
One of the things our customers most frequently ask us about is how to check ink or toner levels on their printer, more specifically their HP printer. Monitoring ink levels is an essential part of owning a printer, as it allows you to keep on top of your spending and also ensure that your machine is sufficiently stocked up at all times, particularly when processing larger print jobs.
How To Check Ink & Toner Levels
As a rule of thumb, you should be able to print a supplies report from the device itself, using the menu on the device (providing it has this function). If the machine does not have a display, then you may be able to generate a report by pressing a combination of buttons on the machine. The necessary combination in which to perform this task should be detailed in the machine user guide.
You can also usually check the ink status of your machine through the device driver found in the printers/devices section of your PC/Mac. If your machine is connected to the network, you can also log into the web interface using its assigned IP address by inputting it into a web browser. The web interface should also display the supplies status, too.
HP Printer Assistant
- Search Windows for the name of your printer
- Select the correct printer in the list of devices to open HP Printer Assistant
- From the top menu bar, view the Estimated Levels for your printer

Easy Printer Manager (HP Laser printers only)
Search Windows for Easy Printer Manager, then open it to view the Supplies information.

From an Apple mac device, check the ink or toner level on an HP printer using the printer software.
1. Make sure your printer is turned ON.
2. Click the magnifying glass at the top of your Desktop to open “Spotlight”

3. Search “Printers and Scanners”
4. Find your printer in the list, then select “Options & Supplies”
5. Click the “Supply Levels” tab to view the ink or toner levels.

HP Smart For Android & IOS
From Android or iOS App, check the ink or toner level on a HP printer using the HP Smart App.
- Visit your Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Search for the “HP Smart” App.
- Install the App on your mobile device.
- Find and add your printer to the “HP Smart” App.
- Your ink or toner level should now be displayed on the home screen.
HP Smart For Windows
From a Windows computer, the HP Smart App is the easiest way to check your Ink or toner levels on a HP printer.
- Make sure your printer is turned ON.
- Visit the Windows Store on your computer.
- Install the HP Smart App and find your printer on the App.
- Your ink or toner levels should now be displayed on the App home screen.

For HP refillable Ink Tank or Smart Tank printers, you can visually check the ink levels from the tank window. The tanks are either always located across the front left and right or on the side of the printer depending on your model.
- Look for the minimum and maximum fill lines on the tanks.
- If the remaining ink level is below the maximum but above the minimum fill line, there is no need to refill the ink tank.
- If the remaining ink level is below the minimum fill line, you will need to refill the ink tank.
- Also, ink levels below the minimum fill line can cause poor print quality so that will be an indication you need to fill the tanks.
Most HP printers will display the remaining ink and toner levels on the control panel. Look for an icon, similar to the below, it should resemble an ink drop, a printer, or a cartridge. Alternatively, find the “Ink levels” or “Toner level indicator” menu in the settings

FAQs
Installing your printer cartridges, or refilling your ink tanks would differ from printer to printer. For the most accurate information on changing your cartridge or refilling your tank, we recommend consulting the printer user manual.
From Android or iOS App, check the ink or toner level on a HP printer using the HP Smart App.
- Visit your Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Search for the “HP Smart” App.
- Install the App on your mobile device.
- Find and add your printer to the “HP Smart” App.
- Your ink or toner level should now be displayed on the home screen.
It’s vital to use the correct ink and toner cartridges for your printer. The wrong ones won’t fit in your printer. And, the same cartridges are very rarely shared across series.
Fortunately, Printerbase has a handy Ink & Toner finder available on our website. Simply search your printer, and we’ll find the correct cartridges for you. Alternatively, reach out to our sales team over the phone or LiveChat for our top-level service.
2 comments
You did not tell me how to do it!
Hi Dona
Thank you for your feedback, we have updated the blog to explain how to check ink & toner levels on your HP printer. It’s also available in the HP Ink & Toner FAQs found here: https://www.printerbase.co.uk/ink-toner-cartridges/hp.html
Hope this helps
Thank you
The Printerbase Team