How to Refill an HP Smart Tank Printer: Step by Step

Refilling an HP Smart Tank printer is much easier than it looks, and with the right method it's clean, too. HP designed the tanks so each colour of bottle fits only its matching tank, and the ink flows by itself.

This guide covers the first-time setup, a normal refill, and the mistakes to avoid.

The short answer

1. Open the printer's front door or ink access door and the tank cap.
2. Match the bottle colour to the tank colour.
3. Place the bottle upside down on the tank and let it drain. Don't squeeze it.
4. Close the bottle, then close the tank cap.
5. Close the door and run a test print.

Before you start

You'll need:

• The right ink bottles for your printer model (see below)
• Paper towels or a soft cloth, just in case
• A flat, stable surface. Don't tilt the printer.
• A few spare minutes. Filling takes a little time, so don't rush it.

Which ink bottle does my printer use?

Ink bottle numbers depend on your printer model and region. For example, HP lists the GT53 (black) and GT52 (cyan, magenta and yellow) bottles for several Smart Tank models, including the 210, 520, 540, 580 and 590 in some countries. Other Smart Tank series use different bottles.

Always check your own printer: look at the label near the ink tanks, the user manual, or your printer's product page. Using the wrong bottle can cause problems, so confirm the number before ordering. Browse genuine refills in our ink cartridges and bottles.

How the bottles match the tanks

Each tank has a colour-coded cap, and each bottle has a colour-matched design. Only the right bottle fits the right tank, which makes mixing colours very hard. Always check that the bottle colour matches the tank colour before you place it.

First-time setup vs a later refill

First-time setup is different from a normal refill. On a new printer, HP's setup guides say you must:

1. Fill all four ink tanks. The printer won't work if you fill only one.
2. Close the front or ink access door and wait about 15 seconds for the printer to check the ink.
3. Install the printheads that came with the printer.
4. Load paper.
5. Wait for the alignment page to print, scan it as the printer instructs, and let alignment finish.

Don't interrupt the alignment step, because it calibrates the printheads. After that, the printer is ready, and later refills are simpler.

How to refill, step by step

1. Open the printer

Open the front door. On the Smart Tank 750, lift the ink access door at the side and open the tank covers on both sides.

2. Open the tank cap

Open the cap of the tank you want to refill.

3. Open the ink bottle

• New bottle: twist the cap off, remove the seal, put the cap back on and tighten it, then flip it open.
• Twist-off bottle: twist the cap off and set it aside.

4. Match the colour

Check that the bottle colour matches the tank colour.

5. Place the bottle on the tank

Turn the bottle upside down, place it on the tank spout and press until it clicks into place. The ink then flows into the tank by itself.

• Don't squeeze the bottle.
• Don't tilt or shake the bottle while it's open.
• If ink doesn't start flowing, take the bottle off and place it again.

6. Let it fill

Wait for the ink to drain into the tank. Watch the level window on the printer.

7. Close the bottle

Set the bottle upright and close the cap firmly. Store any leftover ink upright in a cool, dry, dark place, away from children.

8. Close the tank cap

Close the tank cap securely, then repeat for any other tank.

9. Close the door

Close the printer door, then print a test page.

When to refill

Refill when the ink level gets low, rather than waiting until a tank is completely empty. Check the ink level window on the printer regularly, and watch for low-ink warnings in the HP Smart app. Letting a tank run dry can cause streaky prints and air in the lines.

Spills and stains

Ink stains skin, clothes and surfaces, so:

• Keep paper towels nearby and wipe any drip straight away.
• Don't tilt the printer while refilling.
• Wash your hands if you touch ink.
• Keep bottles away from children and pets.
• If ink gets into the printer's inner parts, switch it off and contact HP support.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Using the wrong bottle for your model.
2. Forgetting to remove the seal on a new bottle, so the ink won't flow.
3. Squeezing the bottle, which can cause spills and overfilling.
4. Not closing the tank caps firmly.
5. Leaving a half-used bottle open or storing it on its side.
6. Filling only one tank during first setup. All four must be filled.
7. Interrupting the first alignment.
8. Using poor-quality or unknown ink. Genuine HP ink is the safest choice, and WERY sells 100% genuine products.

After refilling

1. Print a test page to check all four colours.
2. If you see streaks or missing colours, open the HP Smart app, select your printer and run Clean Printhead.
3. Print regularly, even a small colour page now and then, to keep the nozzles clear.

If the printer doesn't print at all, read our guide to fixing a printer that won't print.

Models and ink

Not sure which Smart Tank suits you? Read our HP Smart Tank 210 vs 520 vs 750 comparison, or see the HP Smart Tank 210, Smart Tank 520 and Smart Tank 750. Wondering about other printer types? Our guide to laser vs inkjet vs ink tank printers explains the differences.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to squeeze the ink bottle?
No. HP's tanks are designed so the ink flows on its own once the bottle is placed on the spout. Squeezing can cause spills.

What if the ink won't flow?
Check that the seal is removed and the cap is open, then take the bottle off and place it again, pressing until it clicks.

Can I put the wrong colour in a tank?
The bottles are designed so only the matching colour fits, but always check the colours before you fill.

How often should I refill?
Whenever the ink level gets low. How often depends on how much you print.

What do I do with leftover ink?
Close the bottle firmly and store it upright in a cool, dry, dark place, away from children.

Does a new printer need anything extra?
Yes. On first setup, all four tanks must be filled, the printheads installed, and the alignment page printed and scanned.

Are the ink bottles on WERY genuine?
Yes. WERY sells 100% genuine products with official brand warranty.