Troubleshooting HP DeskJet 2130 Printer: Cartridge Not Recognized

Troubleshooting HP DeskJet 2130 Printer: Cartridge Not Recognized

If you find that your HP DeskJet 2130 printer is not recognizing a new ink cartridge, don't worry. This guide will walk you through several steps to resolve the issue effectively.

1. Check Compatibility

The first step is to ensure that the new cartridge is compatible with your HP DeskJet 2130 printer. This can be done by checking the model number on the cartridge packaging. Compatibility issues often occur when using unoriginal cartridges that may not meet the mechanical or electrical specifications of your printer.

2. Remove and Reinstall the Cartridge

Procedure

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.

Open the printer cover and carefully remove the new cartridge.

Check for any protective tape or plastic on the cartridge. If present, remove it.

Reinstall the cartridge firmly into the slot, until it clicks into place.

3. Clean the Contacts

Dead or dirty electrical contacts on the cartridge and within the printer can cause the system to fail to recognize the ink cartridge. To clean these contacts:

Use a lint-free cloth or a cotton swab lightly moistened with distilled water to clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer.

Ensure that everything is completely dry before reinstalling the cartridge.

4. Check for Error Messages

After cleaning the contacts, turn the printer back on and check for any error messages that might appear on the printer's display. Follow any on-screen prompts if they are shown.

5. Reset the Printer

Procedure

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.

Wait for about 60 seconds to allow the printer to reset automatically.

Plug it back in and turn it on again.

6. Update Printer Firmware

Sometimes, outdated firmware can cause issues with the printer recognizing new cartridges. Check the official HP website for any firmware updates that are available for your printer model.

7. Try Another Cartridge

If possible, try using a different cartridge. Preferably, use a known good cartridge to see if the issue is with the new cartridge itself.

8. Contact HP Support

If none of the above steps work, it might be best to contact HP support for further assistance or to determine if the printer requires servicing.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue with your printer not recognizing the new cartridge.

Additional Tips:

Make sure that the new cartridge is fully stripped of protective plastic. You want the connectors on the back to make good contact with the internal workings of the printer.

Disable the HP Cartridge protection if you are using an aftermarket cartridge. This will help prevent the printer from blocking the cartridge from functioning properly.

Following these detailed steps can help ensure that your printer is functioning optimally and resolving cartridge recognition issues.