What Ink Does the HP DeskJet 3630 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP DeskJet 3630 series (3630, 3631, 3632, 3633, 3634, 3635, 3636, 3637, 3638) uses HP 63 Black and HP 63 Tri-color ink cartridges. For a much lower cost per page, choose the HP 63XL high-yield versions, which print roughly 2x more black pages and 2.5x more color pages than the standard cartridges.
HP DeskJet 3630 Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|
| HP 63 Black (standard) | F6U62AN | ~190 pages |
| HP 63 Tri-color (standard) | F6U61AN | ~165 pages |
| HP 63XL Black (high-yield) | F6U64AN | ~480 pages |
| HP 63XL Tri-color (high-yield) | F6U63AN | ~330 pages |
The HP DeskJet 3630 takes one black and one tri-color cartridge at a time. You can mix yields — for example, an XL black with a standard tri-color — but for most households the matched HP 63XL pair gives the best cost per page.
Save on HP 63 and 63XL Ink
Castle Ink's compatible HP 63XL Black & Tri-Color 2-Pack fits every printer in the DeskJet 3630 series. It ships free on orders over $50, ships same day if ordered by 2pm ET, and is backed by a 1-year 100% satisfaction guarantee. Compatible cartridges from Castle Ink typically save 50-70% versus the OEM HP version while delivering the same page yield.
How to Replace Ink in the HP DeskJet 3630
- Make sure the printer is turned on and the paper tray has paper loaded. Open the front access door — the cartridge carriage will slide to the center and stop.
- Press down gently on the front of the cartridge you want to replace, then pull it up and out of its slot. The black cartridge sits in the right slot; the tri-color sits on the left.
- Remove the new cartridge from its packaging and pull the orange plastic tab to remove the protective tape. Do not touch the copper contacts or the ink nozzles.
- Slide the new cartridge into its slot at a slight upward angle, then press down until it clicks into place.
- Close the access door. The printer will run a short alignment routine — print the alignment page when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions in HP Smart.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Cartridge not detected" or "Incompatible cartridge" error: Power the printer off, remove the cartridge, wipe the copper contacts gently with a dry lint-free cloth, reseat firmly until it clicks, then power back on. If the message persists, remove and reinstall both cartridges to reset the connection.
Streaky, faded, or missing colors: Run the printer's built-in cleaning cycle from HP Smart (Printer Settings → Maintenance → Clean Cartridges). Two cleaning cycles usually clears clogged nozzles. If streaks remain after three cleanings, the cartridge is likely empty or the nozzles are permanently dry.
Alignment page prints blank: Check that you removed the protective tape from the new cartridge. Re-seat the cartridge and try the alignment again from Printer Settings → Maintenance → Align Cartridges.
Printer rejects compatible cartridges after a firmware update: This is a known HP issue. From HP Smart, go to Printer Settings → Advanced and disable automatic firmware updates. If your compatibles are already blocked, contact Castle Ink support at 917-364-6232 and we'll help you get printing again.
Official HP DeskJet 3630 Resources
- HP DeskJet 3630 Series Support — hp.com (user manual, drivers, firmware)
- HP Smart App download (recommended for wireless setup and ink-level monitoring)
Bottom Line
The HP DeskJet 3630 uses HP 63 or HP 63XL ink cartridges. If you print more than a few pages a week, the XL versions cut your cost per page roughly in half. Castle Ink's compatible HP 63XL 2-Pack ships free over $50 and is backed by a 1-year guarantee, making it the lowest-risk way to keep your DeskJet 3630 printing without paying OEM prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which HP DeskJet 3630 models use HP 63 ink?
Every printer in the 3630 family uses HP 63 / 63XL, including the DeskJet 3630, 3631, 3632, 3633, 3634, 3635, 3636, 3637, and 3638 all-in-one models.
Can I use HP 63XL in an HP DeskJet 3630 if it shipped with standard HP 63 setup cartridges?
Yes. The DeskJet 3630 accepts both HP 63 standard and HP 63XL high-yield cartridges interchangeably. The XL versions are the same physical size — they just hold more ink.
Will compatible HP 63XL cartridges void my HP DeskJet 3630 warranty?
No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the United States, using third-party ink does not void your printer warranty. HP can only deny warranty coverage if the third-party cartridge directly caused a specific failure.
Which other HP printers use HP 63 ink?
The HP 63 / 63XL family is also used by the HP Envy 4520, OfficeJet 4650, OfficeJet 3830, OfficeJet 4655, and Envy 4516.
Why does my HP DeskJet 3630 keep saying low ink right after I install a new cartridge?
HP's ink-level estimator is based on usage telemetry, not a physical ink gauge. After installing a new cartridge, the estimator can take a few print jobs to recalibrate. Ignore the warning unless print quality actually degrades.
Written and reviewed by William Elward — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry.