HP Printers HP Printer Not Printing Black: How to Fix It Yourself
An HP printer that won't print black usually has a clogged printhead, an empty or defective cartridge, or dried ink on the nozzles. Most of the time, a cleaning cycle or cartridge swap fixes it.
⚠️ Safety First
- Ink stains are very difficult to remove from clothing and surfaces — wear old clothes and protect your work area.
- Only use cartridges compatible with your specific HP model.
Parts You May Need
HP Black Ink Cartridge (model-specific)
~$15–$40
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Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Run the built-in printhead cleaning
On your HP printer, go to Settings or Setup > Tools > Clean Printhead (exact menu varies by model). You can also do this from the HP Smart app on your computer. Run the cleaning cycle 2-3 times, printing a test page after each. This forces ink through clogged nozzles.
- 2
Check ink levels
Open HP Smart or the printer's display to check ink levels. Even if the cartridge shows some ink remaining, it can be defective. If the black cartridge is low or empty, replace it. If it shows full but still won't print black, try the next step.
- 3
Remove and clean the cartridge contacts
Open the cartridge door and remove the black cartridge. Look at the copper contacts on the cartridge and the matching contacts inside the printer. Clean both with a lint-free cloth dampened with warm water. Dry completely before reinstalling. Dirty contacts prevent proper communication.
- 4
Manually clean the printhead nozzles
If your HP model has a removable printhead (not all do), remove it and soak the bottom in about 1cm of warm water for 5 minutes. Dab the nozzle area with a paper towel until you see black ink transferring. Let it dry completely, reinstall, and run another cleaning cycle.
- 5
Try a new cartridge
If cleaning didn't work, the cartridge itself may be defective — this is common with third-party cartridges. Install a fresh genuine HP cartridge, run a cleaning cycle, and print a test page. If black now prints, the old cartridge was the problem.
If That Didn't Work
- Incorrect print driver settings (printing in grayscale or draft mode)
- Outdated printer firmware
- Failed printhead (on models with permanent printheads)
When to Call a Professional
If a new cartridge and thorough cleaning don't fix it, the printhead itself may be permanently clogged or failed. On models where the printhead is built into the printer (not the cartridge), replacement can be costly — it may be cheaper to replace the printer.
Related Repairs
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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