20 Common Ink Cartridge and Printer Problems (and How to Fix Them)

1. Why does my printer say the cartridge is empty when it’s new?

Answer:
This often happens when the printer doesn’t detect the cartridge chip correctly. Remove it, gently wipe the gold contacts, and reinsert it firmly. Restarting the printer usually resets the chip. If it continues, try updating the printer firmware.

2. My printer won’t recognise a compatible cartridge — what can I do?

Answer:
Clean the chip, restart your printer, and ensure the cartridge is the correct model. Avoid mixing old and new firmware — sometimes an update can block third-party chips. If all else fails, disable automatic firmware updates.

3. Why is my printer showing “Cartridge not installed”?

Answer:
This means the printer can’t communicate with the cartridge chip. Remove it, check for protective tape or stickers, and reinstall. Make sure it clicks into place and that no debris is blocking the sensor.

4. Why are my prints streaky or faded?

Answer:
This is often caused by clogged printheads or low ink flow. Run a printhead cleaning cycle from your printer settings, or manually clean the printhead using a lint-free cloth and distilled water.

5. Why is my printer printing blank pages?

Answer:
Possible causes include dried ink, air bubbles in the cartridge, or a blocked nozzle. Try running multiple cleaning cycles or replacing the cartridge if it’s old or nearly empty.

6. My printer says “Incompatible Cartridge.” What does that mean?

Answer:
The cartridge may not match your printer model or region. Check the cartridge code against your printer manual. Each brand (HP, Canon, Epson, etc.) has region-specific cartridges.

7. Why does my printer show low ink even after replacing the cartridge?

Answer:
Some printers use page counters rather than ink sensors. Try resetting the ink level manually in your printer’s menu or pressing and holding the resume or OK button for 10 seconds to override the warning.

8. Why is my colour printing missing one colour?

Answer:
The affected colour’s nozzle may be blocked. Run a nozzle check or cleaning cycle. If one colour still fails, replace the cartridge or printhead.

9. Why is my printer printing the wrong colours?

Answer:
Colour misalignment or blocked nozzles can cause this. Clean the printhead and perform a colour calibration via your printer settings. Make sure your printer driver is using the correct colour profile.

10. Why is there ink leaking from my cartridge?

Answer:
A small leak can occur if the cartridge was stored upside down, exposed to heat, or mishandled. Wipe it gently, reinstall it upright, and print a few pages. Always store cartridges in a cool, dry place.

11. Why is my printer making loud noises or grinding?

Answer:
Check for jammed paper or misaligned cartridges. Open the access door, remove any obstructions, and ensure the cartridges move freely along the carriage.

12. Why do I get “Printhead error” or “Printhead missing” messages?

Answer:
This often means the printhead is dirty or improperly seated. Remove it carefully, clean the contacts, and reinstall. In some models, the printhead is built into the cartridge—replacing the cartridge may solve it.

13. Why does my printer take forever to print?

Answer:
This can happen if the printer is in high-quality mode or the driver settings are wrong. Switch to draft or normal mode, check your connection, and close background applications.

14. Why is there a paper jam error when no paper is jammed?

Answer:
Sometimes stray bits of paper or dust trigger sensors. Open all compartments, clean the rollers gently, and restart the printer. You can also reset the printer to clear false jam errors.

15. Why does my printer keep cleaning itself?

Answer:
Automatic cleaning cycles prevent nozzle blockages, but frequent cycles can waste ink. Keep your printer switched on to reduce the need for repeated cleaning after power-ups.

16. Why does my printer use colour ink when I’m printing in black and white?

Answer:
Some printers blend colours to improve black tones. Check the settings and select “Black Ink Only” or “Grayscale” mode to prevent unnecessary colour ink use.

17. Why does my printer smell of burnt ink or produce smoke?

Answer:
Stop printing immediately. This could mean a cartridge leak, overheating printhead, or electrical fault. Unplug the printer, clean any visible ink, and contact a technician if it persists.

18. Why are my documents smudging or not drying properly?

Answer:
This usually indicates too much ink or non-compatible paper. Use the correct paper type in your settings and allow time for drying. Avoid touching fresh prints.

19. Why do my cartridges dry out so quickly?

Answer:
Cartridges dry out when unused for long periods. Print at least once a week to keep ink flowing. Store spares in a sealed bag, upright, away from sunlight and heat.

20. Why does my printer show a firmware update warning after installing a compatible cartridge?

Answer:
Some updates block third-party chips. If your printer works fine, ignore or disable automatic updates to prevent future compatibility issues.