When your top-rated printer runs out of ink, you know you’re going to have to shell out some cash for a replacement. In some cases, printers don’t allow you to print anything when one of the ink cartridges is low, even if you aren’t using that color. In this article, we’ll teach you how to perform a printer cartridge reset on your ink cartridge so you can get the most use out of it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Printer ink cartridges can be expensive to replace on a constant basis.
- Most ink cartridges have some onboard memory to measure ink levels, which can be reset.
- Resetting a printer cartridge can save you money in the long run since it prevents ink waste.
Everything You Need to Know About Resetting a Printer Cartridge
You can save yourself a lot of money and frustration by resetting a printer or a printer cartridge. First, it’s important to learn how your ink cartridge works. Most ink cartridges feature a small circuit board that communicates ink levels to your printer. Unfortunately, these estimates can often be wrong, which leads you to replace the cartridge too early and waste money in the process.
What Problem Does a Cartridge Reset Solve?
To fix the problem of inaccurate ink level readings, you can actually reset your printer cartridge’s onboard memory. This process tricks the cartridge into thinking you haven’t printed anything, which in turn gives you a more accurate ink level reading. When you follow this process, you can save yourself a ton of money over your printer’s lifespan.
Steps
Follow these simple steps to reset your printer cartridge:
STEP 1 Prepare Your Paper Clip
The only tool you need for this process is a paper clip. Bend the end of the paper clip so you have a piece protruding away from the rest of the clip. We recommend bending the paper clip at the first curve so you have a good length to work with.
STEP 2Remove the Printer Cartridge
Remove the ink cartridge from your printer, following the instructions in your owner’s manual. Be sure to properly remove the ink cartridge so as to not damage it.
STEP 3 Locate the Reset Button
The reset button on most ink cartridges is located right next to the circuit board, which is green with gold metal dots. It is a small circle button.
STEP 4 Press the Reset Button
After locating the reset button, press it using the end of your paper clip. Most ink cartridges only require a single press of the button to reset it, but if it doesn’t reset, try holding the reset button for a few seconds.
STEP 5 Replace the Printer Cartridge
Replace the ink cartridge back into your printer, again following the instructions laid out in your owner’s manual.
STEP 6Check Ink Levels
After the ink cartridge is in place, check the ink levels to make sure the reset worked. If it didn’t, you may need to try again or the cartridge really is out of ink. After you are done resetting your printer cartridge, you can now start printing.
Remember, you can scan a photograph from your printer to your computer by placing the document to be scanned in the printer’s platen, and pressing start.
F.A.Q.S
Is there a reset button on ink cartridges?
Yes, most modern printers use ink cartridges with onboard memory, which requires a reset button for technical troubleshooting.
Why does my printer not recognize my ink cartridge?
In most cases, your printer doesn’t recognize an ink cartridge due to improper installation or dirty connections. Remove the cartridge, clean the connections, and re-install following the proper steps as outlined in the owner’s manual.
How do I fix an HP printer cartridge error?
In general, you can fix an HP printer’s cartridge error by simply resetting the printer. Unplug the power cord, wait for a minute, and then plug it back to power it on. This clears most errors.
How do you reinstall a cartridge?
Most printers today make it incredibly easy to reinstall ink cartridges. Open the front of the printer, open the ink cartridge housing, and place the cartridge in its correct spot, based on the labels.
STAT: On average, consumers spend around $120 on black ink cartridges per year and $150 on color ink cartridges per year. (source)
