To fix the HP printer warning cartridge missing or damaged problem, do the solutions provided in this article.
Table of Contents
1. Check your Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Cartridge Missing or Damaged
The cartridges installed in your HP printer might be damaged or they are not correctly installed which is why your printer is displaying the warning message. Therefore, you need to confirm that your cartridges are installed correctly and in contact with the contact pins in the cartridge. You also need to confirm that they aren’t damaged.
How to Check Cartridges – HP Printer Warning Cartridge Missing or Damaged
To check your cartridges, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open your HP printer cartridge access door.
Step 2: Take out the cartridge that is indicated to be missing or damaged from your HP printer.
Step 3: Check the contact chip on the cartridge for physical damage.
If you find any damage, then you need to replace the cartridge.
On the other hand, if the chip is not damaged, continue with the steps below.
Step 4: Clean the cartridge with a dry lint-free cloth.
Step 5: Repeat the above steps for other affected cartridges if any.
Step 6: Install the cartridge(s) back into your HP printer.
Step 7: Close your HP printer cartridge access door.
If the warning message is displayed after doing the above steps, try the next solution.
2. Check the Carriage for Damages – HP Printer Warning Cartridge Missing or Damaged
The HP C5140 printer warning cartridge missing or damaged problem might be a result of the carriage contact pins being damaged. When this happens, your HP printer will be unable to detect the cartridge.
Therefore, to fix this problem, you need to check the contact pins of the carriage for damages.
How to Check the Carriage for Damages – HP Printer Warning Cartridge Missing or Damaged
To check for damages on the carriage contact pins, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Turn off your HP printer.
Step 2: Unplug the power cable from your HP printer.
Step 3: Open your HP printer cartridge access door.
Step 4: Take out the cartridges.
Step 5: Examine the carriage’s internal side and check if the contact pins are damaged (bent).
Step 6: If the pins are bent slightly, get a small tool (for example; a small screwdriver) and then use it to straighten the pins. Put the pins in the normal position that allows them to contact the chip on the cartridges.
Step 7: Get a damp fluff-free fabric.
Step 8: Clean the contacts with the damp fluff-free fabric.
Step 9: Insert the cartridges back into your HP printer.
Step 10: Close your HP printer cartridge access door.
Step 11: Plug the power cable into your HP printer.
Step 12: Turn on your HP printer.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If you still encounter the problem, do the next solution.
3. Try a Different Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Cartridge Missing or Damaged
In some cases, the damage to your cartridge might not be visually detectable. In such a situation, you might have to use a different cartridge to confirm if the fault is from the cartridge or the printer itself.
If you still have a used genuine HP cartridge, you can install it into your printer. Although you will not be able to use the cartridge, the “missing or damaged” warning message should disappear when the cartridge is installed.
If the warning message disappears after installing the old cartridge, it indicates that the current cartridge is damaged and has to be replaced.
However, if you still see the warning message after installing the old cartridge, the problem is from the printer itself. To be sure, you can get another cartridge that is not empty to test your printer.
If the warning message appears even after using a different cartridge that is not empty, the issue is with the printer. Therefore, you need to do the next solution.
We recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Warning [Detailed Guide] to learn about other HP printer warnings that you might encounter when using your HP printer.
4. Update your HP Printer Firmware – HP Printer Warning Cartridge Missing or Damaged
An issue with your printer firmware can also cause you to experience the missing or damaged cartridge warning on your HP printer. In such a case, updating the firmware should resolve the problem.
To update your HP printer, click this link: Update your HP Printer Firmware – HP Printer is Slow, and then use any of the methods we shared to update your HP printer firmware.
5. Contact HP – HP Printer Warning Cartridge Missing or Damaged
If none of the solutions above resolve the problem, you need to contact HP Customer Support to schedule a repair for your HP printer.
