Have you just bought a new printer cartridge but are receiving an error message upon installation? This is a common problem for printer users and can be fixed in just a few simple steps. Depending on the issue, we’ve made a list of some solutions you can try.
Your printer may display one of the following messages:
- “Incompatible toner”
- “Cartridge not detected”
- “Cartridge locked” or “Cartridge protection enabled”
- “No cartridge installed”
Why new printer cartridge may not be working
- Improper installation of cartridge
- Internal memory needs a reset
- Metal contacts need cleaning
- Protective strip or tape hasn’t been removed
- Incorrect or broken ink cartridge
- Cartridge protection needs disabling
How to fix these printer cartridge issues
Improper installation of cartridge
Check to see that you have placed the cartridge in the correct position.
Internal memory needs a reset
- Take out the new cartridge and reload the previous cartridge into the printer
- Wait approximately 10 minutes before moving to the next step
- Pull out the old cartridge and replace with the new one again
If the printer still doesn’t detect the cartridge, then:
- Take out the new cartridge from the printer
- Turn off the printer and then pull out the cord from the powerpoint, then wait 10 minutes
- Reconnect the cord but don’t switch it on yet
- Load the new cartridge into the printer and then turn it on
Metal contacts need cleaning
- Turn off the printer and pull out the cord from the powerpoint
- Take out the new cartridge
- Inspect the metal contacts on the back or side of the cartridge
- Examine the printer carriage for the connection points (where the metal contacts meet connect with the printer)
- Clean the metal contacts and connection points with a dry, microfibre cloth to eliminate dust and dirt
- Load the new cartridge into the printer again
- Turn on the printer and trial a test print to see if the issue has been solved
Protective strip or tape hasn’t been removed
Ensure you have removed the protective tape otherwise your printer will not recognise the new cartridge.
Incorrect or broken ink cartridge
Sometimes defective printer cartridges may be the reason why they’re not being detected by your printer. If you have tried all the above steps, contact the supplier to check if you received a faulty cartridge.
Get in touch with the printer experts
Toner City has specialised in offering printer cartridges for over a decade, we know the ins and outs of installing and troubleshooting cartridge problems. So if you’re still having issues with installing your new printer cartridge, reach out to us and we would be happy to help. Call us on 1300 330 242 or through our contact form.
Need to override a HP printer cartridge error? Read our blog on our to troubleshoot your problem. If you are experiencing any other kind of printer issues, we have various other blogs on how to troubleshoot your issue.