What Ink Does the HP DeskJet 3052A Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP DeskJet 3052A e-All-in-One uses two HP 61 cartridges: one black and one tri-color. The high-yield HP 61XL versions fit too. Castle Ink stocks remanufactured 61XL Black, 61XL Tri-color and a 61XL combo pack.
The 3052A is part of HP's DeskJet 3050A (J611) series and takes the same ink as the DeskJet 3050, 1510 and 2540. HP 301 is the European version and won't work in a U.S. printer.
CastleScore · October 2026
74/100 — Recommended
HP DeskJet 3052A
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | — | No retailer rating with enough reviews to use. |
| Expert reviews (18%) | 80 | Trusted Reviews (DeskJet 3050A, same J611 series): 8/10 average across its four category scores |
| Cost per page (24%) | 77 | About 6.5¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured 61XL (430 / 300 pages). |
| Reliability (13%) | 78 | Most-reported problems: wireless setup failing on newer Windows; black stops printing after long storage; small tray and fiddly cartridge loading |
| Features (12%) | 56 | Print, copy, scan, Wi-Fi, small mono display. No document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 76 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.
Discontinued. HP released the DeskJet 3050A series in 2011 and no longer sells it. HP 61 cartridges are still sold, including HP's newer 2026 part numbers.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 14, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
HP 61XL combo pack
HP 61XL Black
HP 61XL Tri-colorOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
What Ink Cartridges Does the HP DeskJet 3052A Take?
| Cartridge | HP part no. | Approx. yield | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 61 Black | CH561WN | ~190 pages | — |
| HP 61 Tri-color | CH562WN / C0PA5AN | ~165 / ~200 pages | — |
| HP 61XL Black | CH563WN / C0PA4AN | ~430 / ~360 pages | Remanufactured 61XL Black |
| HP 61XL Tri-color | CH564WN | ~300 pages | Remanufactured 61XL Tri-color |
HP first rated the 61XL at 480 pages black and 330 tri-color; current listings say about 430 and 300. HP's newest 61XL black, C0PA4AN, is rated at 360 pages, and Staples lists the 3052A as compatible with it.
Is HP 61XL Worth It?
Yes. On October 14, 2026, Staples listed HP's 61XL black C0PA4AN at $49.99 (about 13.9¢ a page), the older CH563WN at $64.89, and the 61XL tri-color at $71.99. Our remanufactured 61XL black is $23.95 (about 5.6¢ a page) and tri-color $24.95, or $35.99 for the combo pack.
How Do I Replace the Ink in the HP DeskJet 3052A?
- Turn the printer on and open the cartridge access door; wait for the carriage to stop.
- Press down on the old cartridge to release it and pull it out.
- Remove the new cartridge's tape by the pink tab, without touching the contacts.
- Slide it into its slot until it clicks and close the door.
- Print the alignment page when prompted and scan it on the glass.
Which Other Printers Use HP 61?
The DeskJet 1000, 1010, 1510, 2050, 2540 and 3050, the ENVY 4500 and 5530, and the OfficeJet 2620 and 4630.
What DeskJet 3052A owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer in HP's support community and owner reviews, answered in our words.
How do I reconnect it to Wi-Fi?
Press the Wireless and Cancel buttons together for a few seconds to reset the network settings, then run setup again with HP Smart or HP's full driver. It supports 2.4 GHz networks only.
Black stopped printing after the printer sat unused.
The nozzles have probably dried. Run Clean Printhead from the Tools menu two or three times, then print a quality report before replacing the cartridge.
Can it print with only one cartridge?
Yes. With one cartridge removed, it switches to single-cartridge mode, a little slower and lower quality.
Should I buy HP 61 or HP 301?
HP 61 in the U.S. HP 301 is the European version.
DeskJet 3052A quirks worth knowing
- HP released the 3050A series in 2011; it's discontinued.
- HP rates it at 5.5 ISO pages a minute in black and 4 in color.
- It prints, copies and scans over Wi-Fi or USB and has a small mono display.
- The tray holds 60 sheets; there's no document feeder or automatic two-sided printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the HP DeskJet 3052A use?
HP 61 or HP 61XL: one black and one tri-color cartridge.
What is HP C0PA4AN?
HP's newer part number for 61XL black, rated at about 360 pages. It fits the same printers as CH563WN.
Is the 3052A the same as the DeskJet 3050?
They're close relatives and both take HP 61. The 3052A belongs to the newer 3050A (J611) series.
Other printers that use HP 61
HP DeskJet 3050 · HP DeskJet 1510 · HP DeskJet 1000 · HP DeskJet 2540 · HP Envy 4500
More HP ink guides: HP OfficeJet 3830 · HP Envy 5000 · HP OfficeJet Pro 8610 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 (cheapest to run) — CastleScore 90
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw (laser) — CastleScore 82
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e — CastleScore 79
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 14, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement HP ink cartridges? Shop HP ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.