Q. What should I do if my printer cartridge is not being recognised in the printer?
Try wiping the cartridge contact points with a very lightly dampened cloth, then re-install the cartridge in your printer. If this doesn’t work, you could try some of the in-built diagnostics tools. See below for links to manufacturer support websites. If the ink is faulty then please contact us for a return and replacement. All cartridges that we supply are covered by a 12-month manufacturer warranty from date of dispatch.
Useful Links:
HP support https://support.hp.com/gb-en
Epson support https://www.epson.co.uk/support
Canon support https://www.canon.co.uk/support/
Brother support https://www.brother.co.uk/support
Can you use other ink cartridges in HP and Canon printers?
Yes, you can use generic or refilled ink in inkjet printers but we do not recommend this due to the reliability and guarantee / sell-by date of remanufactured inks. This is why Cartridge King only sells original manufacturer inks.
Can I use my printer with only one cartridge?
Many printers will only work if the full set of cartridges is installed.
You may be able to get the printer to work if one of the colour inks is empty and you print in black and white but many printers will only work with the full set.
This is why we advise our customers to keep their ink cartridges topped up.
Can I still print with only a black cartridge in my printer?
You can continue to print with one or more empty cartridges, but HP and Canon recommend replacing them as soon as possible to avoid printhead damage.
How do I know which ink cartridge to buy for my printer?
You can use our ink cartridge searcher at the top of the website, all you need to do is put in the manufacturer–series
– printer.
Once you have put this in our finder will show you the compatible
cartridges for your printer.
e.g HP – ENVY – 4500
How can I tell how much ink is left in my cartridge?
Select your printer then press “Manage” Select “Printing Preferences” Click on the “Maintenance” tab on the far right. From there you should be able to see ink levels for your selected printer.
What happens if you put the wrong ink cartridge in an HP and Canon printer?
If you install the wrong ink cartridge in your printer, you will likely receive an error message on your printer
display that prevents you from using the printer. Printers are smart and most will be able to tell right away if the wrong cartridge is installed.
Can you refill empty ink cartridges?
You can try to do this yourself but due to the complexity and the mess this creates we advise purchasing original ink cartridges for your printer. If the ink is incorrectly refilled this can also damage your ink print head.
What is the difference between ink cartridges and toner cartridges?
In a nutshell, ink cartridges contain liquid and are used by inkjet printers and toner cartridges contain powder and are used by laser printers. The ink inside an ink cartridge can be either dye-based or pigment-based, depending on which cartridge you have.
How long does a cartridge of ink last in a printer?
Generally, there is a consensus that printer ink lasts around one to two years before it expires. Shelf life can be either shortened or extended by taking proper care of your ink and toner cartridge. It is best to not have the ink cartridges or toner for the printer in a very hot/warm room and in direct sunlight. This will increase its shelf life. Most ink cartridges have a best-before date or expiry date.
Does printer ink run out if not used?
Ink cartridges that have already been opened can be stored for up to 6 months if kept in the right conditions, whilst new and sealed cartridges can last up to 2 years sometimes longer depending on the brand.
Can you use any ink in any printer?
In short, no! Printers need specific cartridges to work, which is why we have clear listings across the website for what ink works in any printer. You cannot just use any model/brand cartridge in a printer, even if they look the same.
What is the difference between a standard and XL ink cartridge?
There is generally twice the ink in an XL cartridge compared to a standard ink.
Can I remove the chip from an HP ink cartridge?
No, you cannot remove the chip from an HP ink cartridge as this is what the printer uses to communicate with the ink cartridge. If you remove the chip you will receive an error on your printer and the cartridge will not function.
Should you remove ink cartridges when not in use?
If you think you will not be using your ink cartridges for a very long time (if you go away on a trip or have moved
house for example and the printer will not be used) then use this as a guide:
If opened supplies must be stored outside of the product, place them (nozzles up) in a plastic tub with an airtight lid.
Some cartridges have an orange cap that is twisted off to open. If these supplies have been opened, replace the orange cap before it is stored.
Place a damp cloth or paper in the tub.
Do not use plastic bags. Do not allow anything to touch the cartridge nozzles.
