What to do if your Epson printer does not recognise your compatible refillable cartridge at first?

Most of the time when you put a non-OEM refillable cartridge into an Epson printer, you'll get a warning message on the printer's LCD, telling you that does not recognise the cartridge you have just put in.

Some steps could aid in resolving the issue:

- Wipe the cartridge's chip with a lint free cloth and alcohol, gently so as not to damage it (as its surface is quite sensitive)

- Check the contacts in the printer's cartridge carriage (the assembly that holds the cartridges and moves back and forth to transfer ink onto the film). Ensure they are clean (from dust or spilt ink) by wiping with a lint free cloth and alcohol, gently so as not to damage it see figure1.

Note: You need to use a lint-free cloth when dealing with any inkjet printer

- Check that the plastic at the bottom of the cartridge is pierced properly when you install the cartridge see figure 2 Push down firmly on the cartridge to make sure it is clicked into place.

- If the cartridge appears to be loosely fitted, insert folded paper behind it to push it forward, ensuring proper contact with the printer.

- Take it out the cartridges and then turn off the printer. Wait for 10-15 minutes or disconnect the power lead for one hour or more. Reconnect the power lead and power on the printer. Then put the cartridge back in.

- If all of the previous did not work, the problem could be the refillable cartridge. Try to install a new one. (If this new one worked it means the problem is the cartridge itself).

Finally, if you have tried all of the above and even trying new cartridges doesn't work, this indicates that the issue is with the printer.

more thoughts...

• If you insert a cartridge while the printer is powered off, it won't register the cartridge change, leading to confusion and initiating a cartridge error. Occasionally, Epson printers may retain previous error codes. For instance, if both a depleted OEM cartridge error and a non-OEM cartridge warning occur simultaneously, the printer may display a "cartridge not recognised"

Note

• Do not wait till OEM cartridges empty to Install non-OEM cartridge Note

• Do not update the printer driver unless necessary. Driver updates may cause recognition problems for compatible cartridges.

• Do not leave the printer without cartridges inside as the ink may dry inside the printhead, causing problems.