Q&A for How to Replace an Empty Ink Cartridge

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How do you change the ink cartridge on an HP OfficeJet Pro 8600?

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

Consumer Technology Expert

Expert Answer

Open the printer below the scan glass with the printer turned on, and the cartridges will slide into view. Push them down to release them. Make sure when adding the replacement cartridge you remove any tape or other materials designed to protect the print heads.

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Question

How do I refill an ink cartridge?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of cartridge and printer. If you no longer have it, look online for your model. There is probably a YouTube video that shows you how to do it. The printer's manual should also have that information.

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Question

What do you do if you get a system failure error even after installing black ink?

Community Answer

Make sure the black ink cartridge is installed properly, check the other cartridges and printer head, and if all else fails, Google the error.

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Question

What if my ink cartridge is not empty?

Community Answer

Try taking it out and putting it back in and see if you can print out the diagnostics page, a page you print when you get a new printer or ink cartridge.

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Question

How do I tell what the ink level is?

Community Answer

Hit "pause" and look on the left side. Where you see "Change Your Character," you'll see "level."

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Question

Is the HP 61XL ink cartridge the same as the HP 61?

Community Answer

No. XL indicates a toner cartridge with more toner in it than the regular size. It should fit in your printer without issue though.

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Question

How can I get the ink holder in the printer back to the center?

Community Answer

The printer should automatically move the cartridge slider to where you can get at it if you raise the lid. The printer will need to be on for this to happen.

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Question

In what order will the colors be placed in my printer?

Community Answer

It depends on the printer, but the cartridge slots should be labeled so you'll know which color goes in which slot.

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Question

How do I realign the printer heads after replacing the ink cartridges?

Community Answer

It differs by the brand/model of printer. Check the manual that came with it to be sure.

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