How To Override Epson Ink Cartridge Not Recognized

Is your printing interrupted by the Epson ink cartridge not recognized error? No more worry. This blog will guide you to fix the issue step by step, and you can return to printing in no time.

First of all, please check whether the following problems exist, which may be the root cause of the error:
1. The ink cartridge is empty. Empty, compatible ink cartridges may cause the printer to display a "not recognized" error. If you have been using ink cartridges for a while, check to see if they are empty. If so, replace the empty ink cartridge with a new one.
2. The wrong ink cartridge is in use. Using the wrong ink cartridge model in your printer can cause errors. You can find the correct ink cartridge model for your printer in your printer's manual or on the manufacturer's website.
3. The ink cartridges are not installed in the correct slot. The ink cartridge should be installed in the slot with the corresponding color label. Otherwise, it will not work, and the error "unrecognized" will be reported.

How to Override Epson Ink Cartridge Not Recognized

If the above problems do not exist but the "Epson printer ink cartridge not recognized" error persists, please try the following methods to eliminate the error.

1. Clean the Cartridge Chip's Surface

Many Epson ink cartridges have a built-in chip to connect to the printer. If there is dirt or fingerprints on the chip surface, it will affect the communication between the ink cartridge and the printer. You can gently wipe the surface of the chip with a lint-free cloth and then reinstall it into the printer. At this point, the error should disappear. If not, unplug the power from the wall and restart the printer. This will refresh the printer and clear the "remembered" message. Yes, as strange as it sounds, the printer may "remember" and display the previous error message despite the changes you have made. So it would help if you restarted the printer.
It is worth noting that if the chip is damaged, the cartridge will not work, and you will need to replace it with a new one.

2. Manually "Replace" Ink Cartridges

For printers that do not have a microchip on the cartridge to track ink levels, manually "replacing" the cartridge can "trick" the printer into replacing the cartridge with a new one. Then, it will resume printing. Here are the steps to do it.

3. Disable the Epson Status Monitor

Epson Status Monitor is a software for monitoring the status of Epson printers. It can provide ink levels, paper jams, and other relevant information. Sometimes, it also makes errors like a printer, that is, the alerts cannot be eliminated in time. For example, the Epson Status Monitor issues a low-ink warning when the ink falls below a threshold. At this point, if you replace the new compatible ink cartridge, the software may be confused and fail to recognize the ink cartridge. One of the direct ways to override the Epson printer ink cartridge not recognized is disabling the Epson Status Monitor. Here are the steps you can follow:

a. Right-click the printer icon in the taskbar and select Printer Settings.
b. Click the Maintenance tab.
c. Click Speed and Progress.
d. Select to disable EPSON Status Monitor.
e. Click OK to save settings.

4. Downgrade Printer Firmware

Epson printers automatically update firmware, which may cause your third-party ink cartridges to become incompatible with the printer. This is a means for original manufacturers to restrict consumers from using third-party ink cartridges. If your compatible ink cartridge has not been used up or does not use an upgrade-resistant chip, a firmware update will cause your ink cartridge to not be recognized. In order to continue to use existing compatible ink cartridges and reduce waste, you can try to downgrade the firmware.

5. Replace Ink Cartridges Following On-Screen Prompts

If, after trying the above methods, you still can't override Epson ink cartridge not recognized, follow these steps to replace the problematic ink cartridge with a new, genuine one.

a. Turn on the Epson printer.
b. Access the printer menus using the control panel or touch display.
c. Find "Cartridges" or "Maintenance."
d. Select "Cartridge Change" or "Replace Cartridge." The printer will provide on-screen prompts to guide you in replacing the Epson cartridge.
e. Follow the instructions and carefully open the printer door or access panel to gain access to the ink cartridge compartment.
f. Gently press the release lever or clip to remove the old unrecognized ink cartridge.
g. Install new, genuine Epson ink cartridges for your printer.
h. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cartridge replacement. Make sure the printer cover or access panel is securely closed.
i. Start a test print to confirm if the Epson ink cartridge not recognized issue is resolved.

Tips to Prevent Future Epson Ink Cartridges Not Recognized Errors

1. Use Genuine or Upgrade-resistant Compatible Epson Ink Cartridges: Using genuine Epson cartridges can directly reduce the likelihood of errors. Or you can use upgrade-resistant compatible Epson ink cartridges to ensure compatibility.

2. Turn off Automatic Firmware Updates: Blocking automatic firmware updates can prevent potential compatibility issues. If you decide to update firmware manually, make sure you run up third-party ink cartridges, which might be incompatible with the latest firmware.

3. Handle Cartridges Carefully: Avoid touching the cartridge's electrical contacts or nozzles with your fingers. Oils and dirt on your skin can interfere with the cartridge's electrical connections, leading to recognition errors.

4. Monitor Ink Levels: If your printer prompts you that the ink is low, please prepare the ink cartridge for replacement to avoid unrecognized problems caused by empty ink cartridges.