What Ink Does the HP ENVY 6052 Use?

Quick answer: The HP ENVY 6052 (and the HP+ version, the ENVY 6052e) uses two cartridges: HP 67 Black and HP 67 Tri-color, with HP 67XL as the high-yield version of each. Castle Ink stocks HP 67XL Black, HP 67XL Tri-color and a black + tri-color bundle.

HP ENVY 6052 Ink Cartridges at a Glance

The ENVY 6052 is a two-cartridge printer. The black cartridge handles text, and the single tri-color cartridge holds cyan, magenta and yellow in three internal chambers — so when any one color runs low, the whole tri-color cartridge is replaced. Each HP 67 cartridge has its own printhead built in, which means every new cartridge also gives you fresh print nozzles.

The ENVY 6052 is a compact print, copy and scan all-in-one with Wi-Fi and the HP Smart app, aimed at home use. HP 67 is the number used in the Americas; the same cartridge is sold as HP 305 in Europe and much of Asia, and the two are not interchangeable across regions because the chips are region-coded.

Important — HP+ warning: If your printer is the ENVY 6052e and you activated HP+ during setup, it is locked to Original HP cartridges for its lifetime, and compatible or remanufactured cartridges will be rejected. HP+ cannot be switched off after activation. If you skipped HP+ (or own the original non-"e" ENVY 6052), compatible cartridges work normally — but read how to keep HP firmware updates from blocking your ink and our HP Instant Ink vs. compatible cartridges breakdown before you buy.

Standard vs. XL: Which Should You Buy?

HP 67 standard cartridges are very small — around 120 pages of black and 100 of color. The 67XL roughly doubles that for well under double the price, so XL is the right choice for nearly everyone. The cartridges are the same size and install the same way. Want to see what that means per page? Use our printer ink cost calculator.

Buying HP 67 / 67XL Ink at Castle Ink

Shop HP 67XL Black (3YM57AN), HP 67XL Tri-color (3YM58AN) or the HP 67 black + tri-color bundle. Orders placed by 4 PM ET ship the same business day. For check printing there is also an HP 67XL MICR black cartridge.

How to Replace Ink in the HP ENVY 6052

1. Turn the printer on and open the front cartridge access door. Wait for the carriage to move to the center and stop.
2. Push down gently on the old cartridge to release it, then pull it toward you out of the slot.
3. Unwrap the new cartridge and pull the pink or orange tab to remove the protective tape over the nozzles. Do not touch the copper contacts or nozzles.
4. Slide the cartridge into its slot at a slight upward angle — tri-color on the left, black on the right — and push until it snaps into place.
5. Close the door. If the printer prompts for an alignment page, print it and follow the scan instructions on the display or in HP Smart.

Troubleshooting Tips

"Cartridge problem" or "incompatible cartridge": Check HP+ status in the HP Smart app first — with HP+ active, only Original HP cartridges will work. Otherwise remove the cartridge, wipe the contacts with a lint-free cloth and reseat it. More steps: printer says ink cartridge not recognized.

Low ink warning right after setup: The cartridges that ship with a new ENVY 6052 are low-capacity setup cartridges. An early low-ink message is normal.

Streaks or missing colors: Run "Clean Printhead" from HP Smart (Printer Settings > Tools) or the printer's menu. Because the printhead is on the cartridge, a cartridge that still streaks after two cleanings usually just needs replacing. See printer printing the wrong colors.

Printing with one cartridge: HP's single-cartridge mode lets the ENVY 6052 keep printing if one cartridge is removed, but output will be slower and quality lower. Treat it as a stopgap only.

Which Other Printers Use HP 67 Ink?

HP 67 / 67XL also fits the HP ENVY 6055, HP ENVY 6455e, ENVY 6075, ENVY Pro 6475, HP DeskJet 2755e, HP DeskJet 4155e and the rest of the DeskJet 2700 and 4100 series.

Official HP ENVY 6052 Resources

• HP Customer Support — printers
• HP ink, toner and paper finder
• How to recycle used ink cartridges

Bottom Line

The HP ENVY 6052 uses HP 67 Black and HP 67 Tri-color, and the 67XL versions are the better value. If you own the 6052e, check whether HP+ is active before buying anything other than Original HP ink.

Written and reviewed by William Elward — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry. Updated October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HP 67 the same as HP 305?
They are the same cartridge design sold under different numbers in different regions. HP 67 is for printers sold in the Americas; HP 305 is for Europe and Asia. Buy the number that matches your printer's region.

Will HP 65 or HP 63 ink fit the ENVY 6052?
No. HP 65 and HP 63 are different cartridge families. The ENVY 6052 only accepts HP 67 and 67XL.

What is the difference between the ENVY 6052 and 6052e?
The "e" model was sold for HP+. The printers use the same HP 67 cartridges, but an activated HP+ printer only accepts Original HP ink.

Does using non-HP ink void my warranty?
No. Under the U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, HP cannot void your warranty only because you used third-party cartridges. HP+ is a separate restriction you agree to during setup.

Shop Ink at Castle Ink

Find the right cartridge for the HP ENVY 6052 and every other printer we cover on the Find Ink by Printer page, or work through a fault at our printer troubleshooting center. Shopping for a new machine? Try the PrinterIQ Finder, a 60-second quiz that matches you to a printer.

Buy the HP ENVY 6052 on Amazon: HP ENVY 6052 on Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

See also: printer says ink cartridge not recognized | HP Instant Ink vs. compatible cartridges | how long do ink cartridges last