HP Ink Cartridges

Yes you can. According to UK regulations, using third-party or compatible cartridges does not void your warranty. HP might display warnings when non-HP cartridges are detected, but you can just ignore them. When you buy from a reputable provider like us, we re-chip and refill original HP cartridges so they are guaranteed to be compatible with your printer and not cause any damage to the hardware. 

If your printer has a screen, the ink levels should be visible in the settings or home menu. For printers connected to a computer, you can check ink levels via the HP Smart app or the printer software installed on your computer. Just look for an option like “Estimated Ink Levels” - it’s all there!

This depends on how much you print and what you’re printing. If you print lots of colour-heavy documents, the ink will run out faster. On average, standard cartridges last for a few hundred pages, while XL versions can handle up to double or more. If you don’t print often, just make sure to use the printer occasionally so the printhead doesn’t dry out, as this can lead to wasted ink.

Absolutely! You can use third-party or compatible ink cartridges. They’re often cheaper and can work just as well. However, make sure they’re from a reliable provider (like us) to avoid quality issues. Also, some HP printers display warnings when non-HP ink is used, but you can usually bypass these without a problem.

Unfortunately, yes. HP ink can dry out the printhead if the printer isn’t used regularly. This can cause print quality issues or even prevent printing all together. To avoid this, try to print something (even a test page) every couple of weeks. If the ink does dry out, running the printer’s cleaning cycle can often fix it. If not, it might be time for a new cartridge. As the printhead is built into most HP Cartridges, this will usually fix the issue. 

No, unfortunately. Most HP models need all cartridges to function. That means even if you're printing a Black & White document, you won't be able to print if your colour cartridges are empty. The main expectation to this is the HP Smart Tank, which can still print even when not all tanks are full.

Generally a study & hardy inkjet printer brand. HP has been producing printers for many years and has become the go to brand for home office users and even small businesses alike. They are typically more expensive to buy the printer, as are the cartridges costs (read more below). However, their durability often gives them a lower total cost to serve over their lifetime. Definitely one to consider if printing high volume documents; where a laser printer size & cost isn’t justified. 

Hewlett Packard inkjet printers are typically more expensive to run than other brands. An HP inkjet cartridge normally includes a printhead (the thing that sprays the ink onto the page) which is more expensive to manufacture, when compared to cheaper, simple, ink tank printer cartridges. That said, print quality is dramatically improved by replacing this part as a consequence of replacing an empty printer cartridge. This is unlike ink tank printers - where if the printhead fails, it is often an uneconomical repair.

As always we do suggest thorough research of inkjet cartridge costs, prior to any printer purchase. Avoid falling into an expensive trap and call our HP printer experts on 0800 0834555 for advice.

Making sure you've chosen the correct HP ink cartridge for you printer is essential. The easiest way to do this is to use our cartridge finder on our ink cartridges page. You can also refer to the physical ink cartridge itself that should have the cartridge model printed on the cartridge itself.

Yes absolutely you can, and you can save money doing it. Our IJT branded recycled HP ink cartridges are compatible with HP printers. They offer the same quality and number of prints per cartridge as you'd expect from an original OEM ink cartridge.

Firstly check that the cartridge you are trying to install is compatible with your HP printer model. Then ensure there's no protective tape left on the cartridge, check that it’s correctly installed, and gently clean the cartridge contacts with a lint-free cloth.

Don't throw away your empty cartridges, save them from landfill and help save the environment by recycling them. Our Recycled page has loads of useful info on how to responsibly dispose of your used HP ink. 

Even with the highest-quality cartridges, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here are some common problems and solutions for HP ink cartridges:

Cartridge Not Recognised:

This is one of the most common issues with both OEM and remanufactured cartridges. Try the following steps:

. Remove and reinstall the cartridge to ensure it's seated correctly.
. Clean the copper contacts with a lint-free cloth.
. Power cycle the printer by turning it off and unplugging it for a minute, then restarting it.

Poor Print Quality:

If your prints are streaky, faded, or discoloured, there may be an issue with the cartridge or the printheads. Try these solutions:

. Run the printer’s cleaning cycle (usually available via the printer's settings menu).
. Make sure you’re using the correct paper type for the print job.
. Check ink levels and replace low or empty cartridges as needed.

Ink Smudging:

If your prints are smudging, it’s likely due to either the ink not drying fast enough or the wrong type of paper being used. To fix this:

. Use a higher-quality paper that's designed for inkjet printing.
. Allow the document to dry for a few seconds before handling.
. Check the printer settings and ensure you're using the correct print quality for the job.

Ink Cartridge Leaks:

Leaking cartridges can cause damage to your printer or ruin your documents. If this occurs:

. Stop using the cartridge immediately and replace it with a new one.
. Clean any ink residue inside the printer carefully with a damp, lint-free cloth.

Lines or Dots on Prints:

This is usually caused by blocked nozzles or dirty printheads. You can solve this by:

. Running a nozzle check and printhead cleaning cycle.
. If manual cleaning is required, refer to the printer’s user guide for instructions.

Please feel free to check the quality of your prints by using our Free printer test page.