Key points
- Use a lint-free cloth or cotton swab dipped in distilled water to gently wipe the contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer.
- The printer settings might be configured to print in color by default, the black ink cartridge could be empty, or the printer driver may need to be updated.
- Turn off the printer, unplug the power cord, wait 30 seconds, and then plug the power cord back in and turn on the printer.
Are you facing issues with your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 printer printing in color instead of just black? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users encounter this problem, but it’s easily fixable. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to make your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 print black only.
Understanding the Issue
Before diving into the solution, it’s essential to understand why your printer might be printing in color instead of black. One of the common reasons is that the printer settings are configured to print in color by default. Another possibility is that the black ink cartridge is empty or not properly installed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Check Ink Cartridge Levels:
- Open the printer’s top cover and remove the ink cartridges.
- Inspect the black ink cartridge to ensure it’s not empty or low.
- If the cartridge is empty, replace it with a new one.
2. Adjust Printer Settings:
- Go to the “Printers & Scanners” section in your computer’s settings.
- Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 printer.
- Click on “Printing Preferences.”
- Under the “Color” tab, select “Black & White.”
- Click “OK” to save the settings.
3. Reset Printer to Default Settings:
- Turn off the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the printer and the wall outlet.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the printer and the wall outlet.
- Turn on the printer.
4. Clean Print Cartridges:
- Open the printer’s top cover and remove the ink cartridges.
- Use a lint-free cloth or cotton swab dipped in distilled water to gently wipe the contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer.
- Allow the contacts to dry before reinserting the cartridges.
5. Check Printer Driver:
- Go to the “Printers & Scanners” section in your computer’s settings.
- Select your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 printer.
- Click on “Properties.”
- Check if the “Print in Grayscale” option is enabled under the “Advanced” tab.
- If not, enable the option and click “OK” to save the settings.
6. Reinstall Printer Driver:
- Go to the HP website and download the latest printer driver for your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710.
- Uninstall the existing printer driver from your computer.
- Install the downloaded driver and follow the on-screen instructions.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the issue persists, try restarting your computer.
- Check if the printer is properly connected to your computer.
- Ensure that the printer is not in sleep mode or power-saving mode.
- Contact HP support if the problem persists despite following the above steps.
Wrapping Up
By following these steps, you can easily make your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 print black only. Remember to check the ink levels, adjust printer settings, clean print cartridges, and update the printer driver if necessary. If you encounter any further issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to HP support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 printing in color instead of black?
A: The printer settings might be configured to print in color by default, the black ink cartridge could be empty, or the printer driver may need to be updated.
Q: How do I check the ink levels on my HP OfficeJet Pro 8710?
A: Open the printer’s top cover and inspect the ink cartridges. If the black cartridge is empty or low, replace it with a new one.
Q: How do I reset my HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 printer to default settings?
A: Turn off the printer, unplug the power cord, wait 30 seconds, and then plug the power cord back in and turn on the printer.