What Ink Does the HP Photosmart C4280 Use?

Last updated: September 27, 2026. Reviewed by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink.

Correction: an earlier version of this article said our cartridges carry a two-year warranty. Castle Ink supplies are covered by a 1-year satisfaction guarantee.

Quick answer: what ink does the HP Photosmart C4280 use?

The HP Photosmart C4280 uses two cartridges with the print head built in: one HP 74 black and one HP 75 tri-color (cyan, magenta, and yellow in one cartridge). High-yield HP 74XL and 75XL fit the same slots.

Cartridge options at a glance

*Approximate HP-rated yields based on ISO/IEC test pages. Real-world results depend on coverage and how often the printer runs cleaning or calibration cycles.

Common questions about HP Photosmart C4280 ink

Should I buy HP 74/75 or 74XL/75XL?

XL. The 74XL black is rated for about 750 pages, almost four times the standard 74, and the 75XL color about 520 versus 170. See Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers.

Can I mix standard and high-yield cartridges?

Yes. Each cartridge is read separately, so any mix of standard and high-yield sizes works.

What other printers use HP 74/75?

The same cartridges fit the DeskJet D4260 and D4360, OfficeJet J5780 and J6480, and Photosmart C4480, C4580, C4780, and C5580. If you own more than one, a single stock covers them all.

Will other HP cartridges fit the C4280?

No. HP 60/61, HP 21/22, and HP 94/95/97 are different shapes and won't seat in the C4280. Always match the number on your current cartridge.

Are compatible or remanufactured cartridges safe for the C4280?

Yes. Quality compatible and remanufactured cartridges print like OEM, and using them doesn't void your warranty under U.S. law. If you see a used or non-HP cartridge message, choose OK or Continue. More: Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and toner and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.

How do I replace the ink in the C4280?

Turn the printer on and open the cartridge access door; wait for the carriage to stop. Push the empty cartridge down gently to release it and pull it out. Unwrap the new cartridge and remove the plastic tape covering the nozzles (don't touch the copper contacts or nozzles), then slide it in at a slight upward angle until it clicks. Black goes on the right and tri-color on the left. Close the door and let the printer align. Step by step: How to change the ink in an HP printer.

Why are C4280 prints faded, streaky, or missing a color?

On this printer the print head is part of each cartridge, so a fresh cartridge often fixes nozzle problems. First run the printer's cleaning tool once or twice. If one color is missing from the tri-color cartridge, that color is empty and the whole cartridge needs replacing. More: HP printer not printing correctly: colors, alignment, and quality and Faded or streaky prints: causes and fixes.

Can I print with only one cartridge?

Often, yes. Many HP printers switch to single-cartridge mode if one cartridge is removed or empty, printing black-only or color-only more slowly. Replace the missing cartridge soon to protect the nozzles. See HP printer not printing black: what actually fixes it.

Can I refill HP 74 and 75 cartridges?

Yes. Because they're older print-head cartridges, they refill well, though each refill wears the nozzles. A remanufactured XL is usually easier. See How to refill ink cartridges at home.

Does the C4280 have Wi-Fi?

No. It connects by USB and has memory card slots for printing photos without a computer.

C4280 key facts

• Type: all-in-one (print, scan, copy)
• Ink: HP 74 black + HP 75 tri-color (XL sizes fit)
• Connectivity: USB
• Extras: memory card slots

Shop C4280 ink at Castle Ink

• HP 74XL black
• HP 75XL tri-color
• HP 74 black
• HP 75 tri-color
• Browse all HP ink cartridges

Castle Ink compatible and remanufactured supplies typically cost 50–70% less than HP retail and are backed by our 1-year satisfaction guarantee. Estimate your savings with the Printer ink cost calculator.

Official HP resources

HP Photosmart C4280 support, drivers, and manuals

Related guides

• How to change the ink in an HP printer
• HP printer not printing correctly: colors, alignment, and quality
• HP printer not printing black: what actually fixes it
• How to refill ink cartridges at home
• Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers
• Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and toner

Buy genuine HP 74XL on Amazon: HP 74XL on Amazon

About the author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has written about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for more than 20 years.