What Ink Does the HP Photosmart 7520 Use?
Last Updated:Quick Answer: The HP Photosmart 7520 uses HP 564 and HP 564XL ink cartridges in Black, Photo Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. The XL versions deliver the lowest cost-per-page on this 5-cartridge photo printer. Castle Ink stocks compatible HP 564XL cartridges with free U.S. shipping and a one-year guarantee.
Photosmart 7520 Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. Yield |
|---|---|---|
| HP 564 | Black | ~250 pages |
| HP 564 | Photo Black / Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~300 pages each |
| HP 564XL | Black | ~550 pages |
| HP 564XL | Photo Black / Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~750 pages each |
Save on HP 564XL Ink for the Photosmart 7520
OEM 564XL cartridges add up fast across five color slots. Castle Ink's compatible HP 564XL cartridges deliver the same yields at a fraction of the price.
- HP 564XL Compatible 5-Cartridge Bundle — complete set for the Photosmart 7520
- HP 564XL Photo Black Compatible Cartridge
All Castle Ink orders include free U.S. shipping and a one-year quality guarantee.
How to Replace Ink in the Photosmart 7520
- Power on the printer and open the cartridge access door — the carriage slides to the center.
- Press down on the empty cartridge tab and lift it straight out of the slot.
- Unwrap the new HP 564 or 564XL cartridge and remove the orange protective cap.
- Slide the new cartridge into the matching color slot at a slight angle, then press until it clicks.
- Close the access door — the Photosmart 7520 will run a brief alignment.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Incompatible Print Cartridge" error: Remove the cartridge, wipe the copper contacts with a lint-free cloth, and reseat firmly. Power-cycle the printer if needed.
Faded photos or banding: Run Tools > Maintenance > Clean Printhead one or two cycles. Try printing on photo paper after the cleaning.
Photo Black running low quickly: The Photosmart 7520 uses Photo Black for high-quality photo prints. Keep a spare 564XL Photo Black on hand if you print photos often.
Cartridge not recognized: Ensure the orange tape is fully removed and the cartridge is seated all the way down. A firmware update can also restore recognition.
Official HP Resources
Bottom Line
The HP Photosmart 7520 uses HP 564 and 564XL ink cartridges across five slots. The XL bundle is the best value for any photo-printing household. Shop the HP 564XL compatible bundle at Castle Ink for the lowest cost-per-page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Photosmart 7520 really use five cartridges?
Yes — Black, Photo Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. Photo Black is in addition to standard Black for photo quality.
Can I mix HP 564 and HP 564XL cartridges?
Yes — you can run any combination of standard and XL in the five slots.
How many pages does an HP 564XL black print?
About 550 pages at 5% coverage — roughly double the standard 564.
Are Castle Ink 564XL cartridges chipped to work with the Photosmart 7520?
Yes — every compatible 564XL ships with a chip that communicates with the printer's ink monitoring system.
Is shipping free?
Yes — every U.S. Castle Ink order ships free and is backed by a one-year guarantee.