Find your printer model and ink type first

Before you buy ink, you need to know which cartridges your HP printer uses. The model number is usually on the front or back of the printer — it starts with letters like OfficeJet, DeskJet, or LaserJet, followed by numbers. Write it down or take a photo.

HP printers use different cartridge types depending on the model. Some use individual color cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), some use combo cartridges, and some use toner instead of liquid ink. The easiest way to find the right cartridge is to go to hp.com/us/en/support, enter your model number, and look for "supplies" or "ink and toner" — HP will show you exactly which cartridges fit your printer.

You can also check the printer's manual or look inside the cartridge compartment, where HP often prints the cartridge numbers directly on the plastic holders. Write down the full cartridge number (it usually looks like HP 64, HP 65, HP 902, or similar) before you shop.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your printer model number on the device itself, then use hp.com/us/en/support to see which exact cartridges you need.
  • HP cartridges are color-coded by color and have a number printed on them — buy the exact number your printer uses, not a similar-looking one.
  • Turn off your printer before opening the cartridge door, and never touch the copper contacts or nozzles on the cartridge.
  • Insert cartridges straight in until you hear a click, then close the access door and run a cleaning cycle from your printer settings if the ink looks streaky.
  • Keep the plastic tape on new cartridges until the moment you install them, and store unused cartridges in a cool, dry place with the tape still on.

Buy the right cartridges from a trusted source

HP cartridges are sold at office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot), big-box retailers (Target, Walmart, Best Buy), and online (Amazon, HP's own store). Prices vary by retailer and by whether you buy single cartridges or multi-packs. Multi-packs cost less per cartridge but require more upfront money.

Check that the cartridge number on the box matches the number you wrote down — HP uses very similar names, and buying the wrong one means a wasted trip. The box should also show your printer model on it. If you are unsure, ask a store employee or call HP support at 1-800-474-6836 before you buy.

Avoid third-party or refilled cartridges if your printer is still under warranty, because HP may refuse to service it if a non-HP cartridge causes a problem. Once your warranty expires, third-party cartridges are cheaper, but they sometimes leak or print poorly — the trade-off is yours to make.

Prepare your printer and remove the old cartridge

Turn off your printer completely using the power button. Wait 30 seconds for it to shut down fully. Do not unplug it unless the printer is stuck or smoking.

Open the cartridge access door. On most HP printers, this is a panel on the front or top — push or pull it gently until it clicks open. The printer may make a whirring sound as it moves the cartridge holder to the center. Let it finish moving before you touch anything.

Locate the cartridge you are replacing. Each cartridge is color-coded: black is usually on the left, then cyan, magenta, and yellow to the right. Press down on the cartridge you want to remove — it will pop up slightly. Grab it by the sides (not the top) and pull it straight toward you. Do not squeeze the cartridge or touch the copper contacts on the bottom.

Install the new cartridge and close the door

Remove the plastic tape from the new cartridge. This tape protects the nozzles during shipping — if you leave it on, the cartridge will not work. Peel it off completely and throw it away. Do not touch the copper contacts or the nozzles (the small holes on the bottom of the cartridge).

Hold the cartridge by its sides and insert it into the empty slot at a slight downward angle. Push it in straight until you hear a click — that click means it is seated correctly. If it does not click, pull it out and try again. Do not force it.

Close the cartridge access door by pushing it until it clicks shut. The printer may beep or display a message on the screen. Turn the printer back on using the power button. Wait for it to finish its startup sequence — this usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.

Run a cleaning cycle if your first print looks streaky

Print a test page to see if the new cartridge is working. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your HP printer, click it, and select "Print a test page." On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click "Print Test Page."

If the test page looks faded, streaky, or has missing colors, the cartridge nozzles may be clogged. Run a cleaning cycle: open your printer's settings menu (usually a button on the printer itself or through HP Smart software on your computer), find "Maintenance" or "Tools," and select "Clean Cartridges" or "Cleaning Cycle." This takes a few minutes and uses a small amount of ink.

If the test page still looks bad after one cleaning cycle, run it again. Most HP printers fix streaky ink after one or two cycles. If it still does not work after three cycles, the cartridge may be defective — contact HP support or return it to the store where you bought it.

Store extra cartridges correctly to keep them working

Keep unused cartridges in their original boxes with the plastic tape still on. Store them in a cool, dry place — not in direct sunlight, not in a hot car, and not in a damp basement. Cartridges stored this way stay usable for several years.

Once you open a cartridge and install it, use it within a reasonable time. An installed cartridge that sits unused for months may dry out, especially if your printer is in a warm room. If you know you will not print for a long time, consider removing the cartridge and storing it in its original box with the tape back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different brand of ink in my HP printer?

You can use third-party cartridges made by brands like Canon or Epson-compatible cartridges, but HP printers are designed for HP cartridges and may not recognize other brands. Some printers will refuse to print or display error messages. If your printer is under warranty, using non-HP cartridges may void it. Check your warranty terms before trying a different brand.

What does the error message "cartridge not recognized" mean?

This usually means the cartridge is not fully clicked in, the plastic tape is still on, or the copper contacts are dirty. Remove the cartridge, wipe the copper contacts gently with a dry, lint-free cloth, and reinsert it. If the message persists, try a different cartridge slot or contact HP support.

Is it safe to refill cartridges myself?

Refilling cartridges yourself is messy and risky — ink can leak onto your hands and clothes, and overfilling can damage the printer. If you want cheaper ink, buy third-party cartridges instead, which come pre-filled and ready to use. They cost less than HP cartridges but more than refilling.

How do I know when my cartridge is empty?

Your printer will display a low-ink warning on the screen or in the HP Smart app on your computer. You can also print a test page — if it looks very faded, the cartridge is nearly empty. Some printers stop printing entirely when a cartridge is empty, while others print in black only. Check your printer manual to see how yours behaves.

Can I buy cartridges in bulk and save money?

Yes. HP sells multi-packs of cartridges at a lower per-cartridge price than single cartridges. The trade-off is that you pay more upfront and need storage space. If you print regularly, bulk buying saves money over time. Just make sure the cartridges are the right type for your printer and that you store unused ones with the tape on in a cool, dry place.