Chapter 8

Related topics

Check the estimated ink levels

Printhead maintenance

Check the estimated ink levels

You can check the estimated ink levels from the printer software or from the printer control panel. For information about using these tools, see Printer management tools and Use the printer control panel. You can also print the Printer Status page to view this information (see Understand the Printer Status Report).

NOTE: Ink level alerts and indicators provide estimates for planning purposes only. When you receive a low-ink alert, consider having a replacement cartridge available to avoid possible printing delays. You do not have to replace the cartridges until you are prompted to do so.

NOTE: If you have installed a refilled or remanufactured cartridge, or a cartridge that has been used in another printer, the ink level indicator might be inaccurate or unavailable.

NOTE: Ink from the cartridges is used in the printing process in a number of different ways, including in the initialization process, which prepares the printer and cartridges for printing, and in printhead servicing, which keeps print nozzles clear and ink flowing smoothly. In addition, some residual ink is left in the cartridge after it is used. For more information, see www.hp.com/go/inkusage.

Print with one or more depleted cartridges

The printer can operate with one or more depleted cartridges. However, printing with depleted cartridges slows the printer and affects the quality of printed documents. If the black cartridge is depleted, blacks are not as dark. If a color cartridge is depleted, output is in grayscale. When possible, replace the depleted cartridge. Do not remove the depleted cartridge until you have a new ink cartridge available to replace. For information about how to install new cartridges, see Replace the ink cartridges.

CAUTION: Wait until you have a new ink cartridge available before removing the old ink cartridge. Do not leave the ink cartridge outside of the printer for an extended period of time. This can result in damage to both the printer and the ink cartridge.

Replace the ink cartridges

NOTE: For information on recycling used ink supplies, see HP inkjet supplies recycling program.

If you do not already have replacement ink cartridges for the printer, see Ink cartridges and printheads.

90 Work with ink cartridges