If you own an HP printer, you know that replacing ink cartridges can be a costly affair. Fortunately, there are generic ink cartridges available in the market that are cheaper than branded ones. However, some HP printers are designed to work only with branded cartridges, making it difficult to use generic ink cartridges. But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll show you how to make generic ink cartridges work on an HP printer.
Why HP Printers Reject Generic Ink Cartridges
Before we dive into the solution, let’s understand why HP printers reject generic ink cartridges. HP printers have a microchip in their cartridges that communicates with the printer. This chip provides information such as ink level, cartridge model, and serial number to the printer. When you insert a generic ink cartridge, the microchip on the cartridge does not match the printer’s chip, leading to an error message.
Solution: Reset the Printer
The easiest solution to make generic ink cartridges work on an HP printer is to reset the printer. Resetting the printer erases the memory of the previous cartridge, allowing the printer to accept the new cartridge. Here are the steps to reset your HP printer:
- Turn off your HP printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Wait for a minute.
- Press and hold the power button on your printer for 15-20 seconds.
- Release the power button.
- Plug in your printer and turn it on.
- Wait for the printer to initialize.
Once the printer has initialized, it should be ready to accept the generic ink cartridge. If the error message still persists, try the next solution.
Solution: Cover the Contact Points
The contact points on the ink cartridge are the metallic areas that touch the printer’s chip. Sometimes, the printer fails to detect the generic ink cartridge because the contact points are not aligned correctly. In such cases, covering the contact points with tape can help. Here are the steps to cover the contact points:
- Remove the generic ink cartridge from the packaging.
- Inspect the cartridge and locate the contact points.
- Cut a small piece of tape and cover the contact points.
- Insert the cartridge into the printer.
Once you insert the cartridge, the printer should detect it and start printing. However, if the error message still persists, try the next solution.
Solution: Update Printer Firmware
HP releases firmware updates for its printers periodically. These updates improve the printer’s performance and add new features. However, some updates may also block the use of generic ink cartridges. If you are facing issues with a generic ink cartridge, try updating your printer’s firmware. Here are the steps to update your printer’s firmware:
- Go to HP’s official website and navigate to the “Support” section.
- Enter your printer’s model number and search for firmware updates.
- Download the latest firmware update and save it on your computer.
- Connect your printer to your computer using a USB cable.
- Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to update your printer’s firmware.
Once the firmware update is complete, insert the generic ink cartridge and check if the printer detects it.
Final Thoughts
Using generic ink cartridges can help you save money on printing costs. However, not all HP printers are compatible with generic ink cartridges. If you face issues with a generic ink cartridge, try resetting your printer, covering the contact points, or updating your printer’s firmware. If none of the solutions work, you may have to consider using branded cartridges. With these solutions, you can make generic ink cartridges work on your HP printer and enjoy cost savings without compromising on print quality.
