Printers · Repair guide

How to fix a printer that is not recognizing an ink cartridge

8 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Check that the cartridge number matches your printer, remove all packaging and tape, then take the cartridge out and push it back in slowly until it clicks or locks into place. If the error stays, turn the printer off, unplug it for 60 seconds and try again.

What it means

The printer reads a small chip and electrical contacts on each cartridge to check that it is the right type and is seated correctly. If it cannot read them, it shows a message such as cartridge missing, cartridge problem, incompatible cartridge or cannot detect, and usually stops printing. Common causes are leftover packaging, a cartridge that is not fully clicked in, the wrong cartridge number, dirty contacts, or a non-original or refilled cartridge.

Common causes

  • The cartridge is not fully pushed in or locked in place
  • Protective tape or packaging is still on the cartridge
  • The cartridge is the wrong number or type for this printer
  • Dirt or ink on the cartridge's copper contacts
  • A non-original, refilled or remanufactured cartridge the printer will not accept
  • A temporary printer glitch after the cartridge change
  • A faulty cartridge

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Check that it is the right cartridgeEasy

  1. Find your printer's exact model name on its front or top, or on the label at the back.
  2. Compare the number on the cartridge box with the cartridge numbers listed in the printer's manual or on the maker's support page for your model.
  3. Make sure each color is in its matching color-coded slot.
  4. A cartridge made for another model, or sold for another region, may fit but still not be recognized.

Why it helps: Canon, for example, says an ink tank that is not compatible with the printer shows the same not recognized error as a missing one.

02Remove packaging and reseat the cartridgeEasy

  1. Cartridge changes are done with the printer on so the cartridge holder can move into reach. Open the cover and wait until the holder stops moving before you reach in.
  2. Hold the cartridge by its sides. Do not touch the copper contacts or the ink nozzles with your fingers, and do not use tools.
  3. Take the cartridge out and check that all orange or clear tape, caps and plastic wrap are removed. Do not peel off the cartridge's own label.
  4. Push the cartridge back into its slot slowly and firmly until it clicks or locks into place, then close the cover.
  5. Repeat for every cartridge named in the error message.
  6. If you see ink on your skin, wash it off with soap and water.

Why it helps: A cartridge that is not fully seated, or still has tape on it, cannot connect to the printer's contacts.

03Reset the printer's powerEasy

  1. With the printer turned on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer.
  2. Unplug the cord from the wall outlet as well and wait 60 seconds.
  3. Plug the printer straight into a wall outlet, not a power strip if you can, and turn it on.
  4. Wait until the printer is quiet and ready, then check whether the error has cleared.

Why it helps: A full power reset makes the printer read every cartridge again from scratch.

04If you use non-original or refilled cartridges, test with an original oneEasy

  1. Know what the makers say: Epson says some printers work only with genuine Epson cartridges, and Brother recommends only genuine Brother cartridges.
  2. HP says printers with its dynamic security feature may reject cartridges that use a non-HP chip, and that this checking can change through firmware updates sent over the internet.
  3. If you can, install an original cartridge from the printer maker to see if the error clears.
  4. If an original cartridge works, contact the seller of the other cartridge about a replacement or refund.

Why it helps: Printers check the cartridge chip, and some do not accept cartridges they cannot verify.

05If you use HP Instant Ink, check the subscription cartridgeEasy

  1. Make sure the cartridge is the one sent for your Instant Ink plan and printer.
  2. Do the power reset and reseat steps above first.
  3. If you have a spare Instant Ink cartridge, install it.
  4. If the error stays, contact HP Instant Ink support from your HP account.

Why it helps: HP handles errors on Instant Ink cartridges through its Instant Ink support team.

06Clean the cartridge contactsMedium

  1. Wait until the cartridge holder stops moving, then remove only the cartridge named in the error.
  2. Gently wipe the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge with a dry, lint-free cloth. HP describes this step in its own cartridge-error guide.
  3. Do not touch the contacts with your fingers, and do not touch or wipe the ink nozzles.
  4. Put the cartridge back into its color-coded slot until it snaps into place.
  5. If the maker's guide for your model says not to clean the contacts, skip this fix.

Why it helps: Dried ink or dust on the contacts can stop the printer from reading the cartridge chip.

07Check for a printer firmware updateMedium

  1. Open the printer maker's app on your computer or phone and look for a printer update option, or check the downloads for your model on the maker's support site.
  2. Install any update and do not turn the printer off while it runs.
  3. If you use non-original cartridges, keep in mind that HP says firmware updates can change how its printers check cartridges.
  4. Try the cartridge again after the printer restarts.

Why it helps: HP's own cartridge-error steps include updating the firmware, since updates fix known errors.

08Replace the cartridge or contact the makerEasy

  1. If one specific cartridge keeps failing after all the steps above, it may be faulty.
  2. Contact the store or the printer maker about an exchange, and keep the box and receipt.
  3. Note the exact error message or support code shown on the printer's screen before you call.

Why it helps: New cartridges can be faulty, and makers can check them under warranty.

Check it's fixed

  • The cartridge error is gone from the printer's screen or the maker's app.
  • Ink levels show for every cartridge in the printer's app or on its screen.
  • A test page prints with all colors.

When to get help

If an original cartridge from the printer maker still is not recognized after reseating and a power reset, contact the printer maker's support. The cartridge holder or contacts inside the printer may need service.

Questions

Why does my printer not recognize a new ink cartridge?

Most often the tape is still on, the cartridge is not fully clicked in, or the cartridge number is wrong for the printer. Non-original or refilled cartridges can also be rejected.

Can a printer update block third-party cartridges?

HP says the way its dynamic security printers check cartridges can change through firmware updates, so cartridges with non-HP chips may stop working. Check the printer maker's own pages for your model.

Is it safe to reach inside the printer to change a cartridge?

Yes, if you wait for the cartridge holder to stop moving and only touch the cartridge. To clear jammed paper or reach other parts, turn the printer off and unplug it first.

Will a non-original cartridge void my warranty?

Brother says its warranty does not cover problems caused by unauthorized third-party ink or cartridges. Check your printer maker's warranty terms for your model.

Related fixes

How to fix a printer that won't printCheck the printer for paper, ink, jams and error messages, then restart it and your computer. Make sure you picked the right printer, cancelHow to fix a printer printing blank pagesCheck the ink or toner level, and if you just installed new ink, make sure all protective tape and film is removed and the cartridge clicks How to fix an HP printer that is not workingRestart the HP printer, your computer and your router, make sure the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network, then run Diagnose &How to fix an Epson printer that is not workingPrint a nozzle check from the printer to confirm it works on its own, then clear the Epson print queue and make sure Use Printer Offline is How to fix a Brother printer that is not workingCheck the printer is on with covers closed and paper loaded, restart the router, and delete any stuck jobs. On Windows, run Brother's N

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