Printers bridge the gap between our online lives and the physical world. And while technology has progressed leaps and bounds, printing won’t go anywhere anytime soon.
And despite the precision and reliability your Epson printer is known for, changing ink in Epson printer is part of regular maintenance. It’s pivotal to maintain that crisp, high-quality output.
So if you are wondering how to change ink in Epson printer, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll guide you through the process step-by-step and help you feel confident and capable of making the replacement on your own. First, let’s talk about signs it’s time for Epson printer ink replacement.
Signs Your Epson Printer Needs an Ink Change
Recognizing when your Epson printer is running low on ink is essential to prevent disruptions to your printing tasks and maintain optimal print quality. Thankfully, determining when to consider changing ink in an Epson printer is fairly straightforward – there are three telltale signs to look for…
Warning Signs and Printer Notifications
Your Epson printer will typically be the first to tell you that it’s running low on ink. Modern Epson printers, especially those with LCD panels, will display straightforward messages such as “Low Ink” or “Replace Cartridge” when it’s time for a change.
If your Epson printer doesn’t tell you it needs its ink changed, your computer will when connected to the printer. Epson software often pops up notifications regarding ink levels. These alerts typically appear when initiating a print job or during regular printer status checks.
Physical Signs of Low Ink on Printouts
You can also watch for signs of low ink on the paper you’re printing:
- Faded Colors: Colors on your printouts beginning to appear dull or less vibrant is a sign of depleting ink levels.
- Streaks or Lines: Horizontal or vertical streaks, especially in high-quality print mode, is a red flag.
- Incomplete Graphics: Parts of images or texts might not print, resulting in an incomplete or patchy appearance.
Checking Ink Levels Manually on the Printer/Software
When in doubt, take a look at the ink levels in your Epson printer yourself and get to the root of the issue. Here are the three ways you can go about it:
- Using Epson Printer Utility: Navigate to the ‘Epson Printer Utility’ or similar on your computer. After selecting your printer, go to the ‘Maintenance’ or ‘Utility’ tab, and select ‘Epson Status Monitor.’ Here, you can view a graphical representation of ink levels.
- Printer’s LCD Panel: On printers equipped with an LCD, navigate using the menu to find an option typically labeled “Ink Levels” or “Cartridge Status”. This will display a visual of the cartridges and their current levels.
- Epson iPrint App: Ink levels can often be checked in the Epson’s mobile app’s main interface, offering a quick glance without needing to access the printer or computer directly.
Finding the Right Replacement Ink Cartridge for an Epson Printer
So you’ve determined that changing ink in Epson printer is necessary. The first step is finding a replacement ink cartridge.
This is fairly simple as you can just look up the model number of the ink cartridge you’re currently using and locate a replacement online or in stores near you.
But, complexity arises when choosing between OEM or third-party cartridges. So, here’s a bit of guidance to help you feel confident choosing the right replacement.
Checking the Model Number
First things first you need to know with 100% certainty that you’re putting the right ink in your printer. There are three ways you can go about this:
- Locate the Model on the Printer: The model number is usually printed on a label at the back or bottom of your printer. It can also be found on the front panel or within the printer’s settings menu in newer models.
- Refer to the Manual: Every Epson printer comes with a user manual that lists the specific cartridge types compatible with that model.
- Online Search: If all else fails, simply input your printer’s model number into Epson’s official website or trusted retailer sites. They often have a cartridge compatibility checker or listing, guiding you to the correct ink.
From here, you’ll have to choose between genuine OEM replacement cartridges or a more affordable third-party cartridge…
OEM vs Third-Party Cartridges
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. An Epson OEM cartridge is made by Epson itself, ensuring a perfect fit and top-notch print quality. They’re more expensive but are recommended for critical tasks or for those who prioritize print longevity and consistent quality.
Third-party cartridges, on the other hand, are produced by companies other than Epson but are designed to be compatible with Epson printers. They can be a viable alternative, especially for users on a budget.
You’ll have to determine what matters most to you – saving a few bucks or getting the highest print quality and reliability possible. From there, you’re ready to start learning how to change ink in Epson printer…
How to Change Ink in Epson Printer: Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Ink in Epson Printer
Changing ink in Epson printer is straightforward, but there are specific steps to follow to ensure you’re doing it correctly, ensuring the longevity of your printer and maintaining print quality. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change ink in Epson printer…
Removing the Old Cartridge
First, we need to get that old cartridge out of your Epson printer. Turn it on and open the printer cover – you’ll notice the cartridge moving to the replacement position.
Wait for it to come to a complete stop, and then unlock the cartridge. There will be a clip or lever securing the cartridge in its place. Requirements vary across Epson printer models, but you’ll either squeeze, push, or pull this mechanism to release the old cartridge.
Hold the cartridge by its sides and gently pull it out. Avoid touching the chip on the cartridge, as this is sensitive to dirt and oils from your fingers. We’ll talk about the proper disposal of this old cartridge in a moment, but here’s how to change ink in Epson printer…
Installing the New Cartridge
Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. There’s typically a protective seal or tape on the cartridge – this needs to be removed. Again, avoid touching the chip.
Hold the cartridge upright and align it with the vacant slot. Gently but firmly push the cartridge down until it clicks into place. You’ll know it’s secure as it snaps into place. But, you can check your work in the next step as you complete the installation…
Completing the Installation
With the cartridge securely in place you can re-close the access slot. The printer will likely start working as soon as you do this – but you can run a test document to make sure. If you didn’t secure the cartridge correctly you’ll know right away.
Proper Disposal of Old Ink Cartridges
Many retailers offer recycling programs for ink cartridges. Epson itself has a recycling program, ensuring that the cartridges are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
If you can’t immediately recycle the cartridge, put it in a bag to prevent any residual ink from leaking. Whatever you do, avoid throwing your cartridge directly into the trash. These are typically considered hazardous waste.
Note that if you’re wondering what to do with unused ink cartridges, you can actually take advantage of our toner reverse logistics program. We buy back unused cartridges at higher prices than anyone in the industry, getting you more bang for your buck.
We have over 75 years of combined toner industry experience and are eager to give you up to $350 per cartridge! Learn more about how it works over on our website. You can also learn how to get ink off skin, what is printer ink made of, what brand printer has the cheapest ink, and more in our blog.
For now, though, here are some tips on prolonging the life of your Epson printer ink replacement.
Tips on Prolonging the Life of Epson Printer Ink
Ensuring the longevity of your Epson printer ink is not just about saving money – it’s about getting consistent, high-quality prints every time.
The more you can stretch the life of your ink, the less often you’ll need to go through the replacement process. Here’s how you can prolong the life of your Epson printer ink:
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning of Printer Heads
Just as you schedule regular maintenance for your car, you should do the same for your printer. Ink residues can build up on the print heads over time, leading to uneven or blotchy prints. Use the printer’s built-in cleaning function to keep the heads in top condition.
You can even consider manual cleaning if automated cleaning doesn’t clear the problem. This involves removing the cartridges and gently cleaning the heads with a lint-free cloth and distilled water or specialized cleaning solution.
Proper Printer Usage Habits
Leaving your printer idle for extended periods can cause the ink to dry up. Make it a habit to print a few pages at least once a week to keep the ink flowing smoothly.
We also suggest that you use the draft or economy mode for everyday prints where quality isn’t a top concern. This will use less ink and can be especially helpful for lengthy documents
Proper Storage Conditions for the Printer
Keep your printer in a location where it’s not exposed to direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure can affect the ink’s quality and printer’s internal mechanisms. If you do run into this issue, our guide on how to fix dry ink cartridge can help.
Similarly, extreme temperatures can harm ink consistency. Printers should be kept in a room with stable, moderate temperatures ideally. The area should be clean, too, as dust particles can clog print heads. Position your printer in a place with minimal dust, or cover it when not in use.
Benefits of Using Genuine Epson Ink
As we touched on earlier, you get what you pay for when choosing between genuine Epson ink vs third-party replacements. While you may pay incrementally more for genuine ink, it lasts far longer – stretching your investment further.
It’s not just the initial savings, though. Genuine ink will prolong the life of your printer itself. Moreover, each print will be as good as the last with genuine ink – you get better consistency, which is paramount for business document printing.
Final Thoughts on How to Change Ink in Epson Printer
That concludes our guide on how to change ink in Epson printer. We hope you feel more confident and clear about changing ink in Epson printer after reading this breakdown.
By understanding the signs of low ink, sourcing the right replacement cartridge, and following the proper steps for installation, you ensure optimal printer performance and consistent, high-quality prints.
Our blog has more resources on how to put ink in a printer in general, including how to change ink in an HP printer. You can also learn about the average ink cartridge cost or how long printer toner lasts.
Otherwise, now that you know how to change ink in Epson printer, put your skills to the test and make that replacement today! And, if you have unused ink cartridges crowding your shelves that you want to get rid of, send them our way – we’ll send you back cash!
Give those unused cartridges a purpose, and make some money with Sell Toner while you’re at it.
