We'd argue that the My Hp Photosmart 6520 Won't Print black ink is right up there (or is it down there?) among the fundamental problems that printer customers encounter. Why? Because, of course, ink is black. More than that, though: even though colour printers have been around for a while, non-color printers are still widely utilised and affordable, whether we're talking two-digit or four-digit price tags. Many offices forego purchasing a colour printer altogether since they only want to print text documents and therefore require a printer that excels in other capacities besides producing a pleasing colour scheme.

As a result, this problem impacts the greatest number of customers and all models of HP printer ink cartridges. We'll walk you through the HP troubleshooting steps with this all-too-common issue, whether you have a colour printer that prints rainbows but no black or a non-color printer that needs those documents printed swiftly.

Have you correctly installed the black ink cartridge?

Despite all of its contemporary conveniences, printers still use a somewhat archaic method of supplying ink (or toner) to the printer. Since you have to replace the cartridges frequently, that works out perfectly for the producers. However, it might not work for you because your Hp Photosmart 6520 Black Not Printing right now because you may have done something incorrectly when inserting the black ink cartridge. Users who use up a cartridge in less than a week frequently fall victim to this: they frequently overlook the fact that installing a cartridge is a sensitive process that must always be handled carefully. Although not a rule, it also occurs more frequently with remanufactured HP ink cartridges than with genuine HP ink cartridges because not all remanufacturers follow the same criteria.

Let's start by having you examine the HP black ink cartridge. You'd be amazed at how frequently this is a problem, so remove it from the printer and check that the plastic cover is off before re-installing the cartridge in the location specified in your handbook. Verify that everything is snug and that the printer feels like it is connected to the cartridge.

Did you calibrate your HP printer after installing the ink cartridge?

We have both good and bad news for you if you tried the aforementioned steps and the black ink still won't print. The good news is that we are confident that you installed the black ink cartridge correctly. The bad news is that we haven't been able to pinpoint the cause of your HP printer's inability to print black ink.

There's a considerable likelihood that you have no prior knowledge of the calibrating procedure. If so, you may not be aware that cartridges need to be calibrated each time a new one is fitted. It's not something you do during HP printer setup; rather, you must do it frequently while the printer is used.

Since it is totally software-based, calibration is more simpler than cartridge installation. Once the HP printer is connected to the computer, use the Start menu's search feature to find the HP Photosmart Toolbox programme. If you don't have that programme, another option is to locate your printer under Printers and Faxes, click on it, and then select Service this device. However, in order to use this option, you must have the printer's drivers set up on your computer.

Depending on the printer model you have, either programme should offer some combination of calibrate the device, clean the print cartridges, and align the printer. Even if you have a new cartridge, it doesn't hurt to go through all three stages to guarantee full calibration. Ideally, you won't see any of the HP printer error codes on this list.

When was the last time you cleaned the printheads?

By this time, we are certain that your cartridge has been set up correctly and is calibrated with the printer. There is basically just one solution if your HP printer won't print in black: it's possible that the printheads are unclean. You may learn more about these things (and how challenging it might be to clean them) here: What do printheads on printers do?

On older, heavily used printers, this frequently occurs. You're in for a little scrubbing if you think your printheads are filthy and that's why they won't print black ink. To start, locate your model in our section of HP printer manuals so you can learn how to remove the printheads. After removing them, wash each one with a damp cotton cloth that has been dipped in a cleaning solution similar to this one. If you've been using the same printer for a while, it may be worth a try, however you'll need to be careful and the procedure takes some time. Make sure the printheads are then re-inserted precisely as they were or you'll end up with a new issue.

References: Hp Photosmart 6520 Not Printing Black