HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge [How to Fix]

In this article, we will guide you on how to fix the HP printer warning check black ink cartridge problem within minutes.

The HP printer warning “check black ink cartridge” is usually displayed when there is an issue with the black cartridge. It might be that the cartridge is low or empty, or it is dirty and the printer cannot detect the cartridge. It might also be that the cartridge is not correctly installed.

HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge [Solutions]

To fix the black ink only warning on your HP printer, do the following solutions.

1. Remove and then Reinsert the Black Ink Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge

To remove and then reinsert the black ink cartridge, do the following steps: 

Step 1: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 2: Open the printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 3: Take out the black ink cartridge from your HP printer.

Step 4: Put the cartridge back into your printer. Ensure that it snaps into place.

Step 5: Close the printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 6: Turn off your HP printer.

Step 7: Wait for about 60 seconds.

Step 8: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 9: Print out a test page.

You can read this article: HP Printer Test Page [How To, Issues & Solutions] to learn how to print a test page.

If you still see the warning message, do the next solution.

2. Clean the Black Cartridge Contacts – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge

To clean the black cartridge contacts, do the steps below:

Step 1: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 2: Open the printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 3: Take out the black ink cartridge from your HP printer.

Step 4: Get a dry, fluff-free fabric.

Step 5: Gently clean the black ink cartridge contacts. You should clean the contact from the upper part to the lower part.

Step 6: Put the cartridge back into your printer. Ensure that it snaps into place.

Step 7: Close the printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 8: Turn off your HP printer.

Step 9: Wait for about 60 seconds.

Step 10: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 11: Print out a test page.

If the steps above do not clear this HP printer warning, do the next solution.

3. Remove the Cartridges and then Reset your HP Printer – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge

To remove the cartridges and then reset your HP printer, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 2: Open the printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 3: Take out all the cartridges from your HP printer.

Step 4: Close the printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 5: Disconnect the printer’s power cable from the wall outlet.

Step 6: Disconnect any cable that is connected to your computer or wireless router.

Step 7: Wait for about 60 seconds.

Step 8: Reconnect the printer’s power cable to the wall outlet.

Step 9: Reconnect the cables that connect your HP printer to your computer or wireless router.

Step 10: Open the printer’s cartridge access door.

Step 11: Reinsert the cartridges into your HP printer.

Step 12: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 13: Print out a test page.

If you still see the HP printer warning “check black ink cartridge” after doing the above steps, do the next solution.

4. Check the Ink Level of the Black Cartridge – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge

Use any of the methods below to check the ink level of the black cartridge:

1. Check the Ink Level via your HP Printer Control Panel – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge

To check the ink level via your HP printer control panel, find the cartridge icon, ink drop icon, or ink levels menu.

2. Check the Ink Level on Windows – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge

To check the ink level of your HP printer cartridge on Windows, use any of these methods:

How to Check the Ink Level on Windows via HP Smart App

To check the ink level on Windows via the HP smart app, do these steps:

Step 1: Download and install the HP Smart app on your Windows computer if you don’t have it installed.

Step 2: Once the installation is complete, locate and then open the HP Smart app.

Step 3: On the app’s home screen, the ink levels of your cartridges will be displayed.

How to Check the Ink Level on Windows via HP Print and Scan Doctor

To check the ink level on Windows via the HP Print and Scan Doctor, do these steps:

Step 1: Download and install the HP Print and Scan Doctor on your Windows computer if you don’t have it installed.

Step 2: Once the installation is complete, locate and then open the HP Print and Scan Doctor.

Step 3: Choose your HP printer.

Step 4: Check the top menu bar and click on “Printer.”

Step 5: Click on “Supply Levels.”

How to Check the Ink Level on Windows via Printer software

To check the ink level on Windows via your printer software, do the steps below:

Step 1: Click on the “Cortana/Search” icon on the taskbar.

Step 2: Search for the model of your HP printer.

If the search results do not display your HP printer, then it means your printer software is not installed. Therefore, you need to download and install it from the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.

Step 3: Click on your HP printer name.

This action will open the HP Printer Assistant.

Step 4: Click on the “Estimated Ink Levels.”

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.

3. Check the Ink Level on Mac – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge

To check the ink level of your HP printer cartridge on Mac, do the steps below:

Step 1: Click on the “Apple” menu/icon.

Step 2: Click on “System Preferences.”

Step 3: Click on “Print & Scan,” “Printers and Scanners,” or “Print & Fax.”

Step 4: Choose your HP printer.

Step 5: Click on “Options & Supplies.”

Step 6: Click on the tab labeled “Supplies.”

4. Check the Ink Level on Android or iOS – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge

To check the ink level on Android or iOS, do the following steps:

Step 1: Download and install the HP Smart app on your device if you don’t have it installed.

Step 2: Once the installation is complete, locate and then open the HP Smart app.

Step 3: Add your HP printer.

Step 4: On the app’s home screen, the ink levels of your cartridges will be displayed.

5. How to Check the Ink Level on HP Smart Tank & Ink Tank Printers – HP Printer Warning Check Black Ink Cartridge

To check the ink level on HP Smart Tank and Ink Tank printers, just look and confirm if the black ink is below the minimum fill line or above the maximum fill line. The ink must always be between both lines for quality print.

If the ink is below the minim fill line, it will lead to low print quality. On the other hand, if the ink is above the maximum fill line, it will lead to leaks.

If the ink level is low or empty after checking the ink level of the black cartridge using any of the methods above, then you need to replace the cartridge or refill the ink (HP Smart Tank and Ink Tank printers).

When replacing the cartridge, ensure that you use a compatible genuine HP cartridge. Using third-party, refilled or remanufactured cartridges might lead to other HP printer issues. Besides, the use of such cartridges can void your printer warranty.

After replacing the cartridge or refilling the ink, check if the HP printer warning “black ink cartridge” message is cleared. However, if you still see the warning, then you need to contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.