HP printer light flashing after a new ink cartridge: how to fix it

A blinking light right after you put in a new ink cartridge almost always means the printer cannot read the cartridge yet, not that the printer is broken. The usual causes are a bit of protective tape still on the cartridge, a cartridge that is not clicked all the way in, dirty copper contacts, or a cartridge the printer will not accept. Work through these steps in order and stop as soon as it prints.

Steps

1. Look at which light is blinking. An ink drop light or a light next to the cartridge picture points to a cartridge problem. A blinking power or Wi-Fi light is usually a different issue, such as the printer starting up or looking for Wi-Fi.
2. Turn the printer on and open the ink door. Wait until the carriage that holds the cartridges slides to the middle and stops moving.
3. Take out the new cartridge by pressing it gently and pulling it toward you. Check for any orange or clear tape, especially over the copper strip and the small air hole on top. Peel off every bit of tape, but do not touch the copper strip or the nozzles.
4. Push the cartridge back into its own slot, color in the color slot and black in the black slot, until you hear or feel a click. Close the ink door.
5. If the light still blinks, take the cartridge out again and gently wipe the copper strip with a dry, lint free cloth or a cotton swab. Put it back and close the door.
6. Reset the printer. With it turned on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and from the wall. Wait 60 seconds, plug it straight into the wall, not a power strip, and turn it back on.
7. Check the cartridge number. The number on the box, such as 67, 65 or 62, must match the number your printer takes. That number is printed inside the ink door and in the manual.
8. If you have an HP+ or Instant Ink printer, it may only accept genuine HP cartridges and needs to stay online. Open the HP Smart app on your phone or computer and look for an ink or cartridge message, which tells you exactly what the printer does not like.
9. Print a test page. On many HP printers you can hold the Information button, or use HP Smart, then Printer Settings, then Print Quality Tools, and print a quality report. If it prints, you are done.
10. Never call a printer support number from a search ad or a popup. Real HP support will not ask you to pay with gift cards or let a stranger control your computer to fix an ink light.

Common questions

Why is my HP printer light blinking after I changed the ink?

Most of the time the printer cannot read the new cartridge yet. Leftover tape, a cartridge that is not fully clicked in, or dirty copper contacts are the usual causes.

Is my new cartridge bad?

Sometimes, but not often. Try removing the tape, reseating it and wiping the contacts first. If the light still blinks, the store or the maker will usually replace a faulty new cartridge.

Can I use refilled or store brand ink?

Some HP printers, especially HP+ and Instant Ink models, block cartridges that are not genuine HP. Older models usually accept them, but you may see a warning you have to accept on the screen or in HP Smart.

Do I need to buy a new printer?

Almost never. A printer that turns on and moves its carriage is usually fine. The problem is nearly always the cartridge or a setting.

Can Ellis help me with this?

Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you stand at your printer, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms