HP printer ink cartridges are a popular choice among many individuals and businesses due to their high-quality printing and long-lasting ink supply. However, many users may not be aware that these ink cartridges have a secret reset button that can be used to extend their lifespan and save on costly replacements.
The Secret Reset Button on HP Ink Cartridges
Located on the side of most HP ink cartridges, the secret reset button is a small, recessed button that is easily overlooked. This button can be used to reset the cartridge and extend its lifespan by tricking the printer into thinking that the cartridge is still full, even when it is running low on ink.
How to Reset an HP Ink Cartridge
To reset an HP ink cartridge, follow these simple steps:
- Turn off the printer and remove the ink cartridge from the printer.
- Locate the reset button on the side of the cartridge. It is often located near the bottom of the cartridge and may be recessed or hidden under a label.
- Using a paperclip or other small object, press and hold the reset button for at least 10 seconds.
- Release the reset button and reinsert the cartridge into the printer.
- Turn on the printer and print a test page to ensure that the reset was successful.

Benefits of Resetting HP Ink Cartridges
There are several benefits to resetting HP ink cartridges, including:
- Cost savings: Resetting an HP ink cartridge can save you money by allowing you to continue using the cartridge for longer, instead of replacing it when it runs out of ink. This can be especially useful for businesses that print large volumes of documents and need to save on their printing costs.
- Convenience: Resetting an HP ink cartridge is quick and easy, and can be done without any special tools or expertise. This means that you can reset your cartridge at home or at the office, without having to take it to a professional or wait for a replacement.
- Environmental benefits: Resetting an HP ink cartridge can help reduce waste and prevent empty cartridges from ending up in landfills. By extending the lifespan of your cartridge, you can reduce your environmental impact and do your part to help protect the planet.
Potential Risks of Resetting HP Ink Cartridges
While resetting an HP ink cartridge can provide several benefits, there are also potential risks to consider. These include:
- Printer damage: If the reset button is pressed incorrectly or the cartridge is not properly reinserted into the printer, it can cause damage to the printer. This can result in costly repairs and potentially even render your printer unusable.
- Reduced print quality: Resetting an HP ink cartridge can result in reduced print quality as the cartridge begins to run out of ink. This can be especially noticeable in documents with large areas of solid color or fine detail.
- Voiding the warranty: Some manufacturers, including HP, may consider resetting an ink cartridge to be a violation of the printer’s warranty. If you reset your cartridge and then experience a problem with your printer, the manufacturer may refuse to cover the cost of repairs or replacements.

How do you manually reset an ink cartridge?
To manually reset an ink cartridge, you will need to follow these steps:
- Locate the small, circular reset button on the ink cartridge. This button is typically located on the top or side of the cartridge and is marked with a symbol such as a triangle or a circle.
- Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. This will reset the cartridge’s internal chip, which may be necessary if the cartridge is not being recognized by the printer.
- Reinsert the cartridge into the printer and close the cartridge access door.
- Print a test page to ensure that the printer is recognizing the cartridge and printing properly.
Note: Some ink cartridges may not have a reset button, or the reset button may not work.
In these cases, it may be necessary to reset the printer or use a cartridge reset tool to reset the cartridge.
Consult the printer’s manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
How do I bypass HP original cartridge error?
To bypass the “HP original cartridge error” on an HP printer, you will need to follow these steps:
- Check the printer’s control panel or display screen for any error messages or codes. These messages or codes can provide information about the cause of the error and may suggest a solution.
- If the error message indicates that the printer is not recognizing a non-HP cartridge, try removing the cartridge and reinserting it. Make sure that the cartridge is properly seated and that the contacts on the cartridge are clean and free of debris.
- If the error persists, try resetting the printer to its factory settings. To do this, consult the printer’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.
- If the error still persists after trying these steps, it may be necessary to contact the printer’s manufacturer for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or offer support for resolving the issue.
Note: Keep in mind that using non-HP cartridges may cause issues with your printer, such as reduced print quality or errors.
If you are experiencing these issues, it may be necessary to replace the non-HP cartridge with an original HP cartridge to ensure proper printer function.
Conclusion
Overall, resetting an HP ink cartridge can provide significant cost savings and convenience, as well as environmental benefits. However, it is important to carefully follow the instructions and be aware of the potential risks, including printer damage and reduced print quality.
As always, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and warranty information before attempting to reset an HP ink cartridge.