If your Epson printer suddenly says it can’t recognise a new cartridge, it can be frustrating, especially when you’ve only just fitted it.
The good news is that this is usually caused by something fairly simple, such as the cartridge not being seated properly, the wrong cartridge being fitted, or the printer failing to read the cartridge chip correctly.
Here are the main things worth checking before assuming the cartridge is faulty.
First, Check You Have the Right Cartridge
This sounds obvious, but it’s one of the easiest mistakes to make.
Epson has a large number of cartridge ranges, and some of them look very similar. A cartridge can physically fit into the printer but still be the wrong version.
Always check either:
- the exact Epson printer model
- the cartridge number already used by the printer
For example, if your printer uses 603 or 603XL cartridges, you need a cartridge designed specifically for that 603 range.
If you’re unsure which ink you need, you can browse our full range of Epson ink cartridges by printer model or cartridge number.
Remove the Cartridge and Refit It
Sometimes the cartridge simply hasn’t clicked fully into place.
Turn the printer on, open the cartridge cover and remove the cartridge that isn’t being recognised.
Then carefully refit it, making sure it sits firmly in the correct slot.
Avoid forcing it. If the cartridge doesn’t sit properly, double-check that it is the correct type for your printer.
Once it is fitted, close the cover and give the printer a moment to check the cartridges again.
Check the Cartridge Chip
Compatible Epson ink cartridges normally have a small electronic chip that allows the printer to identify them.
If the printer can’t read that chip, you may see a message saying the cartridge isn’t recognised.
Before refitting the cartridge, check that the chip area is clean and free from anything that could stop it making proper contact.
Try not to touch the chip directly with your fingers, as grease or dirt can interfere with the connection.
Try Restarting the Printer
A restart sounds basic, but it can sometimes clear a cartridge recognition error.
Turn the printer off completely and leave it for a short while before switching it back on. Yes we know it sounds like that "Turn it off and back on again" but it does clear many issues.
Once restarted, the printer will normally check the cartridges again.
If the message disappears, the issue may simply have been a temporary communication problem between the cartridge and printer.
Has the Printer Recently Been Updated?
Printer software and firmware can occasionally affect how cartridges are recognised.
If the problem appeared immediately after a printer update, it is worth considering whether the timing is related.
This doesn’t automatically mean there is a fault with the printer or cartridge, but it can help explain why a cartridge that previously worked normally is suddenly being rejected.
Replace One Cartridge at a Time
If you’ve changed several colours at once and the printer reports a problem, it can be difficult to tell which cartridge is causing it.
Try checking each cartridge individually.
Make sure the black, cyan, magenta and yellow cartridges are all fitted correctly and are the correct versions for the printer.
What If the Printer Still Doesn’t Recognise the Cartridge?
If you’ve checked the cartridge number, refitted it and restarted the printer but the message is still showing, there may be an issue with that individual cartridge.
At that point, it’s worth contacting the supplier rather than repeatedly removing and reinstalling it.
A good ink supplier should be able to check that you’ve ordered the correct cartridge and help work out whether the problem is with the cartridge itself or the printer.
Are Compatible Epson Cartridges Reliable?
Most compatible cartridges are designed specifically to work with particular Epson printer models.
The main thing is buying the correct cartridge from a supplier that clearly states compatibility.
Problems are much more likely if a cartridge has been bought purely because it looks right or appears similar to another Epson range.
That’s why checking the printer model first is so important.
If you’re looking for replacement ink, browse our range of compatible Epson ink cartridges and find the correct cartridge for your printer before ordering.
Final Check
If your Epson printer won’t recognise a compatible cartridge, work through the basics first:
Check the cartridge number, make sure it is fitted properly, inspect the chip, restart the printer and confirm that you have the correct cartridge for your model.
In many cases, one of those checks is enough to solve the problem.
And if you’re unsure which cartridge your Epson printer needs, it’s always better to check before ordering rather than take a guess.