If your printer is flashing a dreaded 'cartridge not recognised' message, don’t panic! This issue is common with brands like Epson and Canon, and it’s usually a quick fix. Follow this simple troubleshooting guide to identify the problem and get your printer back up and running.
Fix #1: Check the basics
Before diving into complex solutions, start with these three quick checks—they solve most 'Not Recognised' errors:
✅ Is the cartridge empty? If you’ve been using compatible inks for a while, your printer may say 'not recognised' when a cartridge is actually empty.
✅ Are you using the correct cartridge? Using the wrong ink for your printer model will trigger an error. Double-check by searching for your ink on our site and entering your printer’s make and model in the bright yellow box.
✅ Is the cartridge in the correct slot? If a black cartridge is in a colour slot (or vice versa), your printer won’t recognise it.
Even if you’re confident everything is correct, take a moment to double-check!
Fix #2: Check which cartridge has the issue
If your printer is only reporting one cartridge having the error, skip to fix #3.
If you’ve replaced multiple cartridges and now none are working (including ones that were fine before), one of the new cartridges could be the culprit. To find out which one
1️⃣ Remove all the new cartridges and put the old (empty) ones back in.
2️⃣ Restart the printer—this should clear the error and show the empty warnings instead.
3️⃣ Reinstall one new cartridge at a time until the error appears again. That’s your faulty cartridge!
Fix #3: Clean the contact chip
Once you’ve identified the problem cartridge, check the gold/copper banding on it. This is the contact chip, and it’s how your printer communicates with the ink.
🧽 Clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth or a pencil eraser to remove dust, static, or any residue.
🖨️ Reinstall the cartridge and restart the printer. This should fix the issue!
Fix #4: Perform a hard reset
If the error still won’t go away, try a hard reset:
1️⃣ Turn off the printer at the plug.
2️⃣ Wait 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Turn it back on.
It sounds simple, but printers can sometimes 'remember' errors, and this reset often clears them.
Still getting the not recognised error?
If none of these fixes work, the cartridge may be faulty. If you purchased from Stinkyink, don’t worry—we offer a 12-month quality guarantee. Get in touch, and we’ll sort it out for you!
⚠️ Be cautious of low-quality inks! Poorly made cartridges can cause errors and even damage your printer. Always check product and retailer reviews before purchasing to ensure you’re getting reliable ink for peace of mind.
Need help? Our expert team is always here to assist—just drop us a message! 🚀
