How to Resolve HP ENVY 4520 Printer Not Recognizing Refilled Ink Cartridges

Q: Why doesn't my HP ENVY 4520 printer accept the refilled ink cartridge after I've refilled it?

A: Thank you for reaching out with your concern, and thank you for using our ink products! At BCH Technologies, we greatly appreciate your support and interaction, especially those who follow our YouTube channel. Your involvement is crucial in helping us refine our technical expertise and services.

If your HP ENVY 4520 printer is failing to recognize a refilled ink cartridge, there are several possible reasons and solutions to explore:

1. Chip Reset: The HP ENVY 4520 uses cartridges with chips that monitor ink levels. After refilling, these chips may still signal that the cartridge is empty. Although there's no official chip resetter for HP, the printer should allow continued use with a warning indicating "counterfeit or used cartridge detected." For a deeper understanding, you can read our detailed article on handling these error messages here.
2. Cartridge Rotation: Some HP printers remember the last 3-5 sets of cartridges used. Rotating between multiple sets of refilled cartridges can trick the printer into recognizing the cartridge as new.
3. Proper Installation: Make sure the cartridge is properly installed. Sometimes, simply reinserting the cartridge can help the printer recognize it.
4. Clean Contacts: Dirt or ink residue on the contacts of the cartridge or inside the printer can prevent recognition. Clean these contacts gently with a lint-free cloth and some isopropyl alcohol.
5. Firmware Issues: HP often updates printer firmware which may hinder the functionality of non-OEM or refilled cartridges. If this happens, you might need to check if rolling back to a previous firmware version is possible.
6. Cartridge Quality: If a cartridge has been refilled multiple times, it might eventually wear out and fail to function correctly. Assess the physical condition of the cartridge if problems persist after refilling.

If these suggestions do not resolve your issue, it could indicate a more complex problem with either the printer or the cartridge. In such cases, it may be beneficial to consult the printer's manual or contact customer support for further troubleshooting.

Addressing printer issues is often a nuanced task. For example, while clearing a simple clog might require straightforward unclogging steps, a printer left idle for too long might need a more thorough ink system service. "Paper jam" issues can have countless underlying causes and have become a common troubleshooting joke within offices. Unfortunately, we cannot offer remote troubleshooting, but we do provide an in-person evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic facility. Due to high demand, our services operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It might take some time before we can address your printer, whether you mail it in or drop it off. Although our rates may not be the lowest, we highly encourage self-help through online resources or by visiting our YouTube channel for instructional videos.

Thank you once again for choosing BCH Technologies. We're here to support your printing needs and encourage you to contact us with any more questions or concerns.