While using a printer, if you encounter an Incompatible or Ink cartridge missing error, the solutions provided in this article will help you. These two error messages are associated with the HP printer. If you use another printer, you may get a different ink cartridge error message. In this article, we will discuss some fixes for ink cartridge errors in printers of different brands.
Fix Incompatible or Ink cartridge missing error on Windows 11/10
The Incompatible or Ink cartridge missing error is associated with the HP printer. Similarly, other printers may show a different error message.
In Brother printer, you may see the following error message:
Cartridge Error
In Canon printer, you may see different ink cartridge error messages, like:
The following ink cartridge cannot be recognized. U053
or
Some ink cartridges are not installed in place U075/U076
In Epson printer you will see:
The printer cannot recognise the ink cartridge
The Xerox printer shows different error codes for problems with the ink cartridges.
Let’s examine the solutions to ink cartridge errors for different printers. Before proceeding, check whether you purchased the incorrect cartridges. If yes, replace them.
- Update your printer firmware
- Reset the Printer Supply Region
- Reinstall the ink cartridges
- Reseat the Drum or Toner cartridge
- Reset your printer
- Service your printer
All these fixes are explained below:
1] Update your printer firmware
An outdated printer firmware can cause printer issues. Therefore, the first step is to update your printer firmware. Refer to your printer user manual to know how to update your printer firmware. You can also download your printer’s latest firmware version from your printer manufacturer’s official website. After downloading the file, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions to update your printer firmware.
2] Reset the Printer Supply Region
If, despite installing the genuine ink cartridges on your HP printer, it is showing the Incompatible ink cartridges error, you can reset the printer supply region (if applicable). Follow the steps provided below:
- On your HP printer Control Panel, tap on the Hide option to hide the error message.
- Open printer settings and tap on the Printer Maintenance option.
- Now, tap on the Restore option.
- Tap on the Printer Supply Region Reset and then tap OK.
3] Reinstall the ink cartridges
The ink cartridges are probably not installed correctly or cannot communicate with the printer due to debris accumulated on their copper contacts. We suggest you remove the ink cartridges from your printer by following the correct procedure, cleaning their electrical or copper contacts, and installing them again properly. Use a lint-free cloth to clean your ink cartridges’ copper or electrical contacts.
4] Reseat the Drum or Toner cartridge
If your Xerox printer shows the Drum Cartridge error message, remove the drum cartridge and install it again. Before doing so, ensure your printer has stopped priming or copying. Then, follow the correct procedure to remove and reseat the drum cartridge. You may need to refer to your Xerox printer’s user manual.
For the Xerox machines with toner cartridges, follow the steps provided below:
- Press the secondary power switch to power off your Xerox machine. Then, open the front door and remove the toner cartridge.
- Turn off the main power switch for 30 seconds.
- Now, turn on the main power switch and wait for 15 seconds. Now, turn on the secondary power switch to turn on the printer.
- When the printer shows the message to insert the toner cartridge, insert it. However, clean the toner slot before inserting the toner cartridge.
5] Reset your printer
If the error message does not disappear, you can reset your printer to its factory default settings. The exact method for this is in your printer’s user manual.
6] Service your printer
If none of those mentioned above fixes helped you, your ink cartridges might be damaged. To check this, you can try installing compatible ink cartridges from your friend’s printer (if available). You should also consider servicing your printer.
How do I fix my Ink cartridge error?
To fix the Ink cartridge error, ensure you have installed the right compatible ink cartridges. The fixes for ink cartridge errors depend on your printer’s error message or error code. Refer to your printer’s user manual for more information.
How do I bypass the Ink cartridge error on my HP printer?
Apply the required fixes to bypass the ink cartridge error on your HP printer. If you are getting an incompatible ink cartridge error, check if the ink cartridges are compatible with your printer. The Cartridges Depleted error occurs when the ink cartridges are empty. The Cartridges missing or damaged error indicates that the printer does not detect the cartridges or they are damaged.
Read next: Fix printer color problems.
