HP 305 questions and answers

305 and 305XL fit the same printers and print equally well. The difference is the amount of ink: HP states about 120 pages (black) and 100 pages (tri-colour) for the standard cartridges, and about 240 and 200 pages for the XL versions (ISO/IEC 24711, continuous printing). Whether XL is cheaper per page depends only on the current price divided by that yield — we work that out with the prices checked now, not with a rule of thumb.

The official 2-pack 6ZD17AE contains one standard black and one standard tri-colour cartridge. Whether it's cheaper than buying them separately depends on the current pack price versus the sum of the single prices — compare both before you buy. There is also an official 305XL 2-pack (6ZA94AE); UK retailers sell it, but HP Store UK's own page for it returned an error on 23 September 2026.

HP 305 black is 3YM61AE, HP 305 tri-colour is 3YM60AE, HP 305XL black is 3YM62AE and HP 305XL tri-colour is 3YM63AE. The official 2-packs are 6ZD17AE (standard black + tri-colour) and 6ZA94AE (305XL black + tri-colour).

We only show Amazon prices from Amazon's own product API. Until that is connected, we link to the exact Amazon listing without an amount rather than publishing a figure we read off the page, which goes out of date quickly.

When we checked on 23 September 2026, Currys showed a 'We'll be back soon' page and Cartridge People showed an automated bot check, so we couldn't read a price from either. We only list a shop once we've read its exact product page.

Yes. The printer checks each position (black or tri-colour) for a valid cartridge; standard or XL makes no difference to it. A common combination is XL for the colour you use up fastest and standard for the other.

A compatible cartridge comes from a company other than HP and is made to fit the same printer. Its yield, chip and compatibility claims are the seller's statements, not facts confirmed by HP, and 305-ink.com hasn't tested them. HP's dynamic security may apply depending on your printer model; check this before you buy.

Yes. HP states dynamic security on the product pages of the DeskJet 2820e, 4220e and ENVY 6420e, among others: these printers are intended for cartridges with new or reused HP electronic circuitry, and firmware updates can block cartridges that worked before. Whether an alternative keeps working therefore depends on its chip and on future updates.

Check the seller, the exact list of printer models, chip information, warranty, returns and how open they are about the contents. Don't treat a yield claim as an independently proven result.

'Compatible' is a broad label for an alternative, often newly made. Remanufactured means a returned cartridge shell has been cleaned and refilled. Cartridge Save's 'Premium' 305XL range, for example, is described as made from recycled HP cartridges. What exactly a seller supplies should be stated on the product page.

Not automatically. An alternative's yield is the seller's own figure, usually '@ 5% coverage' and not measured to the same HP standard. Also factor in delivery costs and the chance of a return if a cartridge isn't recognised.

Not for everyone. Original gives you HP-documented data and the most predictable recognition; a transparent alternative can make financial sense. Your own priorities decide.

The positions work independently, but whether a particular alternative works still depends on the product and printer. Check the model claim and the seller's returns policy.

Note your printer model, firmware version and the error message and contact the seller. Don't install an unofficial firmware downgrade as a quick fix.

Possible causes are the wrong cartridge or region, protective tape left on, poor seating, dirty contacts, a fault or an electronic incompatibility. First note the exact message and which position it names.

The two positions are checked separately. Investigate only the cartridge and position shown in the message or by a flashing icon first.

A normal restart can clear a temporary communication error, but don't repeat it endlessly. If the message stays after correct seating, move on to targeted diagnosis.

If a new, correct cartridge still isn't recognised after the basic checks, the retailer is the next step. Keep the packaging, proof of purchase and the error text.

The printer sees a cartridge that doesn't match its model or region, or can't communicate properly with the chip. Check the OEM code, the printer model and the seating.

No. First establish which position is named and test that one. Black and colour are separate cartridges.

HP describes ink levels as estimates. You can often carry on until print quality is no longer good enough; keep a replacement ready for important jobs.

Yes. HP's instructions for this cartridge type start with switching the printer on so the carriage moves into position.

No. Hold the cartridge by its plastic sides and don't touch the contacts or the nozzles.

Follow your printer's prompt or the HP app. Don't print alignment or cleaning pages repeatedly if the first one succeeds; that uses ink.

Cost per page = cartridge price ÷ stated page yield. For HP 305 black (3YM61AE, about 120 pages) and HP 305XL black (3YM62AE, about 240 pages), divide each current price by its yield. HP's yield is an average under ISO/IEC 24711 with continuous printing; with occasional printing or lots of colour photos your real yield can differ.

Not necessarily. HP's figure (120/100/240/200 pages) is an average measured under ISO/IEC 24711 by printing a test document continuously. Occasional printing, cleaning cycles after long idle periods and pages with heavy colour coverage all reduce the real yield compared with HP's figure.

HP takes back empty original HP cartridges free of charge through HP Planet Partners; HP says you can order postage-paid envelopes or labels to return them by post. Refilled, remanufactured and other brands' cartridges are not accepted. We haven't yet checked other UK return routes individually.