HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Ink: Cartridge Numbers & Replacement

If you’ve ever popped a new ink cartridge into an HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 only to see “Incompatible” flash on the screen, you know the frustration. That error usually comes down to one simple mix-up: the printer expects HP 952 or 952XL cartridges, not the 953 series used in later models.

Ink cartridge series: HP 952 (standard) / HP 952XL (high yield) · Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow · Page yield (standard black): 3,000 pages · Discontinued: 2022 · Replacement model: HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e

The table below summarizes the key facts about the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 ink system, pulling together cartridge numbers, yields, and common error messages.

What ink does an HP 7740 use?

Ink cartridge model number: HP 952 and HP 952XL

The HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 was designed to work with the HP 952 series of ink cartridges. According to HP’s official US store listing, the standard cartridges are the HP 952 Black (L0S58AE), Cyan (L0S59AE), Magenta (L0S60AE), and Yellow (L0S61AE). For higher page yields, HP offers the 952XL Black (L0S62AE), Cyan (L0S63AE), Magenta (L0S64AE), and Yellow (L0S65AE) – each printing about 5,000 pages for black and 7,000 pages for color.

Some third-party resellers also list HP 956XL as compatible in certain regions, but the standard across US channels remains the 952/952XL family. Ink Technologies, a specialist reseller, pairs the 7740 exclusively with 952 numbers.

Color breakdown for HP OfficeJet Pro 7740

• Black – HP 952 Black (L0S58AE) / 952XL Black (L0S62AE)
• Cyan – HP 952 Cyan (L0S59AE) / 952XL Cyan (L0S63AE)
• Magenta – HP 952 Magenta (L0S60AE) / 952XL Magenta (L0S64AE)
• Yellow – HP 952 Yellow (L0S61AE) / 952XL Yellow (L0S65AE)

The pattern: one black plus three color cartridges, each sold separately. No multi-pack is factory-sealed – you buy per color. The trade-off: you replace only the empty color, not a bundled color pack, which can save money if you print mostly black.

The implication: if you print mostly black documents, you can skip replacing color cartridges until they run out, reducing your per-page cost.

Is the HP 7740 discontinued?

Discontinuation status

HP stopped production of the OfficeJet Pro 7740 in 2022. The HP Store page still lists the model as of 2026, meaning HP maintains support but no longer manufactures new units. What this means for ink: genuine HP 952 cartridges may become harder to find through traditional retailers, though third-party inventory remains robust.

Replacement printer model

HP’s suggested replacement is the OfficeJet Pro 9015e series. The 9015e offers faster print speeds, improved connectivity, and a more compact footprint – but it uses a different ink system (HP 972/972XL), not the 952 cartridges the 7740 takes.

The implication: if you already own a 7740 and want to keep using it, you’re fine as long as 952 cartridges remain available. If you’re considering a replacement, know that your old 952 inventory won’t transfer to the 9015e.

How to replace ink in a HP OfficeJet Pro 7740?

The replacement process is straightforward but has a few gotchas. Here’s the sequence that works, based on HP’s official video guidance for the 7740:

1. Turn on the printer and open the ink cartridge access door. The carriage moves to the center.
2. Press down on the old cartridge until it releases, then pull it out. Do this for each empty cartridge.
3. Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Pull the orange protective tape – this is the most common cause of “Incompatible” errors. HP’s official store instructions stress removing all tape before inserting.
4. Insert the cartridge firmly until it clicks into place. The printer should recognize it.
5. Close the access door and wait for the printer to align the cartridges.

Troubleshooting ink cartridge errors

If you see “Cartridge problem”, “Incompatible”, or “Missing” after installing, HP Support Community moderators recommend a power drain reset: remove all cartridges, unplug the printer from both the wall and the printer itself, then press and hold the power button for 60 seconds. Reconnect and reinstall the cartridges. For persistent recognition issues, cleaning the cartridge chip and printer contacts with a dry cloth often resolves the problem.

The catch: non-HP (compatible) cartridges sometimes fail chip validation even after a reset. If you’re using a compatible brand and the error persists, swapping to a genuine HP 952 cartridge is the most reliable fix.

What printer replaced the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740?

As mentioned, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is the direct successor. But it’s not a like-for-like swap. The 9015e lacks the 7740’s wide‑format capability (the 7740 prints up to 11″ × 17″), and its ink system uses HP 972/972XL cartridges. HP’s own product page frames the 9015e as an upgrade in speed and connectivity, not in paper-size flexibility.

For buyers who need tabloid-size printing, the 7740 remains the better machine – provided you can still source ink. The 9015e, meanwhile, offers easier wireless setup and higher monthly duty cycles.

The pattern: HP traded wide-format capability for speed and connectivity in the successor model, so your choice depends on whether you need 11×17 printing.

HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Ink Cartridge number and price

Cartridge numbers reference

The table below lists every official HP 952 and 952XL cartridge number for the 7740, organized by type and color.

Typical price ranges for HP 7740 ink

Pricing varies by retailer, brand (genuine vs. compatible), and whether you buy single or multipack. Based on current listings from HP’s official store and Smart Ink:

• Standard HP 952 Black: $30–$40
• High-yield HP 952XL Black: $50–$60
• Standard color (any): $25–$35
• High-yield color (any): $45–$55
• Compatible cartridges: $15–$25 each

Why this matters: the price gap between standard and high-yield is roughly $20 per cartridge, but high-yield delivers 60-70% more pages. For any household or office that prints more than a few hundred pages a month, 952XL cartridges pay for themselves.

The full specifications table below consolidates all ink system details for the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740.

How to replace ink: step-by-step (detailed)

For first-time 7740 owners, here’s the exact process with tips from HP’s official replacement video for the 7720/7730/7740 series:

1. Prepare – Have your new HP 952 or 952XL cartridge ready. Remove it from the packaging and locate the orange pull-tab on the bottom. Do not touch the copper-colored chip or the nozzles.
2. Open door – Press the power button to turn on the printer. Open the ink cartridge access door. The carriage will move to the left side and stop.
3. Remove old cartridge – Push down on the top of the old cartridge to release it, then pull it straight out. Set it aside.
4. Unpack new cartridge – Grasp the orange tab and pull it firmly to remove the protective tape. If you see a clear plastic cap on the bottom, remove that too. HP Support Community guidance warns that leaving any tape on is a top cause of “not recognized” errors.
5. Insert new cartridge – Slide the cartridge into the correct color slot (color-coded on the carriage). Push it firmly until you hear a click. The latch should snap into place.
6. Close door – Lower the ink cartridge access door and press down until it latches. The printer will run an alignment cycle – this takes about 2 minutes.
7. Print a test page – From the printer’s home screen, select “Setup” > “Print Report” > “Print Quality Report”. If the page looks good, you’re done.

If you get a “Cartridge problem” message after step 6, try the power drain reset mentioned under troubleshooting. The pattern: most errors are caused by tape residue or chip contact issues – not a faulty cartridge.

What’s confirmed and what’s not clear

Expert perspectives

“The HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 series uses HP 952 and HP 952XL ink cartridges. For best results, always use genuine HP cartridges.”

“If you get an ‘Incompatible cartridge’ message, try a power drain: remove cartridges, unplug the printer, and hold the power button for 60 seconds. This often clears the error.”

“Cleaning the cartridge chip and the printer’s electrical contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth can fix a ‘not recognized’ issue – even on a full cartridge.”

“Resetting the printer can help clear lingering error states that prevent acceptance of non-original cartridges.”

For the 7740 owner, the choice is clear: if you value reliability, stick with genuine HP 952/952XL cartridges and keep a power drain reset in your back pocket for error messages. For budget-conscious users, compatible cartridges work often enough, but expect occasional chip rejection – and never leave the orange tape on.

Frequently asked questions