How to resolve printer 'Low Toner' or 'Ink Low' warnings when cartridges are full

Hardware & Peripherals KB-369

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to resolve printer 'Low Toner' or 'Ink Low' warnings when cartridges are full. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

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Common Causes

It is common for printers to display "Low Toner" or "Ink Low Ink" warnings even after you have installed brand new cartridges. This usually occurs because the printer's internal counter has not been reset or the sensor is unable to accurately analyse the remaining levels of a third-party cartridge. This guide will help you clear these false alerts so you can continue printing without interruption.

Quick Fix Steps

Before attempting a manual reset, try these simple steps to see if the printer can recalibrate itself:

Power Cycle: Turn the printer off, unplug the power cable from the wall for 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
Reseat Cartridges: Open the printer access door, remove the cartridges, and firmly re-insert them to ensure they are seated correctly.
Clean Contacts: Use a lint-free cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the gold contact chips on the cartridge and the corresponding pins inside the printer.

Detailed Instructions by Printer Type

HP Printers

Many HP models use a "chip" system that tracks page counts. If you are using a refilled or compatible cartridge, the printer may not recognise the new ink level.

On the printer control panel, navigate to Setup or Settings.
Select Tools and then Printer Maintenance.
Look for an option labelled Reset Ink Levels or Ignore Low Ink and select Yes.
If the warning persists on your PC, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and select Printing Preferences to disable "Ink Alerts".

Brother Printers

Brother machines often require a manual reset sequence to clear the toner warning, as the machine does not always detect when a new cartridge is installed.

Open the front cover of the printer (where you access the toner).
Press the Clear or Back button.
When the screen asks "Reset Toner?", use the arrow keys to select Yes.
Press OK and close the front cover.

Canon and Epson Printers

These brands often use "ink tanks" or "cartridges" that trigger a hard stop once the estimated ink is depleted.

Locate the Stop/Reset button (usually represented by a red circle with a triangle).
Press and hold the Stop/Reset button for 5 to 10 seconds until the warning light stops flashing or the message disappears from the screen.
Release the button immediately to avoid resetting other printer settings.

Tip: If you are using non-genuine cartridges, your printer may ask you to confirm that you are using a "non-HP" or "non-Canon" product. Always select Yes or Continue to bypass the compatibility check.

Troubleshooting Persistent Alerts

If the warning remains after following the steps above, consider the following:

Check for Firmware Updates

Manufacturer updates can sometimes resolve sensor bugs. Ensure your printer is connected to the network and check for updates via the printer's Settings > Service > Firmware Update menu.

Verify Cartridge Compatibility

Ensure the cartridge model number exactly matches your printer's requirements. A slightly different version may trigger a "Low" or "Incompatible" error regardless of the ink volume.

Caution: Avoid using aggressive chemicals or abrasive materials to clean cartridge chips, as this can permanently damage the electronics and render the cartridge unusable.

If your printer is still refusing to print or the warnings are preventing operation, please Open a Ticket for further technical assistance. If you are experiencing other peripheral issues, you may find these guides helpful:

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

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