If you’ve recently refilled your HP printer’s ink or toner cartridges and are now experiencing issues with printing, there are a few steps you can take to try and fix the problem.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the potential causes of printing issues after refilling cartridges, as well as some steps you can take to try and resolve the problem.
Steps On How To Fix HP Printer Not Printing Properly After Refill
1. Check the Cartridge Compatibility
One of the most common causes of printing issues after refilling cartridges is using the wrong type of ink or toner. Before you refill your cartridges, it’s important to check that the replacement ink or toner is compatible with your specific model of HP printer.
If you’re using the wrong type of ink or toner, it can cause a variety of issues, including poor print quality, ink leaks, and other printing problems.
To check the compatibility of your replacement cartridges, consult the user manual for your HP printer or visit the HP website.
Look for the specific model number of your printer, and then check the list of compatible cartridges. If the replacement cartridges you’re using are not on the list, they may not be compatible with your printer.
In this case, you’ll need to purchase compatible cartridges in order to avoid potential printing issues.

2. Clean the Printhead
If your HP printer is not printing properly after refilling the cartridges, it’s possible that the printhead is clogged.
The printhead is the part of the printer that dispenses the ink or toner onto the paper, and it can become clogged if it’s not used regularly or if it’s exposed to air for an extended period of time.
A clogged printhead can cause a variety of issues, including poor print quality, streaks or lines on the page, and other printing problems.
To clean the printhead, consult the user manual for your HP printer.
The manual should provide detailed instructions on how to clean the printhead, and it may include a cleaning solution that you can use to help unclog the printhead.
In general, the process involves using a soft cloth or cotton swab to gently clean the printhead and remove any dried ink or debris. Be careful not to damage the printhead while cleaning it, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
3. Align the Printhead
If your HP printer is still not printing properly after cleaning the printhead, it’s possible that the printhead is misaligned.
This can happen if the printer is bumped or knocked, or if it’s transported without proper care.
A misaligned printhead can cause a variety of issues, including poor print quality, crooked or off-center text, and other printing problems.
To align the printhead, consult the user manual for your HP printer.
The manual should provide detailed instructions on how to align the printhead, and it may include a built-in alignment tool or procedure that you can use to help align the printhead.
In general, the process involves printing a test page and then using the alignment tool to adjust the printhead until the text on the page is properly aligned.
Be careful not to damage the printhead while aligning it, and avoid making any sudden or aggressive adjustments.

4. Replace the Cartridges
If your HP printer is still not printing properly after cleaning the printhead and aligning it, it’s possible that the cartridges are damaged or defective.
This can happen if the cartridges are refilled improperly, or if they’re exposed to extreme temperatures or other environmental conditions.
Damaged or defective cartridges can cause a variety of issues, including poor print quality, ink leaks, and other printing problems.
How do I reset my HP printer after refilling ink?
To reset your HP printer after refilling the ink cartridges, 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 or code indicates that the printer is not recognizing the refilled ink 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 refilling ink cartridges can sometimes cause issues with the printer, such as clogs or leaks.
If you are experiencing these issues, it may be necessary to replace the refilled cartridge with a new, original cartridge to ensure proper printer function.