How to Replace an Empty Ink Cartridge
Last Updated on August 14, 2023 by Christian Ralph
You’ll usually know when you need to change the ink cartridges in your printer: the ink button or light on the printer will start to flash, or the status monitor on your computer will tell you that the ink has nearly run out. Although every printer is different, there are some common steps to follow when replacing your ink cartridges.
Finding out which ink cartridge you need
The first step is to make a note of the make and model of your printer so that you can find the correct replacement ink cartridge that you need – e.g. “Epson Stylus Photo R3000”. Type this into the search box on the Printerland website and in most cases, you’ll see the exact cartridge you need appear in the search results.
If you can’t find the ink from your printer make and model, it may help to look at the cartridges that are currently in your printer. To do this, turn on your printer and open the flap or lid that covers the area where the cartridges are held. You should find that the print head containing the cartridges slides to the middle of the printer. If the print head doesn’t slide to the middle of the printer, don’t try to force it as you might break it – press the ink button on the printer instead. Don’t hold the ink button down as this will cause some printers to start cleaning the print head.
With the printer head in the middle of the printer, you’ll be able to reach in and remove the empty cartridge. Some have a tab that you’ll need to squeeze to get the cartridge out. When you have removed the cartridge, note down the cartridge number and type. Then put the empty cartridges back in the printer for the time being, until you have the new cartridges ready. If you remove the old ink cartridges and don’t immediately replace them, the print head can dry out and you have difficulty printing. It’s therefore a good idea to leave the old ones in place until you’re ready to change them.
Try searching for the details you found on the ink cartridge and if you still can’t find the one you need, contact the customer support team for help by calling 0800 840 1992 or emailing [email protected].
Putting in the new cartridge
When you’ve got your new ink cartridges ready, follow the steps above to take the old ink cartridges out of the printer and dispose of them properly. Many ink cartridges can be recycled which is better for the environment and can earn you rewards such as points from the manufacturer.
Take the new cartridge out of its packaging and remove the protective tab over the ink supply area, if there is one. Only remove tabs where the packaging indicates that you should – removing other labels or seals may cause the ink to leak. Take care not to touch the ink supply area or any copper contacts you see on the ink cartridge.
Place the new cartridge into the cartridge holder in the printer and push it down gently, until you hear it click into place.
Next steps
When you have put the new cartridge(s) in place, close the printer cover. The next step will depend on your printer. For some printers, you won’t need to do anything more – but for others, you’ll need to press the ink button. On pressing the button, you’ll hear the printer head moving and the ink delivery system starts to charge. During this process, which takes about a minute, the ink light will flash. Once the process is complete, the light will stop flashing.
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