HP Manuals Pro

HP DeskJet 1512 Manual — Setup, Troubleshooting & Ink Cartridge Guide

The HP DeskJet 1512 is a compact all-in-one inkjet printer offering print, copy, and scan capabilities for everyday home use. It delivers reliable color and black-and-white output using HP 65 or HP 65XL ink cartridges. This page covers setup instructions, troubleshooting guidance, maintenance tips, and full specifications to help you get the most from your printer.

USB Connectivity Color Inkjet All-in-One Print, Copy & Scan
download Download PDF Manual

Product Setup

1

Unbox and Position the Printer

Remove the HP DeskJet 1512 from its packaging and place it on a flat, stable surface near your computer. Remove all protective tape and packing materials from inside and outside the printer, including any tape covering the cartridge access area.

2

Install the Ink Cartridges

Open the cartridge access door and wait for the print carriage to move to the center. Remove the pink protective tape from both the tri-color (HP 65) and black (HP 65) ink cartridges, then insert each cartridge firmly into the correct slot until it clicks into place. Close the cartridge access door.

3

Load Paper and Open the Output Tray

Load plain white letter or A4 paper into the input tray and adjust the paper-width guide so it fits snugly against the paper without bending it. Make sure the output tray is open before you begin printing, as the printer will not print with the output tray closed.

4

Connect to Your Computer and Install Software

Connect the HP DeskJet 1512 to your computer using a USB cable no longer than 3 metres (10 feet). Install the HP printer software from the included CD or download it from hp.com, then follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, align the ink cartridges via the printer toolbox under Print & Scan > Maintain Your Printer.

info

Pro-Tip: Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzles. Touching these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.

WiFi Connection Guide

usb

USB Direct Connection

The HP DeskJet 1512 connects to your computer via a standard USB cable. HP recommends using a cable of 3 metres (10 feet) or less to ensure a reliable connection and minimise interference. Simply plug the USB cable into the printer and your computer, then install the printer software to complete setup.

desktop_windows

Windows Software Setup

The HP DeskJet 1512 is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8. After connecting via USB, open the HP printer software and access Print & Scan to manage print jobs, check ink levels, and maintain your printer. The HP Print and Scan Doctor tool is also available for automatic troubleshooting of print and scan issues.

Troubleshooting FAQ

How do I improve print quality on the HP DeskJet 1512?expand_more
First, ensure you are using genuine HP 65 or HP 65XL ink cartridges. Check the estimated ink levels via the printer software and replace any low cartridges. Open the printer software, go to Print & Scan > Maintain Your Printer, and use the 'Align Ink Cartridges' option on the Device Services tab — load plain white paper, place the printed alignment sheet face-down on the scanner glass, and press Start Copy Black. If streaks persist, print a diagnostics page from the Device Reports tab and then run 'Clean Ink Cartridges' from the Device Services tab.
How do I clear a paper jam on the HP DeskJet 1512?expand_more
Press the Cancel button first to attempt an automatic clear. If the jam remains, gently pull the paper from the input tray or output tray. For jams in the cartridge access area, open the cartridge access door and slide the print carriage to the right. For internal jams, open the cleanout door on the bottom of the printer by pressing the tabs on both sides, remove the jammed paper, then close the door until both latches snap into place. Press Start Copy Black or Start Copy Color to resume printing. Always handle jammed paper carefully and avoid using tools inside the printer.
The HP DeskJet 1512 won't print — what should I do?expand_more
Ensure the printer is powered on and paper is loaded in the input tray. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable. Check that the printer is not paused or set to offline mode via Devices and Printers in the Windows Control Panel. Verify the HP DeskJet 1512 is set as the default printer. If issues persist, restart the Print Spooler service via Administrative Tools > Services, clear the print queue, and restart your computer. You can also download the HP Print and Scan Doctor for automated diagnosis.
How do I fix an ink cartridge problem on the HP DeskJet 1512?expand_more
Start by removing and reinserting the ink cartridges to ensure they are seated correctly. If the error persists, clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge with a dry, lint-free cloth — wipe only the small gold-coloured dots and avoid spreading ink. Also clean the corresponding gold-coloured contacts inside the printer. Reinstall the cartridge and close the cartridge access door. If the error message remains, turn the printer off and on again. If one cartridge is faulty, you can operate the printer in single-cartridge mode while you source a replacement HP 65 or HP 65XL cartridge.
How do I identify a defective cartridge on the HP DeskJet 1512?expand_more
If both the tri-color and black cartridge indicator lights are blinking and the On button light is on, first confirm that the pink protective tape has been removed from both cartridges and that both are properly installed. If the lights continue to blink, remove the black ink cartridge and close the cartridge access door. If the On button then blinks rapidly, replace the tri-color cartridge. If the On button does not blink, replace the black cartridge. Contact HP support if you need further assistance identifying or replacing a defective HP 65 cartridge.
warning

Important Safety Instructions

  • Always turn the HP DeskJet 1512 off using the On button and wait for the light to go out before unplugging — this prevents the ink cartridges from drying out and protects the printhead.
  • Do not leave ink cartridges outside the printer for more than 30 minutes, as exposure to air can damage the printhead or dry out the HP 65 cartridge nozzles.
  • Regularly align the ink cartridges via Print & Scan > Maintain Your Printer > Align Ink Cartridges to maintain sharp, accurate print output.
  • Prevent paper jams by not overfilling the input tray, using a single paper type and size per print job, and ensuring paper edges are flat and undamaged before loading.

Replacement Ink Cartridges

The HP DeskJet 1512 printer uses genuine HP 65 / HP 65XL ink cartridges. Select your cartridge below to purchase replacement cartridges on Amazon:

shopping_cart Buy HP 65 on Amazon shopping_cart Buy HP 65XL on Amazon

Technical Specifications

Feature Specification
Printer TypeAll-in-One Inkjet (Print, Copy, Scan)
Compatible CartridgesHP 65 / HP 65XL (Black and Tri-Color)
ConnectivityUSB (cable of 3 m / 10 ft or less recommended)
Print Resolution (Black)Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi (input); Automatic output
Print Resolution (Color)Up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi (color output)
Print SpeedVaries by document complexity; Draft mode available for faster output
Operating Systems SupportedWindows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8
Related ModelsHP DeskJet 1500, 1510, 1513, 1515, 1516
Paper Types SupportedPlain paper, photo paper; letter and A4 sizes supported for alignment and diagnostics
Manual / DocumentationOfficial PDF manual available at hp.com/support; register at register.hp.com for support alerts