Seeing “cartridge not recognised” or “not detected” is frustrating, especially after installing a new cartridge.
The good news is that most recognition errors are caused by simple installation or contact issues. Work through this checklist in order — most problems are fixed in the first few steps.
Quick Fix Checklist (Start Here)
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Remove the cartridge and reinstall it firmly until it clicks.
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Check for any protective tape or plastic still attached.
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Make sure the cartridge access door is fully closed.
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Turn the printer off, unplug for 60 seconds, then restart.
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Gently clean the cartridge contacts with a dry lint-free cloth.
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Double-check the exact cartridge number matches your printer model.
If that doesn’t fix it, continue below.
Step 1: Reseat the Cartridge Properly
Open the printer, remove the cartridge, and reinstall it firmly until it locks into place.
Recognition errors often happen when the cartridge isn’t fully clicked in or the latch hasn’t engaged properly.
Step 2: Remove Any Protective Tape or Clips
New cartridges often have protective strips over vents or chip contacts.
Even a small piece of tape left in place can block communication between the cartridge and printer.
Step 3: Perform a Power Reset
Turn the printer off and unplug it for around 60 seconds before restarting.
This clears temporary recognition errors and resets internal communication.
Step 4: Clean the Cartridge Contacts
Remove the cartridge and gently wipe the gold or copper contact area using a dry lint-free cloth.
If needed, lightly dampen the cloth with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry fully before reinstalling.
Avoid touching the contacts with your fingers and don't use water or household cleaners.
Step 5: Confirm Exact Compatibility
Many cartridge numbers look similar but are not interchangeable.
Check:
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The full cartridge number
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The printer model
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The correct colour slot
If the printer says “not supported” or “incompatible”, recheck the exact series. If you need to double-check the exact cartridge for your printer, our ink finder is here.
If It Worked Before and Suddenly Stopped
If the cartridge previously worked and stopped after a printer update, firmware may be involved.
Some printers change cartridge acceptance after updates. If this matches your situation, check update settings before replacing anything.
Manufacturers generally do not recommend firmware downgrades.
If Only One Cartridge Fails
This usually points to:
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Seating
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Dirty contacts
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Damaged chip
If cleaning and reseating do not work, the cartridge itself may be faulty.
If All Cartridges Fail at Once
If every cartridge suddenly shows “not recognised”, the issue is more likely printer-side.
Check:
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The printer door is fully closed
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The carriage moves freely
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There are no visible obstructions
Multiple simultaneous failures rarely point to multiple bad cartridges.
When Replacement Is the Next Step
If you have:
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Reseated properly
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Removed all tape
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Cleaned contacts
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Confirmed compatibility
…and the same cartridge still fails, the chip may be damaged and replacement is usually the practical solution.
Bottom line: Most cartridge recognition errors are caused by installation, contact, or compatibility issues. Working through a simple checklist in order fixes the majority of cases quickly and safely.
