How to Reset (or Bypass) Low-Ink Warnings on HP Integrated Cartridges After Refilling (HP 1115)

Question:
I watched your video about refilling HP integrated cartridges. How do you reset it so the printer won't "see" that the ink isn't filled? I have an HP 1115, and I refilled the black cartridge, but it still shows low ink. 

Answer:

Why the "Low Ink" warning doesn't go away after refilling

Many HP integrated cartridges (where the printhead is built into the cartridge-common on many DeskJet/ENVY models) estimate ink using an electronic tracking system, not by actually "measuring" ink inside the cartridge.

That means:

  • When you refill, you add ink physically, but the cartridge's memory still reports the same estimated level.

  • HP often assigns each cartridge an internal ID (and sometimes stores usage/estimation data). Refilling doesn't change that ID, so the printer keeps the same "history" for that cartridge.

So the honest answer is: in most cases, you can't truly reset the ink level indicator on many HP integrated cartridges the way you can on some chip-based cartridge systems.

Practical workaround that usually works: rotate multiple cartridge sets

Your situation is exactly why one of the most reliable "real-world" workarounds is:

Keep about 5 sets of cartridges and rotate them.

Here's why this helps:

  • HP's system is more likely to treat a different cartridge ID as a "different" cartridge.

  • When you swap to another set (even if it's been refilled before), the printer may display a higher level or stop nagging you as aggressively.

  • This doesn't truly "reset" anything-it's more like cycling identities so you can keep printing without constantly fighting the warning.

This is especially useful for people who refill regularly and want fewer interruptions.

Other things to try (depending on your model's behavior)

These won't always work on every HP model, but they're worth trying because they can reduce pop-ups or allow printing even when the level reading stays low:

  1. Acknowledge and continue / override prompts

    • Many HP printers will still print after you click OK/Continue on the low ink message.

    • If the printer blocks printing, look for options like "Continue," "OK," or "Print Anyway."

  2. Disable ink level notifications (if your printer allows it)

    • Some HP software/printer menus allow turning off "ink alerts" or "cartridge protection" features.

    • The printer may still internally think it's low, but you may get fewer interruptions.

  3. Power reset (won't reset ink level, but can clear a stuck status)

    • Turn printer off.

    • Unplug power from the wall (not just the back of the printer).

    • Wait 1-2 minutes.

    • Plug back in and power on.
      This can clear certain "latched" warnings, but it usually won't change the ink estimate.

  4. Clean contacts (helps recognition issues, not ink estimation)

    • If the cartridge is sometimes not recognized (or errors appear), gently clean the gold contacts on the cartridge and matching contacts in the carriage using lint-free cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.

    • Let dry fully before reinstalling.

Important note: low ink warning vs. actual printing problems

Sometimes the printer says "low ink," but prints fine. Other times, the real issue is print quality, especially after refilling:

  • Faded black

  • Streaks/lines

  • Missing text

  • Blotchy output

If you're getting print quality issues, that's usually not solved by resetting the warning. It's more about:

  • Proper refill technique (not introducing air)

  • Correct ink type

  • Letting the cartridge sit a bit after refill

  • Running cleaning cycles (carefully-too many wastes ink)

  • Making sure the vent is open (some refills accidentally block airflow)

Error codes

In your message, you mentioned a low ink warning, but you didn't list specific HP numeric error codes (for example, messages like "0x...", "E...", or "Cartridge problem"). If your printer shows any specific error codes along with the low ink message, those codes matter-because they can indicate a different issue than simple ink estimation (like cartridge authentication, contact errors, or printhead electrical faults).


Addressing printer issues can be a hands-on process, and troubleshooting can get complicated quickly because the symptoms you see remotely don't always reveal the root cause. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we work on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can take your printer when you drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific components, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we understand our rates aren't the most economical-so we strongly recommend self-help through online research. A good place to start is YouTube, especially our channel homepage: BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find the most relevant videos fast, use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of messages each day asking if we have a video for a specific topic, and after making videos for years, it's tough to remember every single one-so YouTube search is the quickest method. Plus, YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators that match your exact printer model or issue.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting what we do. We really appreciate you taking the time to comment and engage, and I hope the cartridge-rotation approach helps you keep printing with far fewer interruptions.