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HP Officejet 6600, 6700 Printers - Color or Black Ink is Not Printing

This document is for HP Officejet 6600 and 6700 Premium e-All-in-One printers.
The printer is working, but the printed output is missing black or color ink, or the printed page is blank or has very little ink.
In general, low ink levels should not impact print quality. Your printer stops and displays a message when ink levels get too low. However, the printer might still perform a limited amount of printing in 'backup mode' at low ink levels. In backup mode, blacks might not be as dark, or printouts might be in grayscale (shades of gray with no color). Replace any low ink cartridges if backup mode printing is unacceptable.

Step 1: Use genuine HP ink 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.

Step 2: Check the estimated ink levels

Check the estimated ink levels. If an ink cartridge is empty, your printer can print for a period of time in either greyscale or composite black, depending on which ink cartridge is empty. If a color ink cartridge is empty, the printer prints in greyscale using black ink. If the black ink cartridge is empty, the printer prints in composite black using color ink. Composite black might not be as dark as regular printouts.​
note:
Ink level warnings and indicators provide estimates for planning purposes only. When an indicator shows low ink levels, consider having a replacement ink cartridge available to avoid possible printing delays. You do not need to replace ink cartridges until you are prompted to.
  1. On the printer control panel, touch the Ink Level icon () or ().
    note:
    The Ink Level icon that displays on your control panel differs depending on your printer model.
    A graphic of the estimated ink levels for each ink cartridge displays on the control panel.
    Figure : Estimated ink levels displayed on the printer control panel
    Graphic: Estimated ink levels displayed on printer control panel
  2. Identify any ink cartridges that are low or empty, and then continue to the next step.

Step 3: Replace any low or empty ink cartridges

Replace any critically low or empty ink cartridges, and then try to print again. Skip this step if all ink cartridges show healthy ink levels.

Video of replacing an ink cartridge

The following video demonstrates how to replace an ink cartridge.
note:
This video shows the HP Officejet 6700 Premium e-All-in-One Printer series (H711), but the steps are the same for your printer.
How to Scan in Windows 8 with Windows Fax and Scan
How to Scan in Windows 8 with Windows Fax and Scan
When you install a printer driver in Windows 8, you can scan from your computer without installing additional HP software. Learn how to scan with your HP all-in-one printer using Windows Fax and Scan.
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, view the video on YouTube.
  1. Press the Power button to turn on the printer, if it is not already on.
  2. Slip your fingers into the slot on the left side of the printer, and then pull forward to open the ink cartridge access door.
    The carriage moves to the left side of the printer.
    Figure : Slot on the left side of the printer
    Image: The slot on the left side of the printer
  3. Wait until the carriage is idle and silent before proceeding.
  4. Push in on the front of the ink cartridge to release it, and then pull it toward you to remove it from its slot.
    Figure : Removing the ink cartridge from its slot
    Image of removing a cartridge
  5. Remove the new ink cartridge from its packaging.
  6. Hold the ink cartridge so that the ink cartridge contacts are facing toward the printer.
  7. Slide the new ink cartridge into its slot, and then gently push it forward until it snaps into place.
    note:
    Make sure the colored dot on the cartridge label matches the colored dot on the slot.
    Figure : Inserting the cartridge into its color-coded slot
    Image of inserting the cartridge into its color-coded slot
  8. Repeat these steps for other ink cartridges, if necessary.
  9. Close the ink cartridge access door.
Try to print. If these steps resolved the issue, you do not need to continue troubleshooting.

Step 4: Clean the printhead

The printhead could be clogged, and you might need to clean the printhead several times to restore print quality. Use an automated tool from the printer control panel to clean the printhead.
  caution:
Never turn off the printer when ink cartridges are not installed. To avoid issues that require cleaning the printhead or that can damage the ink system, always replace ink cartridges as soon as possible, and always turn off the printer using the Power button.
  1. Load plain white paper into the tray.
  2. On the printer control panel, touch the right arrow to display more options.
  3. Touch Setup, and then touch Tools. The Tools Menu displays.
  4. Touch Clean Printhead.
  5. Wait while the printer completes the printhead cleaning process, and then touch OK.
    note:
    You might have to clean the printhead several times to correct the issue.
Try to print. If these steps resolved the issue, you do not need to continue troubleshooting.

Step 5: Service the printer

If you have completed the troubleshooting steps in this document and your printer is still producing unacceptable printouts, 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.
note:
Keep a print sample that shows the problem. If the ink cartridges, printhead, or printer is replaced under warranty, the support agent will request the print sample. If the printer is returned to HP, the print sample must be returned with the printer. Place the sample in the output tray when you package your printer for shipping.