Epson printers are dependable and inexpensive, however like all printers, they will generally throw irritating error messages. One widespread problem customers face is the “Substitute Ink Cartridge” error, which might pop up even when the cartridge is full or has been just lately changed. This error can forestall your printer from working, and whereas the standard answer is to interchange the cartridge, there are different methods to bypass the error—particularly in case you’re utilizing third-party or refilled cartridges.
On this article, we’ll stroll you thru a number of strategies you should utilize to bypass the “Substitute Ink Cartridge” error in your Epson printer and get again to printing very quickly.
Why Do Epson Printers Show “Substitute Ink Cartridge” Error?
Earlier than diving into the options, it’s important to know why this error happens. There are a number of doable causes for this problem:
- Outdated or Incompatible Cartridges: Epson printers could have hassle recognizing third-party, refilled, or expired cartridges.
- Chip Recognition Failure: Many Epson printers use chips on ink cartridges to observe ink ranges. If the chip malfunctions, the printer might imagine the cartridge is empty.
- Soiled or Misaligned Contacts: Ink cartridge contacts or the connection factors within the printer could also be soiled or misaligned, resulting in detection errors.
- Firmware Updates: Epson generally releases firmware updates that block third-party ink cartridges, inflicting recognition issues even with new real cartridges.
Now, let’s have a look at some sensible methods to bypass this error.
How you can repair Epson printer not detecting ink cartridge?
1. Reset the Printer
Generally a easy reset can clear non permanent errors and bypass points just like the “Substitute Ink Cartridge” error. Right here’s tips on how to reset your Epson printer:
- Flip off the printer and unplug it from the ability supply.
- Watch for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Plug the printer again in and switch it on.
- Test if the error message has cleared.
This may usually reset any inner error states and will enable the printer to acknowledge the ink cartridge correctly.
2. Clear the Ink Cartridge Contacts
Soiled or broken contacts are a standard reason behind cartridge recognition errors. Cleansing the contacts may also help the printer make a correct reference to the cartridge. Right here’s tips on how to clear the contacts:
- Flip off the printer and take away the ink cartridges.
- Use a gentle, lint-free material or cotton swab and gently wipe the copper-colored contacts on each the cartridge and contained in the printer.
- Watch out to not apply an excessive amount of stress to keep away from damaging the contacts.
- Reinstall the cartridges and verify if the error persists.
Cleansing the contacts helps make sure the printer can detect the ink ranges precisely and will resolve the “Substitute Ink Cartridge” error.
3. Use a Chip Resetter
In the event you’re utilizing third-party or refilled cartridges, the difficulty would possibly lie with the ink cartridge’s chip, which tells the printer how a lot ink is left. These chips can generally fail to speak with the printer, ensuing within the error message. One solution to bypass this problem is to make use of a chip resetter.
A chip resetter is a device that may reset the chip on the ink cartridge, permitting it to be acknowledged as full. Right here’s tips on how to use it:
- Buy a chip resetter appropriate together with your Epson printer mannequin.
- Insert the ink cartridge into the chip resetter in accordance with the directions supplied with the device.
- Reset the chip on the cartridge and reinsert it into the printer.
After resetting the chip, your Epson printer ought to acknowledge the ink cartridge as full, and the error message could disappear.
4. Use Chipless Mode or Firmware Hack
Some Epson printers help chipless mode, which lets you bypass the ink chip solely. This can be a extra superior answer that requires particular third-party software program to allow chipless printing. Right here’s what you are able to do:
- Test your printer mannequin to see if chipless mode is supported. This may occasionally require extra analysis based mostly in your particular printer mannequin.
- Obtain a appropriate software program device, resembling InkChip or WIC Reset Utility, which may also help disable the chip detection function.
- Observe the directions from the software program to allow chipless printing in your printer.
Through the use of chipless mode, the printer will not depend on the cartridge chip to find out ink ranges, thus bypassing the “Substitute Ink Cartridge” error solely.
5. Use Epson Real Cartridges
In the event you’re utilizing third-party or refilled cartridges, the error could also be attributable to compatibility points with the printer. Epson printers generally refuse to acknowledge non-Epson cartridges, particularly after a firmware replace.
To keep away from these points, take into account switching to real Epson ink cartridges. These cartridges are designed to work seamlessly together with your printer and are much less more likely to set off errors. Whereas this may increasingly not bypass the error in each case, it’s a easy and dependable solution to remove cartridge compatibility points.
6. Replace or Roll Again Firmware
In some circumstances, a firmware replace may cause the printer to cease recognizing sure ink cartridges. If this occurs, there are two potential options:
- Test for New Firmware Updates: Go to the Epson web site and see if there’s a more moderen firmware replace obtainable on your mannequin. Generally, Epson releases updates to repair points attributable to earlier ones.
- Rollback Firmware: In the event you just lately up to date your printer’s firmware and the difficulty began afterward, strive rolling again the firmware to the earlier model. This may occasionally require specialised software program or help from Epson.
7. Contact Epson Assist
If all else fails, it might be time to contact Epson buyer help. They will information you thru troubleshooting steps particular to your mannequin and supply recommendation on tips on how to resolve the difficulty.
