HP Ink Cartridges - What Are SETUP Ink Cartridges?

SETUP ink cartridges are used only to set up a new HP printer or printhead and supply ink for the first series of your print jobs. They are specially designed to initialize a printer and calibrate ink levels. Unlike replacement ink cartridges, SETUP ink cartridges cannot be purchased from retailers and are available only in the box with a new printer or with some replacement printhead kits. When a SETUP ink cartridge is depleted, purchase and use a normal ink cartridge that matches your printer model to continue printing.

Yes. If the printer or replacement printhead comes with SETUP ink cartridges, you must install the SETUP ink cartridges when setting up the new printer or installing the new printhead.

Installing normal ink cartridges during the initial printer setup causes a printer error prompting you to install SETUP ink cartridges. The printer cannot be set up without associated SETUP ink cartridges installed. If you purchased a new HP printer that requires SETUP ink cartridges but did not come with SETUP ink cartridges, got to HP Customer Support - Contact to contact HP.

Use normal ink cartridges to replace depleted SETUP ink cartridges. Purchase and use ink cartridge numbers that match your printer model.

No. If you install new, unused SETUP ink cartridges after your printer has been initialized, an error displays to remove the SETUP ink cartridges. After your printer has initialized, you can use the original SETUP ink cartridges until they are depleted and then replace them with normal ink cartridges for your printer. You can purchase replacement ink cartridges from HP SureSupply or other retailers.