HP Ink cartridges depleted: Ink cartridges depleted
✅ Usually fixable yourself
On OfficeJet Pro X series printers this message means one or more ink cartridges are empty.
What to try
- Replace the empty cartridge or cartridges named in the message.
- If the cartridge is new or seems to have ink, make sure all doors and trays are closed.
- Make sure the printer sits level.
- Unplug the printer, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
When it needs a technician
If the message stays with new cartridges installed, contact HP for service.
Which models show Ink cartridges depleted
HP documents this code for models including HP OfficeJet Pro X451, HP OfficeJet Pro X551.
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 OfficeJet Pro X451 and X551 Series Printers, Error Messages. Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Still showing Ink cartridges depleted?
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
Related HP codes
HP Protected Cartridge Installed — HP Protected Cartridge InstalledUsed or Counterfeit Cartridge Detected — Used or counterfeit cartridge detectedInk Sensor Failure — Ink Sensor FailurePrinthead Jam — Printhead JamProblem with Printer Preparation — Problem with Printer Preparation0x610000f6 — Carriage jamE0 — Ink cartridge problemE1 — Paper size mismatchE2 — Paper length mismatchE3 — Carriage jamE4 — Paper jamE5 — Scanner error