How to Put Ink in HP Printer

For both inkjet and laser printers

By
Kayla Dube
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Kayla Dube
Writer and Lifewire Technology Review Board Member
  • J. Everette Light Career Center
Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.
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Updated on August 2, 2021
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
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Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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What to Know

  • Inkjet HP printers: Turn on printer, open ink cartridge door, wait until cartridge moves to center, then remove and replace the ink.
  • Laser HP printers: Open front printer door, pull blue handle to access toner cartridges. Remove old cartridge by the handle and replace with new.

In this article, you'll find out how to put ink in both a Deskjet (ink) HP printer and toner cartridges into a laser HP printer.

How Do You Put an Ink Cartridge in an HP Printer?

Before you begin, you'll want to make sure your HP printer is turned on. Also, to avoid damage to your new ink cartridge, don't open the ink cartridge until you're ready to use it. Follow these steps to replace your ink cartridges.

Changing inks in a printer.

Patrick Daxenbichler / Getty Images

  1. Open the ink cartridge access door on the front of your printer with the small handle.

  2. After a few seconds, the ink cartridge should automatically move to the center of the printer.

  3. Wait until the cartridge has stopped moving and your printer is silent, then press down on a cartridge to remove it.

  4. Open your new ink cartridge and remove the plastic pull tab, then holding it by the sides with the ink nozzles towards the printer, insert the cartridge at a slight upward angle. Press the cartridge in until it snaps into place. Repeat for the other ink cartridge.

  5. Close the ink cartridge access door. It's recommended to print an alignment page to ensure the cartridges are aligned and the printer prints properly.

How Do You Put a Toner Cartridge in an HP Printer?

If you have a Laserjet HP printer instead of an ink printer, you'll still need to replace the toner cartridges from time to time. The process is pretty similar to replacing an ink cartridge, but there are some differences. Here's how to do it.

Changing the toner in a printer.

Andrey Popov / Getty Images

  1. Lift the scanner portion of the printer, then lift the top cover of the printer until it snaps in place.

  2. Pull out the toner cartridge using the handle and sliding it upwards until you've removed it.

  3. Open your new toner cartridge by pulling the release tab on the outer packaging.

  4. Hold the cartridge by the handle and align it with the tracks inside the printer, then slide it into the printer until it clicks in place.

  5. Lower the top cover as well as the scanner on the printer.

FAQ
  • Where is the ink in an HP printer?

    The ink is contained in ink cartridges in HP Deskjet printers. You'll install the tri-color ink cartridge on the left side of the carriage and the black ink cartridge on the right. HP laser printers use toner cartridges instead of ink cartridges.

  • How do you make generic ink cartridges work on an HP printer?

    HP recommends that you use only genuine HP ink and toner cartridges. And HP's cartridge-protection measures mean your HP printer won't be able to recognize generic ink cartridges, as they're incompatible with HP printers. There are some workarounds. However, that may disable HP's cartridge protection. If your printer isn't internet-enabled, go to the Settings menu on your printer and look for Disable HP Cartridge Protection. Select this option, then select Disable. If your printer is internet-enabled and you're using a Windows PC, navigate to Devices and Printers, select your printer, and open its Settings. Select Estimated Ink Levels to open the HP Toolbox. Click Cartridge Protection, then choose Disable HP Cartridge Protection.

  • How can you tell which ink cartridge is empty in an HP printer?

    Most HP printers show ink and toner levels directly on the display. Look for an ink-drop icon, a cartridge icon, or a level indicator. The screen will indicate whether it's your black ink cartridge or your color cartridge. If you're using a Windows 10 PC, download the HP Smart app for Windows 10, and it will display your ink and toner levels. On a Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Select your printer and click Options & Supplies, then click Supply Levels. You'll see the current levels of your black and color cartridges.

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