How to Change HP ENVY 4520 Printer Cartridges? (Easy Guide)

If your HP ENVY 4520 Printer has suddenly stopped printing or the colors look faded, then it may be time to replace the ink cartridges. Don’t worry — it is easier than it sounds! Many people find this task a bit confusing at first, especially if they are new to using printers. But with the right steps, you can change the cartridges in a few minutes without any mess or trouble. Here, I am going to walk you through everything you need to know, from spotting the signs that your cartridges need replacing to installing new ones the right way. So, grab your printer, a fresh set of ink cartridges, and follow along as we make your HP ENVY 4520 print like new again!

Signs You Need to Replace the Ink Cartridges

Over time, your printer will show clear signs that it is time to replace the ink cartridges. One of the first clues is a warning on your printer screen or computer saying “Low Ink” or “Out of Ink.” Also, you may notice poor print quality, like faded colors, streaky lines, or missing shades in your documents or photos.

If your prints start looking dull, messy, or uneven, it is a strong signal that one or more cartridges are running out. Sometimes, the printer might even stop certain functions like copying or scanning until the cartridges are replaced.

Apart from that, you can check ink levels from the printer’s display or print a quality report to see which cartridge isn’t performing well. When these signs appear, replacing the ink cartridges will help you get back to smooth printing.

Things You’ll Need Before Starting

Before you start replacing the ink cartridges in your HP ENVY 4520 printer, make sure you have everything ready. Having the right items on hand will make the process quick and mess-free.

Essential Items

• Correct replacement cartridges: Always use genuine HP 63 or 63XL black and tri-color ink cartridges for the best performance.

• Workspace: Choose a flat surface to work on. After that, place a paper towel underneath to protect against any ink spills.

• Gloves (optional): Wearing gloves can help prevent ink stains on your hands while handling the cartridges.

Things to Remember Before Starting

• Turn on the printer: Make sure your printer is powered on so the carriage moves to the cartridge access area.

• Open the access door: Wait until the carriage stops moving before you touch it.

• Handle carefully: Avoid touching the copper contacts or ink nozzles on the new cartridge to prevent damage or poor printing.

• Remove packaging: Take off all protective tape and plastic covers from the new cartridge before installing it.

Steps to Change HP ENVY 4520 Printer Cartridges

Changing the ink cartridges in your HP ENVY Printer is a simple process when done carefully. Follow the steps in the section below to replace them and get your printer working again.

Step 1: Prepare the Printer and Carriage

Turn on your printer and make sure paper is loaded in the input tray. Next, you have to open the ink cartridge access door. The carriage will move to the center, wait until it completely stops, before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Remove the Old Cartridge

After that, press down the tab on the top of the cartridge you want to replace to release it. Then, gently pull the cartridge straight out of its slot without forcing it.

Step 3: Prepare the New Cartridge

Now, you will need to unpack the new cartridge and then remove all protective materials. Peel off the orange pull-tab and take off the plastic wrap. Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or ink nozzles, as they can affect print quality. Gently twist and remove the orange protective cap.

Step 4: Install the New Cartridge

Hold the cartridge by its sides with the nozzles facing the printer. Next, you must insert it into the correct color-coded slot, black on the right and tri-color on the left. Push it until it clicks into place. If it doesn’t fit well, then adjust the tab and try again.

Step 5: Finish the Installation

If you are replacing more than one cartridge, then repeat the same process for each. Once you are done, you have to close the ink cartridge access door and the printer’s front door. Your HP ENVY 4520 printer may print an alignment page — follow the on-screen steps to complete the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Check ink levels on My HP ENVY Printer?

Learn How to Check the ink levels on your HP Printer, you can do it from the printer’s control panel or through your computer. On the printer screen, tap the Ink Drop icon or go to Setup > Tools > Estimated Ink Levels to see how much ink is left in each cartridge. Plus, you can check from your computer by opening the HP Smart app, then selecting your printer’s name, and clicking on Estimated Ink Levels. This will show you a visual display of your ink levels so you’ll know when it is time to replace a cartridge.

How Do I Move My HP ENVY 4520 Printer Cartridge Manually?

Learn How to move your printer cartridge manually, first make sure the printer is turned on. Then, open the cartridge access door, and the carriage (where the cartridges sit) will move to the center for easy access. After that, wait until it stops moving completely before touching it. If it doesn’t move, then unplug the power cord and slide the carriage to the center using your hand, but do this slowly. Avoid forcing it, as that can damage the printer. Once it’s in position, you can remove or replace the cartridges as needed.

Should I Shake Cartridges Before Installing them in My HP Printer?

It is not necessary to shake HP ink cartridges before installing them. Most modern HP ink cartridges are made to work right away without any shaking. However, if your printer uses toner cartridges or large-format ink cartridges, then shaking them a few times can help spread the toner or ink evenly inside. Make sure to shake them side to side, not too hard to avoid leaks. Always check the steps that come with your cartridge, as shaking the wrong type (like standard ink cartridges) can cause air bubbles or damage.

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