HP Error E7: Ink tank out of ink
On HP Smart Tank printers E7 means one or more ink tanks are out of ink. The blinking ink icon shows which color needs refilling.
What to try
- Check which ink icon is blinking: cyan, magenta, yellow or black.
- Open the front door and the cap of that ink tank.
- Open the matching ink bottle, place it upside down on the tank, and let it click into place.
- Wait for the ink to fill the tank.
- Close the bottle cap, the tank cap and the front door.
When it needs a technician
Refilling normally clears E7. If it stays after refilling, contact HP Customer Support.
Which models show E7
HP documents this code for models including HP Smart Tank 210, HP Smart Tank 520, HP Smart Tank 580, HP Smart Tank 590, HP Smart Tank 5000, HP Smart Tank 500, HP Smart Tank 720, HP Smart Tank 750.
Varies by model: On HP Ink Tank 310 and 410 printers E7 means the printer could not prime the ink system and reached the maximum number of priming attempts; HP says to contact HP Customer Support.
First steps for any printer error
- Write down the exact code before you do anything else — similar-looking codes often mean completely different things.
- Power the printer off, unplug it for a couple of minutes, then power it back on. A surprising number of transient errors clear here.
- Open the covers and check for paper scraps, packaging material, or anything blocking the carriage.
- Check the cartridges or tanks are genuine, correctly seated, and not empty.
- Confirm the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension lead.
- Check your model’s own manual — codes are model-specific, and the manual is the authority for your machine.
Source: HP Customer Support - HP Smart Tank Printers, Blinking lights and error codes. Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Still showing E7?
Tell our printer technician your model and what you've tried. You'll find out whether it's fixable at home or worth repairing at all.
Ask about my printer — $1Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician