What Ink Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e Use?
Last Updated:The HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e uses HP 923 and HP 923e ink cartridges — four individual tanks in black, cyan, magenta and yellow. There is no "HP 923XL": the high-yield version is the 923e, and it prints roughly twice as many pages as a standard HP 923.
HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|
| HP 923 | Black | ~500 pages |
| HP 923 | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~400 pages each |
| HP 923e | Black | ~1,000 pages |
| HP 923e | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~800 pages each |
Because each color is its own cartridge, you replace only the one that runs out. The same HP 923 / 923e family also fits the HP OfficeJet Pro 8120, 8122e, 8125e, 8130, 8130e and 8135e — so your ink stock carries over if you upgrade within the line.
What the "e" in HP 923e Actually Means
It does not mean Instant Ink, and it is not an "evergreen" cartridge. HP 923e is an EvoMore cartridge — HP's high-yield, lower-carbon line — and you buy it at retail like any other cartridge. Aftermarket listings often label it "923XL" because that is what shoppers search for, but HP has never made a cartridge with that part number. If a seller quotes you an "HP 923XL," they mean the 923e.
Save on HP 923 Ink for the OfficeJet Pro 8120e
Genuine HP 923 cartridges run about $20 each, so a full replacement set lands close to $80. Castle Ink's remanufactured HP 923 cartridges are built on an original HP chip — which is what keeps them working on a Dynamic Security printer — and cost a fraction of OEM:
Before You Buy: HP+ Is a One-Way Door
The "e" in the printer's name means it ships with the option to activate HP+. Turning HP+ on adds a year of warranty and three months of Instant Ink, but it also locks the printer to Original HP cartridges for the life of the machine, and HP documents no way to reverse it. If you want the option of compatible or remanufactured ink, decline HP+ during setup — the printer works normally without it.
How to Replace Ink in the HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e
- Power the printer on and open the ink cartridge access door — the carriage slides to the center.
- Press down on the old cartridge to release it, then pull it straight out toward you.
- Unwrap the new cartridge and remove the protective tape. Do not touch the gold contacts or the ink nozzles.
- Match the color-coded letter on the cartridge (K, C, M or Y) to the same letter on the slot, then push it in until it clicks.
- Close the access door. The printer runs an alignment page automatically — keep it for reference.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized: Remove the cartridge, wipe the gold contacts with a dry lint-free cloth, and reseat it until it clicks. Power-cycle the printer if the error persists.
Streaks or faded prints: Run Tools > Maintenance > Clean Printhead from the control panel or the HP Smart app. Two cycles usually clears a partially clogged nozzle.
Compatible ink stops working after an update: Dynamic Security is enabled on this model, and firmware updates can block cartridges that use a non-HP chip. Cartridges built on an original HP chip are unaffected. To be safe, turn off automatic updates under Setup > Printer Maintenance > Update the Printer.
Low-ink warnings too early: HP estimates ink levels conservatively. Keep printing until quality actually drops rather than swapping on the first warning.
Official HP Resources
Bottom Line
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e uses HP 923 and HP 923e ink. The 923e is the better buy if you print regularly — about double the pages for a modest premium. If you skipped HP+ at setup, Castle Ink's remanufactured HP 923 cartridges with original HP chips deliver the same yields at a much lower cost per page, with free U.S. shipping and a 1-year guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an HP 923XL cartridge? No. HP makes the 923 (standard) and the 923e (high yield). "923XL" is an aftermarket search term for the 923e.
Will compatible HP 923 cartridges void my printer warranty? No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, using compatible or remanufactured cartridges does not void your HP warranty. Damage caused by a specific cartridge is not covered, but the rest of the warranty stands.
Can I use third-party ink if I activated HP+? No. HP+ printers accept Original HP cartridges only, permanently. This is the single most important thing to know before you set up an 8120e.
What other printers use HP 923 ink? The HP OfficeJet Pro 8120, 8120e, 8122e, 8125e, 8130, 8130e and 8135e all use the same 923 / 923e family.
How many pages does an HP 923e cartridge print? About 1,000 pages in black and 800 pages per color, measured to ISO/IEC 24711 at 5% coverage. Heavy graphics will reduce that.
Shop Compatible Ink at Castle Ink
Save 50–70% on replacement cartridges for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e. Guaranteed to work — backed by Castle Ink's compatibility guarantee.
Buy the HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e on Amazon: HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e on Amazon
See also: How to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink | Printer Ink Cost Calculator
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