“HP printer won’t print black” is a common problem users face while using HP printers. The problem can occur because of many reasons. In order to find the right solution, you need to find the exact cause of the problem. This is where we can help! The best way to get to the root of the problem is to eliminate all the possible causes one by one.
Step 1- Check the ink level of black ink cartridge
Most HP printers have LCD touchscreen panels that allow you to check ink levels. Use the control panel to navigate to the option “Ink Levels”. The steps to check ink level might differ with each model so check the documentation supplied with the printer first.
Step 2 – Remove the plastic tape on the new cartridge
Often users install a new black ink cartridge but forget to remove the protective plastic tape. This is a pretty easy mistake to make so do double-check! Remove the black ink cartridge and peel off the protective tape.
If you are using an old print cartridge, follow the troubleshooting steps given below.
Step 4- Clean the cartridge
You can try cleaning the ink cartridge by using a cotton swab to wipe away any dirt or dried ink from the print header. Also, clean the printer heads.
Step 5 – Perform Print Cartridge Alignment
You need to always remember to run “Self-Test Diagnostic” and “Print Cartridge Alignment” to resolve the issue of black ink not printing. If you get an error message saying “Print cartridge alignment failed”, you need to follow the troubleshooting steps for Print Cartridge alignment.
- Load the correct type of paper, you can use A4 size paper
- Press Setup button on control panel of printer
- Press Down arrow to select Tools and press OK
- Press Down arrow again to select Align Print Cartridges, and press OK
- Your printer will calibrate, align the print head and print an alignment page
Step 6- Run Diagnostic software
If none of the above troubleshooting steps help, you need to download and run the “HP Print and Scan Doctor” software provided by the company. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Install the HP Print and Scan Doctor software by following on-screen instructions
- Open HP Print and Scan Doctor and click Start on the Welcome screen
- Select your Printer from the list and click Next
- On the next screen, select Fix Printing
- The software will try to diagnose and fix the printer issue
If the issue is still not resolved, there could be a more serious problem with the printing mechanism. Call HP support or visit your nearest HP service center to get the issue fixed. Alternatively you could post your question in the comments below and one of our experts may be able to help.
Marianne Gockley says
Installed new black toner cartridge. Printer will not print or copy in black.
Julie Tomlinson says
Ive done all the checks and still my printer will not print black i get coloured but only if l send it from my mobile phone however from my computer it prints nothing other than blank sheets. new HP cartridges have been installed but again no luck ive done the maintenance clean but nothing it did however print a few sheets but it came out smeared and smudged this was this morning but since then nothing, the only troubleshoot l had was a paper jam but it was easily sorted and then no jam but also no further printing can you help please. there is not jobs stacked and no propblem with the connection .
Susan Pecover says
My HP Photosmart 7520 is suddenly not printing black. the old cartridge was not in there very long but nevertheless I put another new one in but the Print Quality Diagnostic shown all the colour blocks except the black. I have run the Align Printer ( which says that the alignment failed and the cartridges are set to default quality) and the Clean Cartridges a few times, the paper is the same as I have always used. I tried to install the HP Print & Scan Diagnostic software but it says it can not communicate with the printer. I have turned off the router and the printer & restarted them but it makes no difference. Can you help?
Sherry Edwardson says
My HP 3630 printer won’t print in black. I’ve cleaned the printer head, did an alignment and took the black cartridge out and cleaned that but it still isn’t working.
Monika Salisbury says
hi, printer hp3055a does not print black but light blue.
J.P. says
Here’s my Issue.
My Hewlett Packard Office Jet 8720 printer is out of Yellow Ink.
I need to print a bunch of documents for work and I only need them in BLACK. HP has made it to where we have to spend even more money just so thier piece of crap printer will continue to work.
If a printer cant print in black ink just because another color is low then you need to rethink your priorities and change the software/firmware that is not allowing our printers to perform thier basic functions. There is already a class action lawsuit against HP for uploading firmware that blocks 3rd party ink cartridges from being utilized. Anyone else see another lawsuit on the Horizon?
John says
I have same issues as above.Printer just stopped printing black.Best I have got to after running head cleaner and allignment is very faint light grey.
I have no choice but to take the printer to the tip and buy new.HP Printers are made to go wrong.All very wasteful,time consuming and expensive.Hewlett Packard should be shut down!!