How to Reset HP Printer Cartridges

By Pamela Gardapee

Updated September 28, 2017

i Used ink cartridges for recycling image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com

The HP printer ink cartridge may need to be reset if you have used a refill kit to replenish the cartridges. Some cartridges will work without resetting, but some printers will need a hard reset so that the printer recognizes the ink cartridge as new and resets the ink level so that it reads full in the pop-up ink-level window.

Turn the ink cartridge over so that you see the contacts. Turn the ink cartridge around so that the copper contacts are at the bottom of the cartridge as you look at it.

Place tape over the top contact in the second row from the left side of the ink cartridge. It will be the seventh copper contact. Place the ink cartridge in the printer and the printer will run the alignment.

Remove the ink cartridge after the alignment is done. Leave the tape on the contact. Place tape over the top contact in the second row from the right side. It is the sixth copper contact. Replace the ink cartridge in the printer and let the printer run the alignment page.

Remove the cartridge after the second alignment. Remove both pieces of tape and make sure that you remove all of the adhesive residue.

Place the ink cartridge in the printer carriage. The printer will now display a window showing the ink level as full.

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