In this article, we will guide you on how to fix the HP printer flashing ink light issue within minutes using easy-to-follow steps.
Table of Contents
Steps to Fix the HP Printer Flashing Ink Light
Do the following steps to solve your HP printer blinking ink light issue:
Step 1- Ensure the Ink Cartridge in the Printer is Compatible with the Printer
According to HP, only the use of genuine HP toner and ink cartridges are recommended. HP doesn’t guarantee the reliability or quality of 3rd party cartridges.
You can visit HP anti-counterfeit page to check your cartridges’ authenticity. If the cartridge isn’t compatible, go to step 7 “Replace your ink cartridge”. If it is compatible, go to step 2.
The original HP ink cartridges below are compatible with the following HP printers: OfficeJet 8702, OfficeJet Pro 7720, 7740, 8210, 8710, 8720, 8730, 8740 Series
Step 2 – Remove the Ink Cartridges, Inspect, and Reinstall Them
If your cartridges aren’t properly installed, then the ink light may keep flashing. In this case, you need to properly install the cartridge to fix the problem.
How to Uninstall and Reinstall an HP Printer Ink Cartridge
Do the steps below to uninstall and reinstall your HP printer ink cartridge to fix the HP printer flashing ink light issue:
Step 1: Switch on the printer if it wasn’t already on.
Step 2: Pull the output tray down.
Step 3: Lower or open the cartridge door. When you do, the carriage will move to the printer’s center.
Step 4: Wait for the printer to get silent and idle.
Step 5: Press the cartridge down lightly, this would release it. Now, pull out the cartridge from its slot.
Step 6: Make sure you don’t touch the cartridge’s ink nozzles or contacts. Doing this may cause ink failure, poor electrical connections, and clogs.
Step 7: Check to see if a protective tape is still on the cartridge’s nozzles. If there is, remove the tape.
Step 8: Reinsert the cartridge in the slot. Simply hold it by the sides and put its nozzles first into the printer. Ensure the cartridge snaps in its place.
Step 9: Do steps 5 to 8 for the other cartridge then close the access door. Do step 3 below if the HP printer flashing ink light problem persists.
In this article: HP Printer Flashing [Issues & Solutions], we provide solutions to other HP printer flashing issues.
Step 3 – Check and Clean the Cartridge’s Electrical Contacts
How to Clean HP Printer Ink Cartridge Electrical Contacts
Do the following to clean your HP printer cartridge electrical contacts to fix the the HP printer flashing ink light issue:
You would need the following items:
1. Distilled water. You can use filtered or bottled water if distilled water isn’t available. Avoid using tap water as it may have some contaminants that can potentially damage your cartridge.
2. Foam-rubber swaps. Soft clothes that won’t stick to your cartridge can also be used. Just make sure the cloth is lint-free.
Also, avoid the use of alcohol or platen cleaners as using this can damage the cartridge and even the printer.
Step 1: Switch on the printer if it wasn’t already on.
Step 2: Pull the output tray down.
Step 3: Lower or open the cartridge door. When you do, the carriage will move to the printer’s center.
Step 4: Wait for the printer to get silent and idle.
Step 5: Remove the power cord from the printer. Also, unplug other cables attached to the printer like USB cables and such.
Step 6: Press the cartridge down lightly, this would release it. Now, pull out the cartridge from its slot.
Note: Don’t take the two cartridges out of the printer simultaneously. Instead, take out one, clean the contacts, and then reinstall it before you take out the second one to clean it. Also, ensure the cartridge doesn’t stay outside the machine for longer than thirty minutes.
Step 7: Check the removed cartridge contacts for debris and ink buildup. Use a dry cotton swab to clean off the debris from the contact. Ensure you wipe just the contacts and do not spread debris or ink on other parts of the cartridge.
Step 8: Now, dip a swab in your distilled water. Ensure your squeeze the swab properly to remove excess water.
Step 9: Clean the contacts. Ensure this is the only part you clean.
Step 10: Allow the cartridge to sit for about 10 minutes so it can dry off. You can also use a dry swab to clean it dry.
Step 11: Dip another swab in water and again squeeze the excess water out.
Step 12: Now, use the moist swab to clean the contacts inside the machine (the carriage).
Step 13: Reinstall the cartridge and ensure it locks properly in place.
Step 14: Do these steps again for the second cartridge to clean it.
Step 15: Close the access door.
Step 16: Plug the USB cable (if any was removed) and power cord back into the printer.
Step 17: Switch the printer on and see if the the HP printer flashing ink light problem has been resolved. If it persists, then continue troubleshooting with the step below.
Step 4 – Uninstall and Reinstall the Cartridges Again
Repeat the instructions in step 2 “Remove the Ink Cartridges, Inspect, and Reinstall them” to uninstall and reinstall the cartridges again.
Step 5 – Check and Clean the Electrical Contacts Again
If the problem persists, cleaning the electrical contacts again may help solve the the HP printer flashing ink light issue. Simply do the instructions again in step 3 to clean the contacts again.
Step 6 – Power Reset Your Printer
To power reset your printer, click this: Why Is My HP Printer Flashing Orange Light – How to Do a Power Reset on an HP Printer, and follow the steps in the “How to Do a Power Reset on an HP printer” section.
If the HP printer flashing ink light problem persists when the printer comes back on, then do the next fix.
Step 7 – Change the Cartridge
You may need to replace either one or the two cartridges. Whichever it is, ensure you use only HP genuine cartridge for the replacement.
To change the cartridge, click this: Why Is My HP Printer Flashing Orange Light – How to Replace HP Printer Ink Cartridge, and then do the steps in the “How to Replace HP Printer Ink Cartridge” section.
Step 8 – Call a Technician
If your HP printer ink light keeps flashing at this point, then your printer needs to be serviced. In this case, you would have to call a technician or contact HP Support for further assistance.
Note: These steps apply to these HP printer issues and models: HP printer cartridge blinking, HP printer black ink flashing, HP 8100, HP Deskjet 5150, and HP Deskjet 6940.
