What Ink Does the HP OfficeJet 6978 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP OfficeJet 6978 uses HP 902 standard or HP 902XL high-yield ink cartridges in Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. For dramatically lower cost-per-page, the 902XL versions are the smart pick — they hold roughly 6x more black ink and 3x more color.
HP OfficeJet 6978 Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|
| HP 902 Black (standard) | T6L98AN | ~300 pages |
| HP 902 Cyan (standard) | T6L86AN | ~315 pages |
| HP 902 Magenta (standard) | T6L90AN | ~315 pages |
| HP 902 Yellow (standard) | T6L94AN | ~315 pages |
| HP 902XL Black (high-yield) | T6M14AN | ~825 pages |
| HP 902XL Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (high-yield) | T6M02/06/10AN | ~825 pages each |
Save on HP 902XL Ink for the OfficeJet 6978
Buying the 902XL 4-pack drops your cost-per-page to a fraction of OEM pricing. Our compatible HP 902XL BCMY 4-pack ships free in the U.S. on orders over $50.
Shop the HP 902XL Black + CMY 4-Pack →
How to Replace Ink in the HP OfficeJet 6978
- Power the printer on and open the cartridge access door at the front of the unit. Wait for the carriage to slide to the access position.
- Press down lightly on the cartridge you're replacing to release it, then pull it straight out of its slot.
- Unbox the new HP 902 or 902XL cartridge. Pull the orange protective tab off the cartridge — do not touch the copper contacts or the ink ports underneath.
- Insert the new cartridge into the correctly color-coded slot (each slot is labeled K, C, M, or Y). Push it in until you hear or feel it click into place.
- Close the cartridge access door. The OfficeJet 6978 will run an alignment cycle and print a calibration page — once that's done, you're ready to print.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not detected: Power-cycle the printer (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in). The OfficeJet 6978 often needs a hard reset before recognizing a freshly installed cartridge.
Faded prints or banding: Run the cleaning routine from the printer's Setup → Tools menu, or via HP Smart. One or two cycles will usually resolve mild clogs.
"Used, refilled, or counterfeit cartridge" warning: Press OK or Accept to continue. This message is standard when using non-HP cartridges and does not block printing.
Low-ink warning right after install: HP's ink-level estimator is based on usage, not a physical gauge. It can take 5–10 print jobs to recalibrate after a fresh install. Ignore the warning unless print quality drops.
Official HP Resources
Bottom Line
The HP OfficeJet 6978 takes HP 902 standard or HP 902XL high-yield cartridges. The XL 4-pack is the most cost-effective choice for almost every household and small office. Compatible cartridges from Castle Ink work identically to OEM and ship free in the U.S. on $50+ orders.
Get the HP 902XL 4-Pack for your OfficeJet 6978 →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix HP 902 standard and HP 902XL cartridges in the OfficeJet 6978?
Yes. The OfficeJet 6978 accepts any combination of HP 902 and HP 902XL cartridges. Most users run XL black with XL color for the lowest cost-per-page, but standard and XL can be used interchangeably.
Will compatible HP 902XL cartridges void my OfficeJet 6978 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 902XL print in the OfficeJet 6978?
HP rates the 902XL black at approximately 825 pages and each 902XL color at approximately 825 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 902 ink?
HP 902 / 902XL cartridges work in the HP OfficeJet 6950, 6951, 6954, 6958, 6960, 6962, 6968, 6970, 6975, 6978 and OfficeJet Pro 6960, 6968, 6970, 6975, 6978, and 6979. They are a different cartridge family from the HP 906XL, which fits only the OfficeJet Pro 6960/6970 series in specific regions.
Why does my OfficeJet 6978 say "Cartridge Problem" after I install a new cartridge?
This is usually a contact issue. Remove the cartridge, gently wipe the copper contacts with a dry lint-free cloth, and reseat firmly. If the message persists, try a different USB or Ethernet connection and power-cycle the printer.