Check your ink levels directly on the printer's display panel
Most HP printers show you how much ink remains without opening any software. Look at the control panel on the front of your printer — the small screen or button area. Press the Information button, or look for a button labeled Supplies, Status, or a gear icon. The screen will display the approximate percentage of ink left in each cartridge, usually shown as a bar or number.
If your printer has no display panel, or the buttons do not show ink information, move to the software method below. Some older or budget HP models skip this feature entirely.
Key Takeaways
- The quickest way is the printer's own control panel — press Information or Supplies to see ink percentages without a computer.
- HP's software tool, available through your computer, shows more detailed cartridge information and can alert you when ink is low.
- The percentage shown is an estimate based on how much the printer has sprayed, not an actual measurement, so cartridges can run dry before the display reads zero.
- Cartridges sold as "XL" or "XXL" hold more ink than standard cartridges but cost more upfront, so check your printer model to see which size fits.
Use HP's printer software on your computer
If your printer is connected to your computer by USB cable or Wi-Fi, you can check ink levels through the printer driver software. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners, find your HP printer in the list, click it, and select Open Queue. A window will open showing the printer status. Look for a link or button that says Printer Preferences, Supplies Status, or Device Settings. Click it to see the ink levels for each cartridge.
On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers and Scanners, select your HP printer, and click Supply Levels or Supplies if that option appears. Not all Mac drivers show this information, so if you do not see it, the Windows method or the printer's own panel is your best option.
read the HP Smart app for real-time monitoring
HP's free HP Smart app, available for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, shows ink levels and sends you notifications when cartridges are running low. read it from the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, or Google Play, then sign in with a free HP account or skip the account step to use it locally. Open the app, add your printer by selecting it from the list or entering its IP address, and the app will display the current ink percentage for each cartridge.
The app also lets you print, scan, and order replacement cartridges directly, though you are not required to use that feature. If you have multiple HP printers, the app tracks all of them in one place, which is useful if you print from different rooms or devices.
Understand why the percentage is an estimate, not exact
HP printers estimate ink levels by counting how much ink the printer has sprayed since the cartridge was installed. They do not actually measure what is left inside. This means the percentage can be off — sometimes a cartridge will show 15 percent remaining but run dry before you finish a large print job. The estimate is usually accurate within 10 to 20 percent, but it is not a may provide.
If you print heavy graphics or photos regularly, your cartridges will empty faster than the estimate suggests. If you mostly print text, you may have more ink left than the display shows. Keep a spare cartridge on hand if you print important documents, so you are not caught without ink mid-job.
Know the difference between standard and high-capacity cartridges
HP sells cartridges in different sizes. Standard cartridges are the smallest and cheapest per cartridge but run out faster. XL cartridges hold roughly twice as much ink and cost more upfront but cost less per page printed. XXL cartridges hold even more and are available for some models. Your printer model determines which sizes fit — you cannot use an XL cartridge in a printer designed for standard cartridges.
Check your printer's model number (usually on the front or back of the machine) and search for it on HP's website or your printer's manual to see which cartridge sizes are compatible. If you print frequently, XL cartridges usually save money over time, but if you print rarely, standard cartridges may be the better choice because they cost less upfront and do not dry out as quickly if unused.
Replace cartridges before they run completely dry
When a cartridge runs completely empty, the printer will stop printing and display an error message. Some HP printers will not let you print at all until you replace the empty cartridge, even if the other colors still have ink. This is a safety feature to protect the print head, but it means you cannot work around a missing color.
The best practice is to replace a cartridge when it reaches 10 to 15 percent, especially if you have an important print job coming up. This gives you a buffer in case the estimate is off. If you do run a cartridge completely dry, turn off the printer, replace the cartridge, and turn it back on. The printer will reset and should print normally again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my HP printer say ink is low but still prints?
HP printers show a "low ink" warning at around 10 to 20 percent remaining, but they continue printing until the cartridge is completely empty. The warning is meant to give you time to order a replacement before you run out. You can usually ignore the warning for a few more print jobs, but keep an eye on it.
Can I reset the ink level counter if I refill a cartridge?
If you refill a cartridge instead of replacing it, the printer's counter does not reset automatically. You can manually reset it through the printer's menu or the HP Smart app, but the process varies by model. Check your printer's manual or HP's support website for your specific model number to find the reset steps.
What if the HP Smart app does not show ink levels?
Some older HP printers do not send ink level data to the app. If the app does not display supplies information, use the printer's control panel instead, or check the printer driver on your computer. You can also contact HP support with your printer model number to confirm whether your model supports remote ink monitoring.
Do I need to buy cartridges from HP, or can I use third-party ones?
You can use third-party cartridges, but HP printers may display warnings or reduce print quality with non-HP cartridges. Some third-party cartridges work well and cost less, while others have reliability issues. If you choose third-party cartridges, buy from a reputable seller and test them on a non-critical print job first.
Why does my cartridge show empty but still has ink inside?
The printer's estimate can be off, or the cartridge may have an internal valve that prevents the last bit of ink from flowing. This is normal. If a cartridge shows empty but you need to print, try removing and reinserting it, or gently shaking it side to side. If that does not work, replace it with a new one.