Black ink problems rarely mean the printer is dead. Most come from the cartridge, the settings, or the connection. It also helps to know how inkjet printers work: tiny nozzles spray ink onto the page, so any blockage shows up fast.
Common Causes of Black Ink Printing Problems
Ink and Cartridge Causes
- Low or depleted black ink: A cartridge can print badly well before it is truly empty.
- Blocked nozzles: Dried ink can clog the tiny holes. Learn why an inkjet printer dries out.
- Poor installation: The cartridge may be loose, or protective tape may still cover part of it.
Settings and Software Causes
- A wrong paper type, grayscale options, outdated software, or printer communication errors can all weaken black text.
Hardware Causes
- A defective cartridge or an internal printer fault. These need deeper diagnosis, which the later steps cover.
Symptoms to Identify Before Troubleshooting
Match what you see to the list below. It points you toward the right fix.
- Blank pages even though the printer accepts the job. Our guide on why an inkjet printer prints blank pages goes deeper.
- Faded text, missing lines, streaks, or uneven density. Streaks are explained in why inkjet prints have lines.
- Color works while black fails. This points to the black cartridge, not the whole printer.
Here is a typical example. A student prints an essay, and the page shows a colorful header but empty body text. That pattern usually means the black cartridge is the problem.
Quick Fixes for HP DeskJet 2855e Black Ink Issues
Black ink not printing means the black cartridge is not putting ink on the page, even though color prints normally. The checklist below handles most cases.
7 Quick Steps to Restore Black Ink Printing
- Check ink levels in the HP Smart app and look for cartridge warnings.
- Reseat the black cartridge until it clicks into place.
- Restart the printer. Turn it off, unplug it for about a minute, then power it back on.
- Confirm print settings: plain paper, Normal quality, and Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches).
- Print a test page or diagnostic report.
- Run Clean Printhead from Print Quality Tools in HP Smart.
- Print again and compare the black and color blocks.
If black returns, you are done. If not, our walkthrough on fixing HP DeskJet 2855e blank pages covers related symptoms.
When to Move Beyond Basic Troubleshooting
- Continue to cartridge cleaning if the test page shows missing black lines or faded text.
- Check computer or wireless settings if the printer’s own test page looks normal.
- Consider cartridge replacement or HP support if repeated troubleshooting does not help.
Many of these steps apply to other common inkjet printer problems and their causes, so the knowledge carries over.
Check Black Ink Levels and Cartridge Installation
Start here because it costs nothing. A quick inspection solves a surprising number of cases.
How to Check Ink Levels on the HP DeskJet 2855e
- Open the HP Smart app or the HP printer software on your computer.
- Select your printer’s picture to open its status page.
- Read the estimated ink levels for black and color.
Treat these numbers as a guide. They are estimates, so a cartridge can print poorly while still showing some ink. Our guide on how to check printer ink levels correctly explains the limits. If your alert seems wrong, read why a printer says ink is empty when it is not.
Also watch for cartridge alerts, low-ink warnings, and sudden print-quality changes.
Inspect and Reinstall the Black Ink Cartridge
- Turn the printer on and open the cartridge access door. Wait until the carriage stops moving.
- Press gently on the black cartridge to release it, then pull it out.
- Look for leftover plastic tape or packaging. Remove only what should not stay attached.
- Slide the cartridge back in until it clicks.
- Close the door and print a test page.
Never touch the nozzles or the copper-colored electrical contacts. Skin oils can block the connection.
Confirm Cartridge Compatibility and Condition
US retail listings show the DeskJet 2855e using HP 67 (standard) and HP 67XL (high yield) cartridges. Other regions often sell the matching HP 305 family. Always confirm the number on HP’s compatibility page or your cartridge box, because regional versions differ. Our guide on how to check if a printer cartridge is compatible shows how.
Then look at the cartridge itself:
- Is it damaged, dried out, or past its useful life? See how long unopened ink cartridges last.
- Does the printer refuse it? Read why a printer rejects new cartridges.
- Does the HP mark appear on the cartridge, not just the box? Some owners on HP’s support forum fixed an error this way.
A recognized cartridge can still print poorly. Cartridge recognition and ink delivery are separate issues.
Clean the Printhead or Black Ink Cartridge Nozzles
The DeskJet 2855e uses cartridge-based ink delivery. The printhead is built into each cartridge as a copper strip with tiny nozzles. That means you have no separate printhead to replace. Our inkjet printhead explained for beginners article shows how this design works.
Run the Printer’s Automatic Cleaning Utility
Steps in HP Smart
- Open HP Smart and select your printer.
- Go to Print Quality Tools. The name can vary by app version.
- Choose Clean Printhead and follow the prompts.
- Print a diagnostic page when the cycle ends.
Cleaning Levels and Limits
If black is still missing, HP’s tool may offer a second and third cleaning level. Each cycle uses ink. When the nozzles look heavily clogged, HP community guidance suggests waiting at least 30 minutes before another round.
Do not run cleaning over and over. Two or three spaced attempts is a sensible limit.
Inspect the Print Quality Diagnostic Page
- Look for missing black sections, broken lines, uneven text, or faded patterns.
- Compare the black block with the color blocks. If only black fails, the black cartridge is the suspect.
- Decide your next move: one more cleaning cycle if the page improved, or replacement if it did not.
When Manual Cartridge Cleaning May Be Necessary
Try this only after software cleaning fails, and read HP’s official instructions first. HP’s support community suggests a lint-free cloth, lightly dampened with distilled water, on the copper contacts.
- Do not soak the cartridge.
- Avoid solvents and rubbing alcohol.
- Never touch electrical components with bare fingers.
If safe cleaning does not help, replace the cartridge or contact HP. A printer that sat idle for weeks is a prime suspect, so see how long an inkjet printer can sit unused.
Printer Settings That Can Prevent Black Ink Printing
Sometimes the cartridge is fine and the settings are the culprit. Check these before you buy anything.
Review Grayscale and Black-and-White Settings
- Confirm the document uses the black-and-white or color mode you intend.
- Check whether an app such as Word or Chrome overrides the printer driver defaults.
- Make sure “Black Ink Only” is not selected by mistake.
Grayscale changes how colors are rendered, but it cannot fix a cartridge that fails to deliver ink. Unsure which mode suits your work? Read how to choose between colour and monochrome printing.
Verify Paper Type and Print Quality
Pick the right paper type in the print dialog, such as plain paper or photo paper. Then test with Normal quality before trying higher settings.
Two terms help here. DPI means dots per inch, or how many ink dots land in one inch. Higher DPI looks sharper but uses more ink. PPM means pages per minute, a speed rating that changes with draft mode and ink coverage. Our guides on printer resolution in simple terms and what pages per minute means explain both.
Draft or Economy mode can make text look lighter. Good paper matters too, so see what paper works best with inkjet printers.
Print a Test Page Outside the Original Application
- Print a test page or diagnostic report from HP Smart.
- If it prints correctly, investigate the original document, app, or driver settings.
- If black is missing everywhere, focus on the cartridge and printer hardware.
This one test splits the problem in half and saves a lot of guessing.
Troubleshoot HP DeskJet 2855e Connection and Driver Problems
A connection problem usually stops a job from reaching the printer. It does not change whether black ink physically prints. Still, these checks are quick.
Confirm Wi-Fi and USB Printing Connections
Connectivity simply means how your device talks to the printer, either over Wi-Fi or through a USB cable.
- Make sure the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer or phone. See how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.
- If it keeps dropping, read why a printer keeps going offline and why a printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi.
- For USB, check the cable and try another port.
Keep the two problems apart. If no job arrives, it is a connection issue. If a job arrives with missing black, it is an ink issue.
Update or Reinstall the Printer Software
- Use HP’s official software and support resources to check for driver and firmware updates. Our guide on how to install printer drivers correctly helps.
- Remove duplicate or incorrect printer entries so jobs reach the right device.
- If the computer cannot see the printer, read printer not showing on computer or follow our 123.hp.com setup guide.
- Restart the printer and computer, then print a fresh test page.
Fix Problems With the HP Smart App
- Confirm the app detects the correct DeskJet 2855e and shows its status.
- Check pending print jobs, printer availability, and any cartridge or maintenance warnings.
- If the app cannot solve it, use the printer’s diagnostic tools or HP support documentation. For phone tips, see how to print from a phone at home.
Compare Troubleshooting Solutions for Black Ink Problems
Different symptoms point to different causes. This table helps you pick a sensible next step before spending money on supplies.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Completely blank black text | Empty or blocked black cartridge | Check ink levels and run cartridge cleaning |
| Faded black printing | Low ink or partially blocked nozzles | Inspect levels and print a diagnostic page |
| Missing lines or streaks | Nozzle blockage or cartridge defect | Run the supported cleaning utility |
| New cartridge not printing | Incorrect installation or incompatibility | Check cartridge seating and compatibility |
| Printer test page looks normal | Application or driver settings | Test another document and review print settings |
| Printer does not respond | Connection or queue problem | Check Wi-Fi, USB, and pending print jobs |
Should You Replace the HP DeskJet 2855e Black Ink Cartridge?
Replacement can solve persistent print-quality issues. It should not be the first step when a setting or connection problem is more likely. Compare the diagnostic results, cartridge condition, and replacement cost before you decide.
Signs That a Black Ink Cartridge Needs Replacement
- The cartridge is depleted or gives no black output after the recommended cleaning.
- The diagnostic page still shows missing black sections despite correct installation.
- The cartridge is damaged, defective, or not recognized after you follow HP’s installation steps.
How to Choose the Correct Replacement Cartridge
Verify the exact cartridge number for the US version of your printer: HP 67 or HP 67XL black. Use HP’s official compatibility information to be sure.
Next, compare original HP and compatible options. Weigh reliability, warranty effects, and documented compatibility. Our guide to original vs compatible printer cartridges helps you decide.
Then review yield. Retailer listings show about 120 pages for a standard HP 67 black and about 240 for the XL. Amazon, Best Buy, and Staples commonly stock them, with listings around $23 and $35 at one retailer when we checked. Prices change often, so compare current offers, and see how to find low-cost printer consumables.
Is It Worth Replacing the Cartridge or the Printer?
Compare the cartridge price with the printer’s age, condition, and upcoming maintenance. Also consider duty cycle, which is the maximum pages a printer is built to handle per month. The 2855e is a light-duty home model, so heavy use wears it faster.
- Seek support before replacing the whole printer when the fault may be limited to one cartridge. Read why a home printer may not be worth repairing.
- Work out the true cost of owning a printer before you decide.
- Thinking of switching models? Compare the HP DeskJet 2855e vs Envy 6155e, the HP 2855e vs HP 2827e, or the HP DeskJet 2855e vs Canon PIXMA TS4320.
Compare Black Ink Cartridge Costs and Page Yields
Page yield and ongoing ink costs help home users and small offices avoid needless spending. Manufacturer yield figures are estimates from standardized tests. Real results vary with document coverage, print settings, and usage.
Original HP vs. Compatible Ink Cartridges
| Factor | Original HP Cartridge | Compatible Cartridge |
|---|---|---|
| Printer compatibility | Designed for supported HP models | Depends on maker and exact model support |
| Purchase price | Varies by cartridge and retailer | Often varies widely by seller |
| Print consistency | Manufacturer-designed performance | Quality varies by product |
| Warranty considerations | Subject to HP’s applicable terms | Review HP warranty terms and local consumer protections |
| Page yield | Check the specific cartridge specification | Verify independently stated yield claims |
For a deeper look, read genuine vs compatible ink. You can also learn about remanufactured ink cartridges.
Estimating Ink Cost per Page
A Simple Formula
Divide the cartridge price by its stated page yield. That gives a basic cost per page.
Worked Example
A $23 standard black cartridge rated for 120 pages costs about 19 cents per page. A $35 XL rated for 240 pages costs about 15 cents. These are sample prices, so plug in current ones.
Real cost runs higher because of cleaning cycles, setup, and heavy black coverage. Compare your monthly volume with cartridge yield, and read inkjet printer running costs explained and why printer ink costs so much.
Ways to Reduce Black Ink Waste
- Use Normal or draft quality for internal documents.
- Preview before printing and skip duplicate pages.
- Follow recommended cleaning limits rather than repeating maintenance cycles.
- Print a lot? Compare cartridge printers vs refillable tanks, the HP Smart Tank 7302 review, and affordable inkjet printers with cheap ink.
For more savings, read how to reduce ink usage when printing and how to reduce home printing costs.
Prevent Future HP DeskJet 2855e Black Ink Problems
A few habits keep nozzles open and cartridges healthy. They take almost no time.
Maintain Consistent Printing Habits
- Print periodically when practical. Our guide on how often an inkjet printer should be used gives a simple rhythm.
- Store spare cartridges as the package directs, away from extreme heat. See how to store unused ink cartridges.
- Replace depleted cartridges before important jobs, and recycle old printer cartridges responsibly.
Keep Printer Software and Settings Updated
- Check for supported software and firmware updates when problems keep returning.
- Use the correct paper type and print quality for each job.
- Keep the printer on a reliable network and clear failed jobs from the queue. If it drops offline, follow how to reconnect an offline printer.
Know When to Contact HP Support
- Call HP if the printer shows persistent cartridge errors or fails diagnostics after the steps above.
- Have the model, cartridge number, error message, and diagnostic results ready.
- Review your coverage first with printer warranty terms explained for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick answers to the questions US readers ask most.
Why Is My HP DeskJet 2855e Not Printing Black Ink but Printing Color?
The black cartridge may be low, clogged, loose, or defective even while the color cartridge works well. Each uses its own nozzles. Check the ink level, reseat the black cartridge, and run Clean Printhead in HP Smart. If a diagnostic page still lacks black, replace the cartridge.
Fixing an HP DeskJet 2855e That Prints Blank Pages
Start with ink levels and cartridge seating. Remove any leftover tape, print a diagnostic page, and run the cleaning tool from HP Smart. If the pages stay blank after a couple of cycles, a new black cartridge is the most likely fix.
Cleaning the Black Ink Cartridge on an HP DeskJet 2855e
Use the software tool first. Open HP Smart, choose Print Quality Tools, and select Clean Printhead. Print a diagnostic page afterward. Read HP’s official instructions before any manual cleaning, and never soak the cartridge or use solvents. If two or three cycles fail, replace it.
What to Do When a New Black Cartridge Is Not Working
Reseat it and check for leftover protective tape. Confirm the number matches your US model, such as HP 67 or 67XL, and look for damage or dried nozzles. Gently wipe the contacts with a dry lint-free cloth. If errors continue, contact HP or the seller.
Can I Print Using Only the Color Cartridge on the HP DeskJet 2855e?
It depends on the printer’s cartridge rules and settings. Some HP printers offer a backup mode that prints with one cartridge, but confirm this in the official 2855e documentation instead of assuming. Our guide on printing without color ink explains the general idea.
Is There a Limit to Cleaning Cycles on an HP Printer Cartridge?
In practice, yes. Every cycle uses ink, and repeated cycles rarely revive a dead cartridge. Run the tool, check a diagnostic page, and wait before trying again. HP community guidance suggests waiting at least 30 minutes after a heavy clog. After two or three tries, consider replacement.
Faded Black Text on the HP DeskJet 2855e: What Causes It?
Common causes include low ink, partly blocked nozzles, and Draft or Economy quality settings. A loose cartridge can also weaken output. Print a diagnostic page to see whether black looks faint everywhere. If it does, clean the cartridge. If the page looks normal, review the app’s settings.
Resetting the HP DeskJet 2855e After an Ink Problem
A basic power cycle can help. Turn the printer off, unplug it for about a minute, then plug it back in. A factory reset is rarely the first fix for black ink delivery problems because it will not unclog nozzles. Try reseating and cleaning the cartridge first.
Should I Buy Original HP Ink or Compatible Ink for the DeskJet 2855e?
Original HP ink offers the most predictable compatibility and consistency, but it costs more. Compatible cartridges can be cheaper, though quality varies. Verify the exact cartridge number and stated yield before buying. Our original ink vs compatible ink comparison weighs the trade-offs.
At What Point Should I Contact HP Support for Black Ink Printing Problems?
Contact HP when the cartridge stays unrecognized, diagnostic pages do not improve after recommended maintenance, or you suspect a hardware fault. Have the model, cartridge number, error message, and diagnostic results ready. Check your warranty first, since support options may depend on your purchase date and coverage.
Conclusion: Restore Black Ink Printing Without Unnecessary Costs
Fixing hp deskjet 2855e not printing black ink is mostly about doing things in the right order. Work through this sequence:
- Check ink levels.
- Inspect the cartridge installation.
- Print a diagnostic page.
- Clean the cartridge with the supported tool.
- Review your software and print settings.
Replace the cartridge only after diagnosis. That protects your wallet and avoids waste. Always confirm model-specific steps and cartridge numbers in HP’s official documentation.
Need more help? Browse our FAQs page or read about common home printer problems.
