What Ink Does the HP OfficeJet 5212 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP OfficeJet 5212 uses two HP 63 cartridges: one black and one tri-color. The high-yield HP 63XL versions fit too. In July 2026 HP merged HP 63 and HP 65 into one line called HP 63/65, which also fits. Castle Ink stocks remanufactured 63XL Black, 63XL Tri-color and a 63XL 2-pack.
The 5212 is part of HP's OfficeJet 5200 series, so it takes the same ink as the OfficeJet 5255, 5258 and 5252. HP's support pages list the 5212 with that series, but it seems to have been sold through particular retailers rather than nationwide.
CastleScore · October 2026
81/100 — Highly Recommended
HP OfficeJet 5212 (Scored as the HP OfficeJet 5255: the 5212 is a retailer version of HP's OfficeJet 5200 series with the same HP 63 ink.)
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 87 | 4.46★ average across 11,919 ratings at Amazon (4.3), Best Buy (4.6), CDW (4.6), for the OfficeJet 5255 |
| Expert reviews (18%) | 80 | PCMag 4.0/5 (OfficeJet 5255) |
| Cost per page (24%) | 73 | About 6.3¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured 63XL (430 / 300 pages). Docked because the printer can reject cartridges without the maker's chip. |
| Reliability (13%) | 84 | Most-reported problems: 'Close tray' errors from a broken paper-tray leg; cartridge errors after replacing ink; setup cartridges required to finish first setup |
| Features (12%) | 83 | Print, copy, scan, document feeder, auto two-sided printing, fax, Wi-Fi, touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 80 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Discontinued. HP lists the 5212 in its OfficeJet 5200 series support pages; it appears to have been a retailer-specific model. HP's 63 cartridges are now sold as HP 63/65.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 15, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
HP 63XL 2-packF6U64AN + F6U63AN
HP 63XL BlackF6U64AN · ~430 pages
HP 63XL Tri-colorF6U63AN · ~300 pages
HP 63XL 2-pack
HP 63XL Black
HP 63XL Tri-colorOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
What Ink Cartridges Does the HP OfficeJet 5212 Take?
| Cartridge | HP part no. | Approx. yield | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 63 Black | F6U62AN | ~170 pages | — |
| HP 63 Tri-color | F6U61AN | ~150 pages | — |
| HP 63XL Black | F6U64AN | ~430 pages | Remanufactured 63XL Black |
| HP 63XL Tri-color | F6U63AN | ~300 pages | Remanufactured 63XL Tri-color |
| HP 63/65XL Black (new) | B7RT5AN | ~300 pages | — |
| HP 63/65 Tri-color (new) | B7RT2AN | ~100 pages | — |
HP's new 63/65 cartridges work in any printer that took HP 63 or HP 65, but they hold less: the new 63/65XL black is rated at about 300 pages against 430 for the old 63XL, and so far there's no high-yield 63/65 tri-color. Staples now marks the old 63XL black discontinued.
Is XL Worth It?
Yes, and more so now. On October 15, 2026, Staples listed HP's new 63/65XL black at $46.99 (about 15.7¢ a page) and the 63/65 tri-color at $26.99 for about 100 pages. Our remanufactured 63XL black is $23.49 (about 5.5¢ a page) and holds the older, larger 430-page fill. The tri-color is $24.49, or $45.95 for the 2-pack.
How Do I Replace the Ink in the HP OfficeJet 5212?
- Turn the printer on, load plain paper and lift the cartridge access door by its side handles until it locks.
- Wait for the carriage to stop, then lift the lid on the empty cartridge's slot and pull the cartridge out.
- Unpack the new cartridge, holding it by the sides, and peel off the plastic tape without touching the copper contacts.
- Push it in until it snaps into place (tri-color on the left, black on the right) and close the slot lid.
- Close the access door. When the alignment page prints, put it face down on the scanner glass and touch OK.
Which Other Printers Use HP 63?
The OfficeJet 3830, 3833, 4650, 4655, 5252, 5255 and 5258; the ENVY 4512 and 4520; and the DeskJet 1112, 2132, 3630 and 3632. Through HP 63/65, HP 65 printers such as the ENVY 5055 now share the same cartridges.
What OfficeJet 5212 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer in HP's support community and owner reviews, answered in our words.
The printer says 'Close Tray' when the tray is closed.
This is a known 5200-series problem: a small leg or latch on the paper tray breaks and the sensor thinks the tray is open. Inexpensive tray-leg repair kits fit the 5212, 5213 and 5255.
It says to remove and reinstall the black cartridge.
Check the cartridge is a U.S. HP 63 or 63/65, then unplug the printer for 60 seconds. Clean the cartridge and carriage contacts with a little distilled water, let them dry for 10 minutes and reseat.
Can I skip the setup cartridges?
Generally no. The 5200 series uses the in-box SETUP cartridges to finish first-time setup.
Which slot is black?
Black goes on the right and tri-color on the left.
OfficeJet 5212 quirks worth knowing
- HP's spec sheet for the OfficeJet 5255 lists 10 ISO pages a minute in black and 7 in color.
- The 5200 series has a 35-sheet document feeder, a 100-sheet tray, a 2.2-inch touchscreen and automatic two-sided printing.
- It connects over Wi-Fi or USB; there's no Ethernet port.
- HP's dynamic security can reject cartridges without an HP chip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the HP OfficeJet 5212 use?
HP 63 or 63XL, now also sold as HP 63/65: one black and one tri-color cartridge.
Do the new HP 63/65 cartridges fit?
Yes. HP says they work in every printer that took HP 63 or HP 65, with no settings to change.
Is the 5212 a real HP model?
Yes. HP lists it in its OfficeJet 5200 series support documents.
Other printers that use HP 63
HP OfficeJet 5255 · HP OfficeJet 5258 · HP OfficeJet 5252 · HP OfficeJet 3830 · HP OfficeJet 4650 · HP Envy 4520 · HP DeskJet 3630
More HP ink guides: HP OfficeJet 3830 · HP Envy 5000 · HP OfficeJet Pro 8610 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 (cheapest to run) — CastleScore 90
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw (laser) — CastleScore 82
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e — CastleScore 79
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 15, 2026 and will change over time.
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.