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HP LaserJet Printers - 'Install Black Cartridge' Displays

This document is for HP LaserJet printers.
When trying to print, an Install Black Cartridge error message displays on the printer control panel or computer, or the attention light blinks on the printer.
This error message indicates that a toner cartridge is not installed, is not genuine, or an obstruction is preventing the toner cartridge from being recognized.
Install a toner cartridge to prevent this message from displaying. If a toner cartridge is installed and the message displays, use the following steps to fix the issue.

Step 1: Use genuine HP toner cartridges

HP recommends that you use genuine HP ink or toner supplies. HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP or refilled cartridges. If you do not use genuine HP cartridges, the steps in this document might not resolve the issue. To check the authenticity of your cartridges, go to the HP anti-counterfeit webpage (in English).
Purchase replacement cartridges and other supplies from the HP Store or local retailers.
If using genuine HP toner supplies did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Check for packing materials and paper

Check the toner cartridge and printer for any packing materials and paper that might be causing the error message.
note:
The following images might show a different printer than your model, but the steps are the same.
  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Disconnect the power cord from the printer.
    Figure : Disconnecting the power cord
    Disconnecting the power cord.
  3. Open the toner cartridge door.
    Figure : Opening the toner cartridge door
    Opening the toner cartridge door.
  4. Look for and remove any packing material such as cardboard, tape, or paper debris.
    Figure : Example of removing packing material
    Example of removing packing material.
  5. Remove the toner cartridge.
    Figure : Removing toner cartridge
    Removing toner cartridge.
  6. Look for and remove any additional packing material or paper debris inside the toner cartridge area.
  7. Check for and remove the orange tab on the toner cartridge.
    Figure : Removing the orange tab
    Removing the orange tab.
  8. Check for and remove the protective sealing tape on the toner cartridge.
    To remove the protective sealing tape, pull the tab away from the toner cartridge, and then discard.
      caution:
    If toner gets on your clothing, wipe it off with a dry cloth and wash the clothing in cold water. Hot water sets toner into the fabric.
    Figure : Removing the protective sealing tape
    Removing the protective sealing tape.
  9. Gently rock the toner cartridge from front to back to make sure the toner is distributed evenly.
    Figure : Rocking the toner cartridge
    Rocking the toner cartridge.
  10. Insert the toner cartridge into the printer, and then close the toner cartridge door.
    Figure : Inserting the toner cartridge
    Inserting the toner cartridge.
  11. Reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the printer.
If checking for and removing packing materials and paper did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Check the printer for additional jammed paper

Jammed paper or debris might cause the error message. Checking other areas in the printer where jammed paper occurs might resolve the error message. For detailed instructions on clearing a paper jam from your printer, go to HP Customer Support. Type your printer model, and then search for "paper jam" under the Troubleshooting tab.
If you did not find a paper jam or clearing any excess paper did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Clean the electric contacts on the toner cartridge

The toner cartridge might have a faulty connection to the printer. Use a lint-free cloth to clean the toner cartridge contact (E-label).
  1. Open the toner cartridge access door.
  2. Remove the toner cartridge from its slot.
  3. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the toner cartridge contact (E-label) on the top left of the toner cartridge.
    note:
    Coffee filters work well.
    Figure : E-label on a toner cartridge
    Toner cartridge contact (E-label)
  4. Insert the toner cartridge into its slot, and then close the toner cartridge access door.
If cleaning the E-label did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Reset the printer

Sometimes an error message persists even though there is no packing material or jammed paper inside the printer. Resetting the printer might resolve the error.
  1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
  2. Unplug the power cord from the power source.
  3. Wait 60 seconds.
  4. Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.
    note:
    HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.
If resetting the printer did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 6: Replace the toner cartridge

If the previous steps did not resolve the issue, replace the toner cartridge with a genuine HP toner cartridge.
If replacing the toner cartridge did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 7: Service the printer

If the error message continues and you have tried all the other steps in this document, service the printer.
Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.
Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.
To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.