What Ink Does the HP DeskJet 4255e Use?

Quick Answer: The HP DeskJet 4255e uses HP 67 (standard) or HP 67XL (high-yield) black and tri-color ink cartridges. The XL bundle delivers the lowest cost-per-page and works in every DeskJet 4200e-series printer. Castle Ink stocks compatible HP 67XL cartridges with free U.S. shipping and a one-year guarantee.

DeskJet 4255e Ink Cartridges at a Glance

Cartridge Color Approx. Yield
HP 67 Black ~120 pages
HP 67 Tri-Color ~100 pages
HP 67XL Black ~240 pages
HP 67XL Tri-Color ~200 pages

Save on HP 67XL Ink for the DeskJet 4255e

Genuine HP 67XL bundles can run $50+ for a black + tri-color pair. Castle Ink's compatible HP 67XL bundle delivers the same yields at a fraction of the price.

All Castle Ink orders ship free in the U.S. and are backed by a one-year quality guarantee.

How to Replace Ink in the DeskJet 4255e

  1. Power on the printer and open the cartridge access door — the carriage slides to the center.
  2. Gently press in on the empty cartridge to release it, then lift it straight out.
  3. Unwrap the new HP 67 or 67XL cartridge and remove the orange protective tape.
  4. Slide the cartridge into the matching color slot at a slight upward angle, then press until it clicks.
  5. Close the access door — the DeskJet 4255e will run a quick alignment routine.

Troubleshooting Tips

"Cartridge Problem" error: Remove the cartridge, wipe the copper contacts with a soft lint-free cloth, and reseat firmly. Restart the printer if the error persists.

Faded or streaky prints: Run HP Smart > Maintenance > Clean Printhead one or two cycles. Print quality usually returns within a cycle or two.

HP+ blocking third-party ink: If you enrolled in HP+, you must use Original HP cartridges for the life of the printer. HP documents no way to turn HP+ off once it is activated, so treat that setup screen as permanent — decline HP+ during setup if you want the freedom to use compatible ink.

Cartridge not recognized: Make sure the orange tape is fully removed and the cartridge is fully clicked into place. A firmware update can also help.

Official HP Resources

Bottom Line

The HP DeskJet 4255e uses HP 67 / 67XL ink cartridges. The XL bundle is the smarter pick for any home that prints more than a few pages a week. Shop the HP 67/67XL compatible bundle at Castle Ink to keep your 4255e running for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will HP 67XL fit my DeskJet 4255e that came with HP 67 standard?
Yes — the XL is the high-yield version of the same cartridge family.

Do I have to use HP+ ink with the DeskJet 4255e?
Only if you enrolled in HP+. Decline HP+ during setup and the printer works with compatible cartridges. If you have already enrolled, HP publishes no way to reverse it — check with HP support before ordering compatible ink.

How many pages does an HP 67XL black print?
About 240 pages at 5% coverage — roughly double the standard 67.

Does the 4255e use the same ink as the 4155e?
Yes — the entire DeskJet 4100e/4200e family shares the HP 67/67XL cartridge.

Is shipping free?
Yes — every Castle Ink U.S. order ships free with a 1-year guarantee.

Shop Compatible Ink at Castle Ink

Save 50–70% on replacement cartridges for the HP DeskJet 4255e. Guaranteed to work — backed by Castle Ink's compatibility guarantee.

Buy the HP DeskJet 4255e on Amazon: HP DeskJet 4255e on Amazon

See also: How to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink | Printer Ink Cost Calculator

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Written and reviewed by — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry.