another cartridge
ReversibleTry another cartridge, to isolate whether the cartridge or the printer is at fault, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check dynamic security
ReversibleCheck dynamic security, which blocks cartridges that do not have genuine chips, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Contact HP
ReversibleContact HP if the cartridge is genuine and the printer still refuses it, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Laser
- LaserJet printers use toner cartridges with their own supply and protection settings.
- Tank
- Smart Tank printers use bottled ink, so cartridge errors do not apply to them.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models OfficeJet Pro 9125e, OfficeJet Pro 9015e, OfficeJet Pro 8025e, ENVY Inspire 7955e, ENVY 6455e, DeskJet 4155e, Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw, LaserJet Pro 4101fdw, LaserJet M234sdwe, Smart Tank 7602, Smart Tank 5101.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a genuine cartridge is not recognized after reseating, try another cartridge and contact HP
- !If a non-HP chip is rejected, replace it with a supported cartridge
- !If Instant Ink errors persist, check the account
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Cartridge error topics.
How cartridge authentication and firmware updates work.
Instant Ink and firmware updates.
Advanced Settings and Check for Update.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my cartridge not recognized?+
A dirty contact, the wrong model or dynamic security.
What is dynamic security?+
A check that blocks non-HP chips.
Can a firmware update block cartridges?+
Yes, a firmware update can block cartridges, according to HP, so check the terms.
Can I stop automatic updates?+
On most printers, but Instant Ink needs them.
Does a non-HP cartridge void the warranty?+
HP says it does not, but damage it causes is not covered.
What is Use SETUP cartridges?+
The printer wants the setup cartridges.
Can I reuse an HP cartridge?+
With its original HP chip, yes.
Should I wipe the contacts?+
Wipe the contacts gently with a dry cloth, and never with liquid.
Is there a free replacement?+
HP checks eligibility for genuine faulty cartridges.