You have installed a new printer cartridge and a 'Cartridge not recognised' or 'Cartridge Problem' message appears on your computer or printer screen.
Why does this happen and what can you do?
When installed, the cartridge contacts will connect with the electrical contacts inside your printer so that it can function correctly. Occasionally, you may see an error advising that a cartridge cannot be recognised during use and this can be due to a number of reasons, for example, if an incorrect cartridge is installed or if the ink in the cartridge has depleted.
To help identify the cause of the error, please follow the quick checklist below:
- Has the correct cartridge for your printer been installed? If the wrong cartridge is installed, an error will show on the printer display.
- Has the cartridge been inserted into the correct slot? For example, a Black cartridge in a Cyan slot will not be accepted by the printer.
- If the cartridge was working well before the error appeared, does the ink level show it is low or empty? Compatible cartridges can sometimes show as not recognised when empty.
Although you may have already checked the above, we would always recommend to double check them in case anything has been missed.
If you are confident that the correct cartridges are inserted and in the right slot, the next step we advise is to check that the chip contacts are clean.
Cleaning The Cartridge Chip Contacts
When a cartridge is installed the chip will connect with the electrical contacts inside the printer so it can be recognised and work correctly. If there is a small amount of dust or ink residue on the contacts, it will prevent the cartridge from being recognised by the printer and show an error on the display or on your computer. Cleaning the chip contacts is a relatively quick task and can usually resolve the error.
Firstly, remove the affected cartridge(s) from the printer and locate the contacts - The location and appearance of the contacts can vary depending on the brand of cartridge being used. Secondly, turn the printer off by unplugging it at the mains and keep this turned off for 15 minutes, once the printer has been off at the mains for 15 minutes plug the printer back in and once the cleaning steps below have been carried out, you may reinstall the cartridge.
Once you have located the contacts, please follow the below steps:
Contact type A cleaning instructions
- Using an eraser, carefully rub the contacts to ensure that the surface is clean and free from any impurities.
- Reinstall the cartridge and press down firmly to make sure it is properly seated.
Contact type B cleaning instructions
- Using a dry, lint-free cloth, carefully wipe the contacts to ensure that the surface is clean and free from any impurities.
- Reinstall the cartridge and press down firmly to make sure it is properly seated.
If you are still experiencing problems, please contact us for further assistance.