Short answer
"Cartridge is low" and "Cartridge is very low"
- Cartridge is low means the toner is nearing the end of its estimated life. HP says you don't need to replace it yet; just have a spare ready. Gently rocking the cartridge from end to end redistributes the toner and can stretch it further.
- Cartridge is very low means it has reached its estimated end of life. HP recommends replacing it now to avoid poor quality, but you can keep printing until the pages fade. On many models you can choose what the printer does at "very low" (continue, stop or prompt) in the supply settings.
- 10.700X means a cartridge is past very low, and 10.8100 or 10.7100 means the black or a colour cartridge is empty. Replace it.
One thing to know: HP says its cartridge warranty ends once an HP cartridge reaches "very low".
Compare current HP toner prices and check which code your printer takes on our toner pages, for example HP 106A or HP 59A.
"Non-HP cartridge" and "used cartridge" messages
- 10.310X or 99.1088 "Not HP genuine": the printer has detected a non-HP cartridge.
- 10.330X or 99.106B "Used cartridges installed": a used, most likely refilled, cartridge is installed.
- "Non-HP chip detected": the printer has blocked a cartridge with a non-HP chip and won't print with it.
HP's advice is to replace these with genuine HP cartridges. On many LaserJet Pro models, the "non-HP cartridge" message is only information and the printer keeps working; HP says there's no technical fix because the printer is behaving as designed. HP also notes that damage caused by non-HP or refilled cartridges isn't covered by its warranty.
If you bought a cartridge sold as original and the printer says it isn't, take it back to the seller. Our guide to checking toner is original explains HP's security labels.
Supply memory errors and "cartridge missing"
- 10.000X or 10.100X "Supply memory error": the printer can't communicate with a cartridge's chip.
- 10.0004 or 10.1004: the printer can't communicate with the imaging drum (on models with a separate drum).
- "Cartridge missing": a cartridge isn't installed properly.
HP's steps, in order: turn the printer off, wait 10 seconds and turn it on; remove and reinstall the cartridge (or all cartridges for "cartridge missing"); if the error persists, replace the cartridge (or drum); if it still persists, contact HP or a qualified technician.
Paper jams on small LaserJets
On small models like the LaserJet P1102, a jam makes the Attention light blink. HP says to check the input tray, the output bin and the toner cartridge area, pulling jammed paper out slowly with both hands, and never to use sharp tools like tweezers. If you can't find any paper (a false jam), reset the printer: with it on, unplug the power cord, wait at least 60 seconds, plug it straight into a wall socket and try again. If jams continue, it needs service.
When is it time to replace the printer?
If a small laser printer keeps throwing supply errors with genuine cartridges, or jams constantly after a reset, get a repair quote and compare it with a new printer. Small HP laser printers are relatively cheap; our cheap laser printer comparison and office printer guide help you choose a replacement.
| Message or code | What HP says it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge is low | Nearing estimated end of life | Keep printing; have a spare ready |
| Cartridge is very low | At estimated end of life | Replace soon, or print until quality drops |
| 10.700X / 10.8100 / 10.7100 | Past very low / empty | Replace the cartridge |
| 10.310X / 99.1088 | Non-HP cartridge installed | Use a genuine HP cartridge |
| 10.330X / 99.106B | Used (likely refilled) cartridge | Use a genuine HP cartridge |
| 10.000X / 10.100X | Can't communicate with the cartridge | Restart, reseat, then replace |
| 10.0004 / 10.1004 | Can't communicate with the imaging drum | Restart, reseat, then replace the drum |
Questions people ask
Can I keep printing when my HP printer says cartridge very low?
Yes. HP recommends replacing the cartridge at very low to avoid print-quality problems, but you can keep printing until quality becomes unacceptable. Gently rocking the cartridge can stretch the remaining toner.
What does HP error 10.310X mean?
The printer has detected a non-HP cartridge. HP's advice is to replace it with a genuine HP cartridge. On many LaserJet Pro models the message is informational and printing continues.
How do I fix an HP supply memory error?
Turn the printer off, wait 10 seconds and turn it back on; remove and reinstall the cartridge; if the error stays, replace the cartridge. If a new genuine cartridge still shows the error, contact HP or a technician.
Why does my HP printer say used cartridge installed?
The printer believes the cartridge has been used before, most likely refilled. HP recommends a genuine new HP cartridge. If you bought it as new and original, return it to the seller.
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