Compatible HP 940XL ink cartridge: installation, compatibility and savings

The compatible HP 940XL ink cartridge is a high-yield consumable manufactured to the ISO 9001 standard as an alternative to the HP original. It is designed for anyone printing high volumes in the office who wants to cut ink costs without sacrificing reliability or print quality.

What it is and which printers it works with

This is a cartridge equivalent to the HP 940XL reference, in a high-capacity version. It is compatible with HP's OfficeJet Pro family, specifically with these models:

• HP OfficeJet Pro 8000
• HP OfficeJet Pro 8000 Enterprise
• HP OfficeJet Pro 8500
• HP OfficeJet Pro 8500A
• HP OfficeJet Pro 8500A Plus
• HP OfficeJet Pro 8500A Premium

If your machine is on this list, the cartridge fits physically and electronically just like the original. Before buying, always check the exact model of your printer on the rear label or in the device's settings menu.

How to install it and what to do if the cartridge "isn't recognised"

Installation is identical to that of the factory cartridge: switch on the printer, open the access door, wait for the carriage to move across, remove the old cartridge and fit the new one until you hear the click. Beforehand, remove the protective seal without touching the contacts or the ink outlet nozzle.

If the message "cartridge not recognised" or "used or counterfeit cartridge" appears, it is almost never a fault: it is usually the chip or a dirty contact. Try these steps in order:

• Remove the cartridge and refit it firmly until it clicks.
• Carefully clean the metal contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth.
• Switch off the printer, wait a minute and switch it back on to reset the chip.
• If the message persists, check the firmware: some HP updates block non-branded cartridges.

We explain this point in detail in our article on how HP firmware blocks cartridges. And if you want to check that the colour quality is correct after installation, download our CMYK print test page.

Yield and savings compared with the original

Being a cartridge from the XL range, it offers a far higher page yield than a standard cartridge, which reduces the cost of each print. The compatible ink maintains the density and sharpness needed for office documents, emails and colour forms.

The savings compared with original ink are considerable: by paying much less per cartridge you get comparable quality for everyday use. If you want to see how they perform side by side, we have an honest analysis of original versus compatible toner and ink, and a guide on the real cost of printing to work out your cost per page.

Why buy it at Star Toner

At Star Toner every compatible HP 940XL cartridge is certified to the ISO 9001 standard, with quality control during manufacture and fast dispatch from Spain. It is available for €3.49, with the legal guarantee that applies to any consumable sold in Spain; you can review your rights in our guide on the legal guarantee for compatible cartridges.

If your printer uses a different reference, we also stock close alternatives such as the compatible HP 950XL or the compatible HP 920XL for other OfficeJet models. Check your model and choose the cartridge that matches it.

Frequently asked questions