HP · LaserJet Pro 300/400 color MFP M375/M475 Series

HP LaserJet Pro M375/M475 — Install color cartridge

The printer believes a required color cartridge is missing even though the cartridge door is closed.

Error meaning

A required color cartridge is missing while the door is closed.

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.

  • Install [color] cartridge
  • install-cartridge

What usually causes it

  • The indicated cartridge is actually absent.
  • The cartridge is present but not fully seated in its slot.
  • The wrong cartridge or a damaged supply prevents the printer from detecting that color position.

What to try

Step 1

Use the message to identify the missing color

Check only the color named on the display first.

Step 2

Install or firmly reseat that cartridge

Align it with the correct slot and push it fully into place without forcing it.

Step 3

Verify the part number and cartridge condition

A physically similar but wrong supply may not be recognized as installed.

Step 4

Close the cartridge door completely and wait

Let the printer complete its supply check before deciding the message remains.

After each corrective action

Retry the same operation that produced Install [color] cartridge. If it now works, stop there rather than changing unrelated printer, network, supply, or service settings.

If the code returns

If Install cartridge returns with a correct cartridge fully seated, test a known-good supply if available and note whether the failure stays with the cartridge or the printer slot.

When service may be needed

User troubleshooting should stop at correct installation and supply replacement. Persistent detection failure in one slot may need 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.

Continue with this error

Related information

Verified source

Manufacturer documentation ↗

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.

Printer Triage is an independent troubleshooting reference and is not affiliated with HP.