What Ink Does the HP DeskJet 4252e Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP DeskJet 4252e uses HP 67 ink: one black and one tri-color cartridge. The high-yield HP 67XL Black and HP 67XL Tri-Color print about 240 black and 200 color pages, roughly twice as many as standard HP 67.
HP DeskJet 4252e Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Color | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 67 Black | 3YM56AN | Black | ~120 pages |
| HP 67 Tri-Color | 3YM55AN | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~100 pages |
| HP 67XL Black | 3YM57AN | Black | ~240 pages |
| HP 67XL Tri-Color | 3YM58AN | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~200 pages |
Important — HP+ warning: The "e" in DeskJet 4252e means it was sold for HP+. If you activated HP+ during setup, the printer is locked to Original HP cartridges for its lifetime and will reject remanufactured or compatible cartridges. HP+ cannot be switched off after activation. If you skipped HP+ at setup, remanufactured cartridges work normally — see how to keep HP firmware updates from blocking your ink before you buy.
The DeskJet 4252e belongs to the DeskJet 4200e series. The same HP 67 / 67XL cartridges fit the DeskJet 4200e, 4255e and 4258e, the DeskJet 4100 and 2700 series, and the ENVY 6000 and 6400 series.
The DeskJet 4252e is a home all-in-one with print, scan and copy, Wi-Fi and a 35-sheet document feeder. It is cheap to buy, so ink is where the running cost adds up.
Do not confuse HP 67 with HP 65 or HP 68. HP 65 fits older DeskJet 2600 and 3700 printers, and HP 68 fits the newer ENVY 6100e and 6500e. Neither fits the DeskJet 4252e.
Save on HP 67 / 67XL
Castle Ink carries remanufactured HP 67XL Black (3YM57AN) and HP 67XL Tri-Color (3YM58AN) cartridges and an HP 67XL Black & Tri-Color 2-pack. Every cartridge is tested, backed by a 1-year guarantee, ships the same day when you order by 4 PM ET, and ships free on orders over $50 — as long as HP+ is not active on your printer.
Want to compare the real cost per page? Try our printer ink cost calculator.
How to Replace the Ink in the HP DeskJet 4252e
- Turn the printer on and open the ink cartridge access door. Wait for the carriage to move to the center and stop.
- Press down lightly on the cartridge you are replacing to release it, then pull it up and out. The tri-color cartridge sits on the left, black on the right.
- Unwrap the new cartridge and pull off the plastic tape by its pink or orange tab. Do not touch the copper contacts or the ink nozzles.
- Slide the cartridge into its slot at a slight upward angle, contacts facing the printer, and push until it clicks into place.
- Close the access door. If the printer prints an alignment page, follow the prompts on the control panel or in HP Smart.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Cartridge problem" or "incompatible cartridge": Remove the cartridge, wipe the copper contacts with a dry lint-free cloth, check that all the tape is off, and reseat it until it clicks. If the message stays, our HP cartridge not recognized guide walks through every HP message in order.
Remanufactured cartridges rejected straight away: Check whether HP+ is active in the HP Smart app. If it is, only Original HP cartridges will work.
Streaks or missing colors: Run the printhead cleaning from the printer's Tools menu or the HP Smart app. Two cycles usually clear a clog; if not, the cartridge itself is the likely culprit, because the printhead is built into it.
Low-ink warning on a new cartridge: Remanufactured cartridges reuse original HP chips, so the ink gauge can read low or show "?" while the cartridge is full. Judge by print quality, not the gauge.
Official HP Resources
Bottom Line
The HP DeskJet 4252e runs on HP 67, and HP 67XL is the better value. Check whether HP+ was turned on before you buy anything other than Original HP ink, because that one setting decides which cartridges will work.
Written and reviewed by William Elward — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry. Updated October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the HP DeskJet 4252e use HP 67 or HP 67XL?
Both fit the same slots. The XL cartridges simply hold more ink.
Why does my DeskJet 4252e reject remanufactured cartridges?
Most likely HP+ was activated during setup. HP+ locks the printer to Original HP cartridges and cannot be turned off afterward.
Does using remanufactured cartridges void my warranty?
No. The U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act stops HP from voiding your warranty just because you used third-party cartridges. HP+ is a separate restriction you agree to at setup.
How are these page yields measured?
They are approximate figures based on HP's ISO/IEC 24711 testing. Real results depend on what and how often you print.
Shop Ink at Castle Ink
Find the right cartridge for the HP DeskJet 4252e and every other printer we cover on the Find Ink by Printer page, browse all HP ink cartridges, or work through a fault at our printer troubleshooting center.
Looking for a new printer? HP DeskJet 4200e series printers on Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
See also: HP 67 vs HP 67XL | HP printer not recognizing ink cartridge | HP Instant Ink vs. compatible cartridges
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.
An independent 0–100 score for every printer, refreshed monthly from thousands of owner reviews and expert tests — plus what the ink or toner actually costs to run. See this month's Top 10 inkjet and laser rankings, or use the PrinterIQ™ finder.
See the CastleScore rankings →