Installing an HP 67XL ink cartridge takes about five minutes: open the printer door, remove the empty cartridge, peel off the tape, and press the new one in until it clicks.
Swapping in a 67XL ink cartridge is one of the simplest printer chores, but a single wrong move can cause a frustrating error message or a ruined cartridge.
What To Know Before You Start
You’ll find two versions sold separately: the black 67XL and the tri-color 67XL. If you’re replacing both, install them one at a time using the same steps below. Keep the cartridge in its sealed pouch until you’re ready — exposure to air can dry the printheads.
Step-By-Step: Installing The 67XL Cartridge
Turn the printer on first. The carriage needs power to move into position, so never attempt this with the printer off.
- Open the front or top access door. On most HP models, the cartridge carriage slides to the center automatically when the door opens. Wait for it to stop moving.
- Remove the empty cartridge. Press down gently on the old cartridge to release it, then pull it straight out. Dispose of it promptly — an exposed cartridge left sitting can dry out.
- Unpack the new 67XL cartridge. Take it out of the pouch and locate the colored tape covering the vent and the printhead area.
- Peel off only the tape. Remove the colored plastic tape exactly as shown in the diagram on the pouch. Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or the printhead itself — oils from your skin can cause print quality issues.
- Insert the cartridge into the correct slot. The black cartridge goes in the slot labeled with a black triangle, and the tri-color goes in the one with a colored triangle. Slide it in at a slight angle, then push firmly until it clicks into place.
- Close the access door. The printer will recognize the cartridge automatically and begin charging the ink system. This takes a minute or two — let it finish before printing.
The printhead alignment page may print automatically after installation. You can skip this if your printer doesn’t prompt you; the cartridge will still work correctly. If you see a “cartridge error” message, remove the cartridge, check that all tape is gone, and reinsert it until it clicks.
What Not To Do During Installation
The 67XL cartridge is more delicate than it looks. Three mistakes cause most installation problems:
- Don’t remove extra labels or seals. Only the colored tape comes off. Other stickers and foam protectors stay on.
- Don’t touch the chip or copper contacts. The gold-colored contacts on the cartridge communicate with the printer. Finger oils can interfere with that connection.
- Don’t force the cartridge into the wrong slot. If it doesn’t click in easily, you’re pushing on the wrong one. Check the color-coded icons inside the carriage.
If the printer still reports an error after a clean install, turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. That resets the ink system and often clears a false error. If you’re weighing cartridge options before your next purchase, our roundup of the best 67XL printer ink choices compares yield and value across the top picks.
FAQs
How long does a 67XL cartridge last?
Actual yield varies with what you print — dense photos and graphics drain ink faster than text documents. The printer’s estimated ink levels are a more reliable guide than page counts alone.
Can I install the black and tri-color 67XL cartridges at the same time?
Yes. Install them one at a time using the same procedure: remove the empty cartridge, peel the tape from the new one, push it in until it clicks, then repeat for the second slot. The printer initializes both cartridges after you close the access door, and you’re ready to print once the process finishes.
Why does my printer say the 67XL cartridge is incompatible?
The printer is telling you the cartridge model doesn’t match its supported list. Verify your printer’s model number against the HP 67/67XL compatibility chart — the XL version works only in printers that list it. If the model is correct, remove the cartridge and reinsert it firmly; a partial connection can trigger the same error message.