HP 122 Black Original Ink Cartridge | F6U19AN | High-Yield for HP DeskJet, ENVY Printers

HP 122 Black Original Ink Cartridge 

The HP 122 (F6U19AN) is a standard-capacity black ink cartridge designed by HP for a wide range of their popular home and office inkjet printers. It’s one of the most common cartridges on the market.

1. Key Specifications & Identification

• HP Model Number: 122

• HP Product Number: F6U19AN (This is the unique identifier you should use when searching for replacements).

• Color: Black

• Type: Standard Yield (as opposed to XL or high-yield)

• Page Yield: Approximately 190 pages (based on ISO/IEC 24711 standards with 5% coverage).

• Ink Type: Dye-based ink.

• Technology: Features HP Thermal Inkjet technology. The printhead is integrated into the cartridge itself, meaning you get a new printhead with every replacement, which helps maintain print quality.

2. Compatibility: Which Printers Use the HP 122?

The HP 122 cartridge is used in many entry-level and all-in-one printers from the HP DeskJet and HP ENVY series.

Popular Compatible Printer Series:

• HP DeskJet 1000, 1050, 1510, 2000, 2050, 2510, 2540, 3000, 3050 Series

• HP ENVY 4500, 4510, 4520, 5530, 5540 Series

• HP OfficeJet 4620 Series

3. Features & Benefits

• Original HP Quality: Guarantees consistent, sharp text and reliable performance.

• Integrated Printhead: Ensures you get a fresh, clean printhead with each replacement, reducing the risk of clogs and maintaining print quality.

• Smart Chip Technology: The cartridge has a chip that communicates with the printer to provide accurate ink level monitoring. This allows you to know when you’re running low.

• Reliability: Designed to work seamlessly with HP printers to minimize printing errors and smudging.

4. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• “Cartridge Problem” or “Ink Cartridge Not Recognized”:

  • Cause: The smart chip isn’t making proper contact or is faulty.

  • Solution: Remove and reinstall the cartridge. Clean the chip (the copper-colored contacts on the front) with a dry, lint-free cloth. Ensure you remove any protective plastic tape.

• Print Quality Issues (Streaks, Faded Text, Lines):

  • Cause: Clogged nozzles from the integrated printhead.

  • Solution: Run the Prmer’s “Clean Printheads” utility from the software or the printer’s control panel. This forces ink through the nozzles to clear any blockages.

• Cartridge Not Fitting:

  • Cause: Incorrect installation or a non-compatible cartridge.

  • Solution: Verify the model number and reinstall, ensuring it clicks firmly into place.

5. Genuine vs. Remanufactured vs. Compatible Cartridges

• Genuine HP 122 (Recommended by HP):

  • Pros: Guaranteed quality, reliability, and warranty support.

  • Cons: Higher cost per cartridge.

• Remanufactured/Refilled:

  • Pros: Lower cost, more environmentally friendly.

  • Cons: Inconsistent quality, potential for leaks, and higher risk of damaging your printer. The printhead is used and may be near the end of its life.

• Compatible (Third-Party):

  • Pros: Lowest upfront cost.

  • Cons: Quality and reliability can vary wildly. Ink may smudge or fade faster. Using them may void your printer’s warranty.

6. Environmental & Disposal Information

• HP Planet Partners: HP offers a free recycling program. You can return used original HP cartridges to be recycled responsibly.

• Do Not Throw in Trash: Ink cartridges are not biodegradable and should be recycled.

Summary & Verdict

The HP 122 Black Original Ink Cartridge is a reliable, standard-yield option for a wide array of basic HP home printers. Its integrated printhead is a key feature that helps ensure good print quality without the need for complex maintenance.

Best For: Users who print occasionally and value reliability and ease of use over the absolute lowest cost per page. If you print heavily, consider looking into printers that use high-yield cartridges or the HP Instant Ink subscription service to potentially save money.