HP 67 troubleshooting: not recognized, error codes, replacing a cartridge

• 01Cartridge not recognizedCheck part number, tape, seating and chip
• 02Error message or E0Find out what it means before replacing
• 03Installing a new cartridgeReplace safely and align
• 04Look up printer and part numberWhich models use HP 67
• 05Empty cartridge left overFree returns to HP
• 06Alternative doesn't workChip, firmware and returns

Cartridge problems: check in this order

1. Identify: full printer model, cartridge part number and the position named.
2. Inspect: tape, damage and correct seating, without forcing anything.
3. Isolate: test only the position named; don't automatically replace both cartridges.
4. Escalate: if several correct cartridges fail, the printer or carriage may need support.

Cartridge not recognized

"Not recognized" can appear as an incompatible, missing or faulty cartridge or as a communication problem. Note the text and which position it names, so you don't investigate the tri-color cartridge when only black has a fault.

1. Check the printer model and confirm HP 67/67XL is listed (printer list).
2. Check the part number: black 3YM56AN or 3YM57AN; tri-color 3YM55AN or 3YM58AN.
3. Leave the printer on, open the cartridge door and wait until the carriage stops.
4. Remove and inspect: is all the protective tape off, is there visible damage?
5. Reseat in the correct slot until it clicks and close the door.
6. Restart once if the message stays.

HP names a poor electrical connection as a possible cause. Only clean contacts following the instructions for your cartridge and printer, don't touch the nozzles and let any moisture dry completely.

HP Support also names the region: compatibility errors can occur when a cartridge is made for a different printer or country/region. HP 305 is the European version of these cartridges, so it isn't the right purchase for a US printer. If you moved your printer from another country, HP Support may need to do a regionalization reset. A printer enrolled in HP Instant Ink expects cartridges marked Instant Ink.

If a known-good HP 67 cartridge is recognized in the same position, the new cartridge is the likelier cause. If several correct cartridges aren't recognized in one position, the printer needs help. For alternatives: on the HP Store US pages of the DeskJet 2855e and 4255e, among others, HP describes dynamic security, under which a cartridge that worked before can be blocked after an update. Don't install unknown firmware or an unofficial downgrade; ask the seller for a supported replacement.

Understanding error messages

The wording differs between printer series. Use the message as the starting point for one targeted check, not as proof that something is broken.

A "low ink" message isn't a compatibility error; HP describes ink levels as an estimate. Only remove a cartridge once the new one is ready.

On ENVY 6000/6400 models HP links the E0 code to an unusable or problematic cartridge. DeskJet series use ink icons and number codes; other codes point to paper or a jammed carriage instead. Look up the code for your exact model before buying new ink.

Online "reset" instructions often concern a different model or unofficial firmware. A normal restart, correct seating and HP's official diagnosis are safer. If several correct cartridges fail in the same position, contact HP Support.

Replacing a cartridge in 8 steps

The door and click direction vary per printer; check your manual too. The order below follows HP's instructions for this cartridge type.

1. Turn the printer on and wait until it's quiet.
2. Open the cartridge access door.
3. Wait until the carriage stops moving.
4. Release the old cartridge according to your printer's latch.
5. Unpack the new cartridge and remove only the marked protective tape.
6. Hold the cartridge by its plastic sides; don't touch the contacts or nozzles.
7. Push black or tri-color into the marked slot until it clicks.
8. Close the door and follow the alignment prompts on the display or in the HP app.

Standard black is 3YM56AN, standard tri-color 3YM55AN; XL black 3YM57AN and XL tri-color 3YM58AN. You can mix standard and XL. The old cartridge doesn't belong in the trash — see cartridge recycling.

Not every fault is about ink

Paper-size codes, paper jams, an offline status or an expired Wi-Fi setup need printer or network steps. For Wi-Fi: put the printer and your device on the same network, restart once and re-add the printer in the HP app if needed.

When to stop

Stop if there's leaking ink, visible damage, a burning smell, a cartridge that only fits with force, or repeated errors with several correct cartridges. Keep the error text and your receipt and contact HP or the retailer.