What Ink Does the HP Envy 4520 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP Envy 4520 uses HP 63 Black and HP 63 Tri-color ink cartridges. For roughly 3x more pages and a better cost-per-page, choose the HP 63XL high-yield versions — they're the same size cartridge, just packed with more ink.
HP Envy 4520 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 |
Save on HP 63 / 63XL Ink for the Envy 4520
The XL versions cut your cost-per-page by more than half. Our compatible HP 63XL set includes both Black and Tri-color cartridges and ships free in the U.S. on orders over $50.
Shop the HP 63 / 63XL Black + Tri-color Set →
How to Replace Ink in the HP Envy 4520
- Turn the printer on and open the cartridge access door (the front panel that lifts up). Wait for the carriage to slide to the center.
- Press down gently on the old cartridge to release it, then pull it straight out.
- Remove the new HP 63 or 63XL cartridge from its packaging. Pull off the orange plastic tab — do not touch the copper contacts or ink nozzles.
- Slide the new cartridge into its slot (Black on the right, Tri-color on the left) at a slight upward angle, then push until it clicks into place.
- Close the cartridge access door. The Envy 4520 will automatically run an alignment page — print it on plain paper and the printer is ready.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized after install: Power-cycle the printer (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in). The Envy 4520 sometimes needs a hard reset to re-handshake with a fresh cartridge.
Faded or streaky prints: Run the built-in cleaning cycle from the printer's Tools menu, or use HP Smart on your phone. Two cleaning cycles will usually clear minor clogs.
"Print head failure" error: Remove both cartridges, gently wipe the copper contacts on each with a lint-free cloth, and reseat them. This clears most false errors caused by oxidation.
Low-ink warning right after installing a new cartridge: HP's ink-level estimator is based on usage, not a physical gauge. After a fresh cartridge install it can take 5–10 print jobs to recalibrate. Ignore the warning unless print quality actually drops.
Official HP Resources
Bottom Line
The HP Envy 4520 takes HP 63 or HP 63XL cartridges — the XL high-yield is almost always the smarter buy thanks to its much lower cost-per-page. Compatible cartridges from Castle Ink work identically and ship free in the U.S. on $50+ orders.
Get your HP 63 / 63XL ink for the Envy 4520 →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use HP 63XL cartridges in an Envy 4520 that came with HP 63 standard?
Yes. The Envy 4520 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 and yield more pages.
Will compatible HP 63XL cartridges void my Envy 4520 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.
How many pages does an HP 63XL print in the Envy 4520?
HP rates the 63XL black at approximately 480 pages and the 63XL tri-color at approximately 330 pages, based on the ISO/IEC 24711 standard at 5% page coverage. Actual yield varies with print density and color usage.
Which other HP printers use HP 63 ink?
HP 63 / 63XL cartridges work in the HP Envy 4510, 4511, 4512, 4513, 4516, 4520, 4523, 4524, 4525, and 4527 — as well as the OfficeJet 3830, 4650, 4652, 4655, 5220, 5230, 5232, 5252, 5255, and 5258, and several DeskJet 1112, 2130, 2132, 3630, 3631, 3632, 3633, and 3634 models.
Why does my HP Envy 4520 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.