You’ve refilled your ink cartridges, the printer display shows them as full, but frustratingly, your printer refuses to print anything! Don’t worry, this guide will help you troubleshoot the issue and get your printer back in action.

Why is my HP printer not printing even though it has ink but?

The Culprit: Dried Up Ink

The most common reason for a printer not printing despite full ink levels is dried-up ink in the print head. Over time, unused ink can dry and clog the nozzles, preventing ink from flowing properly.

Signs of Dried Up Ink:

  • Blank pages even after the printer goes through printing motions.
  • Streaks or faint lines in printed documents.

Cleaning the Print Head:

  1. Check Your Printer Manual: Most printers offer built-in print head cleaning cycles. Refer to your printer’s manual for specific instructions on initiating this process for your model.
  2. Manual Cleaning (Optional):
    • Warning: This method requires caution and may not be suitable for all printers. Consult your manual before proceeding.
    • Power Off and Remove Cartridges: Turn off your printer and unplug it. Carefully remove the ink cartridges.
    • Inspect the Cartridges: Visually check the ink cartridge nozzles for any dried ink residue.
    • Tissue and Water (Optional): If comfortable, dampen a clean, lint-free tissue with a small amount of distilled water. Gently wipe the print head contacts on the cartridge (avoid touching the nozzles directly).

Replacing Ink Cartridges:

  • If cleaning the print head doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to consider replacing the ink cartridges, even if the ink level indicator shows them as full.
  • Dried-up ink can sometimes cause inaccurate readings on the ink level gauge.

Additional Tips:

  • Use genuine ink cartridges or high-quality compatible cartridges recommended for your specific printer model.
  • Print regularly to prevent ink from drying up in the print head.
  • If the issue persists after trying these solutions, consult your printer’s manual for further troubleshooting steps or consider seeking professional help.

Remember: Following these steps can help you diagnose and fix the issue of your printer not printing despite full ink cartridges. Happy printing!