HP LaserJet Pro M375/M475 — Incompatible color
A cartridge made for a different HP product model is installed in the M375/M475.
Error meaning
A cartridge intended for a different HP product model is installed.
This meaning is tied to the reviewed family/platform and subsystem below; do not reuse the number or wording by itself on a different printer family or protocol.
Applies to
LaserJet Pro 300/400 color MFP M375/M475 Series
- HP LaserJet Pro 300 color MFP M375
- HP LaserJet Pro 400 color MFP M475
Common formatting
These are formatting/lookup aliases for this reviewed condition, not separate error pages.
- Incompatible <color>
- incompatible-cartridge
What usually causes it
- The replacement cartridge part number does not match this printer family.
- A cartridge from a visually similar HP color LaserJet was moved into this device.
- Third-party packaging or ordering information led to a supply that fits physically but is not electronically compatible.
What to try
Record which color is reported incompatible
Do not remove every cartridge at once; identify the one the control panel names.
Check the cartridge part number against this exact printer family
Use HP's supported supply information for the M375/M475, not just a cartridge that appears to fit.
Replace only the incompatible supply
Install a correct cartridge in the matching color slot and keep the other known-good supplies in place.
Allow supply initialization to finish
Close the door, wait for the printer to recognize the replacement, then print a test page.
After each corrective action
Retry the same operation that produced Incompatible <color>. If it now works, stop there rather than changing unrelated printer, network, supply, or service settings.
If the code returns
If a cartridge with the correct supported part number is still reported incompatible, reseat it once and compare with another known-good supply if available before contacting HP.
When service may be needed
Do not modify cartridge chips, slot keys, or firmware to force an incompatible supply. Persistent recognition problems with correct supplies belong with HP/service.
Continue with guided troubleshooting
If the printer still is not working after the reviewed checks, carry this verified error context into the guided troubleshooter.
Related information
Verified source
Official HP family support document explicitly covers M375/M475 and provides supply and 79-series control-panel meanings/actions. Color variants are reviewed as variants, not separate SEO opportunities.