What Ink Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 Use?
Last Updated:Quick Answer: The HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 uses HP 902 (standard) or HP 902XL (high-yield) ink cartridges in black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The XL set delivers the lowest cost-per-page and works with every OfficeJet Pro 6970-series printer. Castle Ink stocks compatible HP 902XL multi-packs that ship free in the U.S.
OfficeJet Pro 6978 Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. Yield |
|---|---|---|
| HP 902 | Black | ~300 pages |
| HP 902 | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~315 pages each |
| HP 902XL | Black | ~825 pages |
| HP 902XL | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~825 pages each |
Save on HP 902XL Ink for the OfficeJet Pro 6978
Genuine HP 902XL cartridges can run more than $90 for a full set. Castle Ink's compatible HP 902XL cartridges are tested for page yield and print quality and cost a fraction of OEM pricing.
- HP 902XL Compatible 4-Pack (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) — lowest cost-per-page
- HP 902XL Compatible 8-Pack — best value for heavy users
All Castle Ink cartridges include free U.S. shipping and a one-year quality guarantee.
How to Replace Ink in the OfficeJet Pro 6978
- Power the printer on and open the front access door — the carriage will slide to the center.
- Gently press down on the empty cartridge to release it, then pull it straight out.
- Remove the new HP 902 or 902XL cartridge from its packaging and pull off the protective tape covering the contacts.
- Slide the new cartridge into the matching color slot until it clicks into place.
- Close the access door — the printer will run a brief alignment cycle. Print a test page to confirm.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Cartridge Problem" or "Incompatible Cartridge" error: Remove the cartridge, wipe the gold contacts with a lint-free cloth, and reseat firmly. Power-cycle the printer if the message persists.
Faded or streaky prints: Run the printer's built-in cleaning utility from Tools > Maintenance once or twice. Print quality usually recovers within a few cycles.
Printer won't recognize a new cartridge: Confirm you removed the orange protective tape and that the cartridge is fully seated. Some firmware updates can also restore recognition.
Slow ink drain: The OfficeJet Pro 6978 uses ink during routine printhead servicing. Switching to HP 902XL high-yield cartridges roughly triples your page count between changes.
Official HP Resources
Bottom Line
The HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 uses HP 902 or 902XL ink cartridges. For nearly every home and small-office user, the XL versions are the smarter choice — more pages, fewer swaps, and a lower per-page cost. Shop HP 902XL compatible cartridges at Castle Ink to keep your OfficeJet Pro 6978 printing for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use HP 902XL cartridges in a printer that came with HP 902 standard?
Yes. The 902XL is the high-yield version of the same family and is fully compatible with the OfficeJet Pro 6978.
Do compatible HP 902XL cartridges work with the latest firmware?
Castle Ink's compatible 902XL cartridges are updated regularly for firmware compatibility. If you receive a warning, it's typically dismissable.
How many pages does an HP 902XL black cartridge print?
About 825 pages at 5% coverage — nearly three times the standard 902.
Is the OfficeJet Pro 6978 the same family as the 6968 and 6970?
Yes — all three printers share the HP 902 / 902XL cartridge family.
Are Castle Ink cartridges guaranteed?
Every Castle Ink cartridge ships with free U.S. shipping and a one-year quality guarantee.