HP Printer Says Ink Is Empty But It’s Not! (Fixed)

If you have an HP printer that keeps telling you that your ink is empty even though you know it’s not, don’t worry.

This is a common problem that can be easily fixed.

In this article, we will discuss three possible solutions to this problem and provide step-by-step instructions for each. By the end, you should be able to get your printer back up and running.

How To Fix HP Printer That Says Ink Is Empty But It Is Not

1. Check The Ink Levels

The first thing you should do when your printer says that the ink is empty is to check the actual ink levels.

Most HP printers have a display screen that shows the ink levels for each cartridge. If the display shows that the ink levels are indeed low, you may need to replace the cartridges.

If the display shows that the ink levels are not low, or if your printer does not have a display screen, you can check the ink levels by printing a test page. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the “Setup” button on your printer’s control panel.
2. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Tools” menu and press “OK”.
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Print Reports” option and press “OK”.
4. Use the arrow keys to select “Supplies Status Report” and press “OK”.

This will print a report that shows the current ink levels for each cartridge. If the report shows that the ink levels are not low, then you can move on to the next possible solution.

2. Clean The Printhead

If the ink levels are not low and your printer still says that the ink is empty, the next step is to clean the printhead. The printhead is the part of the printer that holds the ink cartridges and is responsible for printing the ink onto the page. Over time, the printhead can become clogged with dried ink, which can cause printing problems.

To clean the printhead, follow these steps:

1. Press the “Setup” button on your printer’s control panel.
2. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Tools” menu and press “OK”.
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Clean Printhead” option and press “OK”.
4. Confirm that you want to clean the printhead and wait for the printer to finish the cleaning process.

After the cleaning process is complete, try printing again to see if the problem has been resolved. If not, you can try the next possible solution.

3. Update The Printer’s Firmware

Another possible cause of this problem is outdated firmware on the printer. Firmware is the software that controls the printer’s hardware and is responsible for many of its functions. If the firmware is outdated, it can cause various problems, including the “ink is empty” error.

To update the printer’s firmware, you will need to download the latest firmware from the HP website and install it on your printer. Here’s how:

1. Visit the HP website and search for your printer model.
2. Click on the “Drivers & Software” tab and select the latest firmware update for your printer.
3. Download the firmware update to your computer and save it to a convenient location.
4. Turn off your printer and disconnect the power cord.
5. Locate the firmware update file on your computer and double-click on it to start the installation process.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

After the firmware has been updated, turn on your printer and try printing again to see if the problem has been cleared.

Can I override HP printer cartridge empty?

It is possible to override the “cartridge empty” error on an HP printer, but it is not recommended.

Overriding the error message can cause issues with the printer, such as reduced print quality or damage to the printer.

Additionally, using the printer without replacing the empty cartridge can void the printer’s warranty.

If you need to continue using the printer despite the “cartridge empty” error, you can try the following steps:

1. 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.
2. If the error message indicates that the printer is not recognizing the empty 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.
3. 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.
4. 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: It is strongly recommended that you replace the empty cartridge as soon as possible to avoid damaging the printer or voiding the warranty.

Using the printer without replacing the empty cartridge can cause reduced print quality and other issues.

Final Thoughts

It’s recommended to go through these steps to pinpoint what you need to do when it is time to fix an HP printer that is creating issues such as these. When the HP ink cartridge is not empty, it’s best to keep this in mind as you look for a good solution.

This will ensure you end up with something that lasts a long time and the ink cartridge in the HP printer can be used as required.

This is a must and it starts with these steps.