Resetting ink levels in HP printers 22 - 28 - 57 cartridges - step-by-step instructions

Oct 12, 2026

Upload by Mimi

Instructions for resetting ink levels in HP printers using cartridge contact masking and alignment-page workflows. Steps cover taping Contact #1, confirming the printer’s OK/error alignment print, repeating the process for Contact #2, then removing tape and reinserting the cartridge so ink reports as full. Guidance includes cleaning any contact residue with rubbing alcohol, repeating steps 1–4, and a workaround for newer models using the three-cartridge method (HP 57) to trick the printer into recognizing a refilled cartridge as new.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Reset ink levels (HP 22, 28, 57 cartridges)

Method 1: Contact #1 and Contact #2

Troubleshooting and contact cleaning

Workaround for newer models

Method 2: Diagram-based procedure

Three cartridge method

Resetting ink levels in HP printers in HP 22, 28 and 57 cartridges 1. Put tape over Contact \#1 as shown in the picture to the left. Place the cartridge back into the printer with the tape still stuck onto the cartridge. 2. The printer will give an error message-click"OK" and it will print out an alignment page. Once this has completed, continue down to Step 3. 3. After the printer has completed printing off the alignment page, open the cover, remove the cartridge and place a piece of tape over Contact \#2 as shown in the picture to the left. 4. Put the cartridge back into the printer. The printer again give an error message-click "OK"and it will print off another alignment page. After this page has been printed, remove the cartridge from the printer, remove all tape from both Contact \#1 and \#2 . Reinsert the cartridge back into the printer. Ink levels should now read full. 5. If the process does not work for you, make sure that no adhesive was left stuck to the contactson the cartridge. Any residue will keep the cartridge from working properly and may cause the cartridge not to be recognized by the printer at all. If you have cleaned the contacts with rubbing alcohol, go through steps 1-4 again making sure each step is followed exactly. On some newer models the above procedure won't work, and you'll have to fool the printer by keeping three cartridges of the same type (i.e. three HP 57's) on hand. The procedure is as follows: • HP 57 Cartridge \#1 runs empty-remove it andrefill it • Istall HP 57 Cartridge \#2 • Remove HP 57 Cartridge \#2 • Istall HP 57 Cartridge \#3 • Remove HP 57 Cartridge \#3 • Install HP 57 Cartridge \#1 (refilled) . The printer now thinks that cartridge \#1 is new. Method \#2 Diagram: Method \#2-This Method was recommended by Ian Nicholson 1. With the computer off, remove the cartridge from the printer and cover contact \#1 with tape. Start up computer and printer should automatically print a test sheet. 2. Take out cartridge and cover contact \#2 with tape. Reinstall cartridge. Printer will make a little noise. 3. Take out cartridge and cover contacts \#3 & \#4 with tape. Reinstall cartridge. (Printer will make a lot of noise. If you check ink levels now with HP inkjet utility, you’ll be given a notice that printer is busy printing. 4. Open printer lid and wait for cartridge to return to center. Remove cartridge. 5. Remove tape from Contacts \#1, \#2, \#3, and \#4 . Reinstall cartridge. (If you check ink levels now, you’ll be given a notice that printer is busy printing.) 6. Turn printer off and then on again. Check ink levels—they should now registers as 100% full. Printer should be ready to use. Three Cartridge Method On some newer models the above procedure won't work, and you'll have to fool the printer by keeping three cartridges of the same type (i.e. three HP 57's) on hand. The procedure is as follows: • HP 57 Cartridge \#1 runs empty-remove it and refill it • Istall HP 57 Cartridge \#2 • Remove HP 57 Cartridge \#2 • Istall HP 57 Cartridge \#3 • Remove HP 57 Cartridge \#3 • Install HP 57 Cartridge \#1 (refilled) . The printer now thinks that cartridge \#1 is new.

FAQs

What is the basic method to reset HP cartridge ink levels for HP 22, 28, and 57?

Tape Contact #1, allow the printer to print an alignment page after the OK prompt, then open the cover, tape Contact #2, and repeat the alignment sequence. Remove tape from both contacts, reinstall the cartridge, and the ink levels should read full.

What should you do if the ink level reset doesn’t work?

Ensure no adhesive residue remains on the cartridge contacts. If needed, clean the contacts with rubbing alcohol and redo steps 1–4 exactly to ensure the printer can recognize the cartridge correctly.

Why doesn’t the procedure work on some newer HP printer models, and what is the workaround?

On some newer models the contact-taping procedure fails, so you must use the three-cartridge method by keeping three cartridges of the same type (example: three HP 57s). The printer is fooled by installing the refilled cartridge last as if it were new.

Oct 12, 2026

Upload by Mimi