NOTE: “Empty”, “Low Ink”, “Out of Ink“, “? Marks“, “Counterfeit”, “Refilled or Depleted Cartridge Detected” and “Non-Genuine Cartridge”  alerts are COMPLETELY NORMAL for all HP 564, 564XL, 920 & 920XL black and color  ink cartridges which have been refilled!

While at first this may be an unusual workflow, it does allow normal print operations to proceed.

NORMAL Cartridge Errors

Your printer/computer may show an “ink alert” message.  Press ‘OK’ to dismiss this prompt.  Additional alert messages, such as “Used HP Cartridge”,  “Non-Genuine Cartridge” or “Counterfeit”/”Fraud” may also be displayed. Press ‘OK’ or ‘Dismiss’ to bypass these prompts. After refills, the printer cannot track the ink level.  The ink level indicator will falsely signal empty or low on ink.  Continue to print until the print quality fades.

Common Error Messages – Low Ink Warnings and Alerts

 

 

ABNORMAL Cartridge Errors

If the printer cannot recognize the ink cartridge (i.e. “Cartridge Error” / “Unrecognized Cartridge”), then first re-seat the ink cartridge(s) in the carriage. If this does not correct the problem, remove the suspect cartridge and carefully inspect the smart chip on the bottom. The chip should be present (two different types shown below) and there should be NO cuts or gashes on the micro-chip surface as this may render the cartridge unusable.

If the problem persists, then remove all 4 cartridges from the carriage. Pull up on the PRINTHEAD release latch (at right side) and remove PRINTHEAD. Inspect electrical contacts on PRINTHEAD and on Carriage for ink residue. Adhering to manufacturer instructions, thoroughly clean the electrical contacts. Reinstall the PRINTHEAD and lower latch to secure. Reinstall cartridges and retest. For more information click here:

 

NOTE:  For error messages such as “Incompatible Older Generation Cartridge Installed”, HP564 cartridges manufactured before September 2010 may NOT be used in most of the newer HP printer models. Check manufacturing date to ensure the cartridge is compatible.

 

Connectivity problems, between the cartridge and Printhead, include error messages such as “Unrecognized“, “Missing or Damaged“, or “Ink Cartridge Problem”. Also refer to NOTE at bottom of page. 

1. Remove ALL ink cartridges.

2. Check cartridge chip surface for ink residue/contaminants; thoroughly clean chip contact area using a water or isopropyl moistened towel.

3. Install ALL ink cartridges to see if problem clears.

 

An “Incompatible Printhead” or “Alignment Failed” error message is NOT an ink cartridge error, but instead a possible failure indicator of the large electronic assembly used for firing all four (or five) colors onto the paper. If you observe this message it is suggested you visit HP for recommendations on how to correct.  General HP 564/920 ink series printhead removal procedures are provided below for informational purposes only.

To check the electrical performance of the printhead refer to the diagnostic test for your specific printer model, click here:

If you encounter a severe ink cartridge error which prohibits printing, perform the recommended solutions below.   If you think the refilled cartridge might be bad, take it back to your refiller and have them re-check the cartridge.

 

Recommended Solutions

The contact between the ink cartridge and the printer must be clean for proper functioning.  If any dirt, ink or paper dust is on the contacts, the printer may indicate that the ink cartridge is bad.  To ensure a clean contact, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Remove and re-install the cartridge

1. Turn the printer on; open the printer to access the print cartridges.
2. Remove the suspect cartridge(s) from the station.
3. Re-install the cartridges in their stations.
4. Close the printer.
5. Turn off the printer for 30 seconds and then turn it back on.
6. Print a test page following your printer’s instructions.
7. If this does not work, please proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Re-set the printer:

a.  If the problem has not been fixed it may be useful to perform a “hard reset”.  This can correct an electronic flag setting inside the printer telling it that the print cartridge is problematic.  Refer to your printer’s user manual or HP website for the correct “hard reset” procedure for your printer model.   Often times it simply involves turning off your printer and unplugging it for at least 30 seconds.

b.  Perform a Semi-Full printer reset.  Refer to diagnostic test file for additional printer model specific instructions, click here:

 

c.  Print a test page to determine if the problem has been resolved.

d.  If a printing-related problem persists, refer to Step 3.

Step 3: Reseat and clean the print head:

NOTE: Refer to manufacturer instructions for your printer model; the steps provided below are for general guidance only.

a. Turn on the printer; open the printer to access the ink cartridges.

b. Remove all 4 (or 5) ink cartridge(s) from the carriage.

c. Lift printhead release latch (lever) to remove printhead assembly (if removable – refer to User Manual).

d. Remove printhead and clean printhead contacts. Use the damp cloth (de-ionized water or isopropyl alcohol) to wipe the electrical contacts from the bottom to the top. Coffee filters and glass-cleaning cloths work well.Do not go past the edge between the electrical contacts and the ink nozzles. Repeat this motion until no ink remains on the electrical contacts.

e. Re-install printhead assembly; lower the latch handle to securely lock the printhead assembly into place.
f. Print a test pattern to determine if the problem has been fixed. If not, refer to Step 4.

Step 4: Replace printhead. Adhere to manufacturer’s recommendations and related troubleshooting instructions.

 

  

Severe Print Quality Issue or Missing Colors

If any streaks or missing colors appear on prints, initiate a ‘Clean Printhead’ via the printer control panel ‘Setup’/’Tools’ menu. On some printer models, the ‘Clean Printhead’ procedure will yield a test pattern – inspect pattern to ensure all colors are firing and solid bands of color appear. With other printer models you will need to select a test/diagnostic print under the ‘Tools’ menu. You may need to perform the ‘Clean Printhead’ procedure several times if the printer has been idle or rarely used.

HP564 & HP920 Ink-Series Printer Models — Printhead Cleaning:

 

If missing colors or severe/poor print quality continues to be observed, then please refer to advanced corrective actions:

 

 

If you cannot identify which color cartridge is empty, print a test/diagnostic page via: 1) your printer control panel or 2) via the ‘Test Prints’ button below. A faded/missing color indicates empty. In the examples below, streaking/banding can be observed – running the ‘Clean Printhead’ can help remedy these issues.

 

Cartridge Care & Printhead Care

 

For refilled HP 564/920 cartridges which are not in use, ensure the orange protective cap is securely attached to bottom of cartridge (covers ink spout) to prevent cartridge from drying out. CAUTION: If the internal foam is allowed to dry out then cartridge recovery may be difficult and possibly unusable. While it is normally suggested to use tank-based cartridges 1 year from the refill date, it is recommended to use refilled HP 564/920 cartridges within 90 days to avoid print quality issues.

 

Stop printing as soon as you notice a color is missing – continuing to print will ‘dry-fire’ the PRINTHEAD which can lead to permanent PRINTHEAD electrical damage. Immediately refill ink cartridges which are empty.

Severe Print Quality Issues / Missing Colors

If, after adhering to all suggestions above, the printer continues to exhibit severe print quality performance and/or multiple colors are missing as observed in the printer’s self test page or print quality report, click here:

 

Printhead Diagnostics:

To verify the PRINTHEAD’s electrical performance activate the PRINTHEAD Health Diagnostics Test Report, click here:

 

 

Printhead Life 

The replaceable or non-replaceable PRINTHEAD will eventually fail over time with usage and age. Check User Manual to determine if your printer’s Printhead can be removed/replaced.

 

 

 

Advanced HP Printer Diagnostics:

To view advanced diagnostics tests for your HP printer model, click here:

 

NOTE 1: A compatible, remanufactured or re-branded ink cartridge can be problematic; the smart chip (at base of cartridge) may not provide reliable printer-cartridge connectivity once installed. Compatible cartridges are typically purchased on-line or at select retailers (i.e  sold under a different label than the regular HP cartridge packaging) and is essentially a “remanufactured tank” of the HP original/genuine ink cartridge. For the best refilling experience, only use HP original/genuine ink tanks.

NOTE 2: If you need to purchase a new ink cartridge(s) due to a cartridge failure or because a refill center is not conveniently located near you and you would like to cut ink costs, we suggest you try a remanufactured ink cartridge from http://www.inkplicity.com/  Their ink cartridges typically have the lowest cost in the USA, have a high reliability rating, come with a 1-year warranty and provide free shipping for all orders above $20 (purchases available to USA residents only).