HP DeskJet 2720e: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the HP DeskJet 2720e right for you?

The DeskJet 2720e is the UK, Irish and Australian counterpart of the American 2755e, using HP 305 cartridges instead of HP 67 but otherwise identical. It sells in enormous volumes through supermarkets and catalogue retailers, which is why so many support questions mention it. Owners should note that the HP+ activation and Instant Ink trial are optional at setup but permanent once accepted, and that the 305 tri-colour cartridge is the expensive part of running it.

Best for: UK and Irish households wanting a cheap wireless all-in-one

Setting up the HP DeskJet 2720e

Use HP Smart and pick your country carefully, as the app offers different Instant Ink terms per region. Connect to the 2.4 GHz band if your router splits bands, and keep the printer within a room or two of it. The flashing cartridge light after a refill usually means the cartridge is not seated; reseat it with the door closed and wait for the printer to re-read it.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the ink cartridges, and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use HP's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The HP DeskJet 2720e uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• HP 305 Black
• HP 305 Tri-colour
• HP 305XL high-yield

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications