Step-by-step solutions for when color works perfectly but black ink won't print. Covers all major printer brands.
By Glen Meade, TestMyPrinter Team · Updated December 2025
When color prints correctly but black doesn't, it tells us a lot about what ISN'T wrong:
The problem is isolated to the black ink channel only — and that's usually fixable with the steps below.
Access your printer's maintenance menu and run the printhead cleaning cycle. Select "Black Only" if that option is available.
Tip: Run the cleaning cycle 2-3 times. Wait 5 minutes between cycles to let the ink settle.
Verify that the black ink cartridge isn't empty or critically low. Sometimes the printer doesn't report low ink accurately.
Note: Some third-party cartridges don't report ink levels correctly. If using refilled or third-party ink, check visually.
Remove the black ink cartridge, clean the gold electrical contacts with a lint-free cloth, and reinstall it firmly until it clicks.
Print a nozzle check pattern from your printer's maintenance menu. Look for gaps or missing lines in the black section.
Print Nozzle Check Page →If regular cleaning doesn't work, most printers have a "Deep Cleaning" or "Power Ink Flushing" option. This uses more ink but is more aggressive.
Warning: Deep cleaning uses significant ink. Only run it if regular cleaning fails, and don't run it more than twice in a row.
Understanding why this specific problem occurs helps you fix and prevent it:
Inkjet printers have independent nozzles for each color (CMYK). The black (K) nozzle can become clogged while Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow continue to work perfectly.
Black ink is often pigment-based (thick, opaque, long-lasting) while color inks are dye-based (thin, vibrant). Pigment ink dries and clogs nozzles faster than dye ink.
If you primarily print color photos or graphics, your black nozzles may sit unused for extended periods. Idle nozzles dry out faster than frequently used ones.
Many printers have two black inks: "Photo Black" (for glossy paper) and "Matte/Text Black" (for plain paper). One may work while the other is clogged.
Every inkjet printer has built-in cleaning utilities. Access them through:
If software cleaning doesn't work, try manually cleaning the cartridge:
Some printers have a "Power Ink Flushing" option that forces ink through clogged nozzles. This uses significant ink (sometimes equivalent to a full cartridge). Only use as a last resort before replacing the cartridge or printhead.
HP printers often have two cleaning levels. If Level 1 doesn't work, Level 2 uses more ink but is more effective.
Canon PIXMA printers often have separate PGBK (text black) and BK (photo black) cartridges. Make sure to clean the correct one.
Epson's Power Ink Flushing is very effective but uses a lot of ink. Only use if regular cleaning fails after 3 attempts.
Brother inkjet printers allow selecting individual colors for cleaning, which saves ink when only black is affected.
For severely clogged printheads (only on printers with removable printheads):
Note: This may void warranty. Only attempt on out-of-warranty printers.
Sometimes the issue is software, not hardware:
If nothing works, the cartridge or printhead may be damaged:
Need to print NOW while waiting for a fix or new cartridge?
Many printers can create "black" by mixing Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow inks:
Limitations: Composite black uses 3x more ink, may appear slightly warm/brown, and takes longer to dry. Good for emergencies, not long-term use.
In your word processor or PDF reader:
This forces the printer to use color inks instead of black.
New cartridges can have dried ink from sitting on shelves. Check the expiration date, ensure you removed all protective tape, and run the initial ink charging cycle. Some cartridges need "priming" — run a cleaning cycle after installation.
Excessive cleaning can actually make things worse by introducing air bubbles. Stop cleaning, let the printer sit for 24 hours, then try once more. If it still doesn't work, the printhead or cartridge likely needs replacement.
This is usually a software issue, not hardware. Check your application's print settings — you may have "Print in Color" selected. Also try printing from a different application to isolate the problem.
Pigment-based black ink can begin drying in nozzles within 2-3 weeks of non-use. Dye-based inks last longer. To prevent this, print something with black text at least once a week.
Modern printers are designed to stay on. They periodically run maintenance cycles that keep nozzles clear. However, use the power button to turn off (don't unplug) so the printhead can park properly and cap the nozzles.
Print a test page to verify your fix worked