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HP LaserJet Enterprise - A "Cartridge is low" or "Cartridge is very low" message displays on the printer control panel

Learn what steps to take when a "Cartridge is low" or "Cartridge is very low" message displays on the printer control panel.

Cartridge is low: The printer indicates when a toner cartridge level is low. Actual toner cartridge life remaining may vary. Consider having a replacement available to install when print quality is no longer acceptable. The toner cartridge does not need to be replaced now.

Continue printing with the current cartridge until redistributing the toner no longer yields acceptable print quality. To redistribute the toner, remove the toner cartridge from the printer and gently rock the cartridge back and forth end to end. Reinsert the toner cartridge into the printer and close the cover.

Cartridge is very low: The printer indicates when the toner cartridge level is very low. Actual toner cartridge life remaining may vary. To extend the life of the toner, gently rock the cartridges back and forth end to end. Consider having a replacement available to install when print quality is no longer acceptable. The toner cartridge does not need to be replaced now unless the print quality is no longer acceptable.

Gently rock cartridge

Once an HP cartridge has reached Very Low, HP's Premium Protection Warranty on that cartridge has ended.

Change the "Very Low" settings

You can change the way the printer reacts when supplies reach the Very Low state. You do not have to re-establish these settings when you install a new toner cartridge.

Note:

The steps vary according to the type of control panel.

FutureSmart 3 control panels

FutureSmart 4 or 5 control panels

Find your printer control-panel type in the options below, and then follow the steps provided.

FutureSmart 3

Follow these steps if your printer has a FutureSmart 3 control panel.

From the Home screen on the printer control panel, scroll to and select the Supplies menu.
Open the following menus:
1. Manage Supplies
2. Supply Settings
3. Black Cartridge or Color Cartridges
4. Very Low Settings
Select one of the following options, and then select Save to save the setting:
- Select the Stop option to set the printer to stop printing when the cartridge reaches the Very Low threshold.
- Select the Prompt to continue option to set the printer to stop printing when the cartridge reaches the Very Low threshold. You can acknowledge the prompt or replace the cartridge to resume printing.
- Select the Continue option to set the printer to alert you that the cartridge is very low, and to continue printing beyond the Very Low setting without interaction. This can result in unsatisfactory print quality.

FutureSmart 4 or 5

Follow these steps if your printer has a FutureSmart 4 or 5 control panel.

From the Home screen on the printer control panel, scroll to and select Settings.
Open the following menus:
1. Manage Supplies
2. Very Low Behavior
Select the cartridge, such as Black Cartridge, or Color Cartridges.
Select one of the following options, and then select Done to save the setting:
- Select the Stop option to set the printer to stop printing when the cartridge reaches the Very Low threshold.
- Select the Prompt to continue option to set the printer to stop printing when the cartridge reaches the Very Low threshold. You can acknowledge the prompt or replace the cartridge to resume printing.
- Select the Continue option to set the printer to alert you that the cartridge is very low, and to continue printing beyond the Very Low setting without interaction. This can result in unsatisfactory print quality.

For printers with fax capability

When the printer is set to the Stop or Prompt to continue option, there is some risk that faxes will not print when the printer resumes printing. This can occur if the printer has received more faxes than the memory can hold while the printer is waiting.

The printer can print faxes without interruption when it passes the Very Low threshold if you select the Continue option for the cartridge, but print quality might degrade.

Order supplies

Find information and links for ordering supplies for your printer.

Ordering options
Ordering option	Ordering information
Order supplies and paper	www.hp.com/go/suresupply
Order through service or support providers	Contact an HP-authorized service or support provider.
Order using the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS)	To access the EWS in a supported Web browser on your computer, enter the printer IP address or host name in the address/URL field. The EWS contains a link to the HP SureSupply Web site, which provides options for purchasing Original HP supplies.

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