Why doesn't a computer recognize a refilled ink cartridge?

Inkjet printers are so cheap because manufacturers compensate for the low cost through selling inkjet cartridge refills. Instead of having to buy new cartridges, many people invest in an inkjet cartridge refill kit that allows you to inject ink into your cartridges and use them again. However, this can also cause problems with your printer, which may not always recognize the refilled cartridge for a variety of reasons. Also note that using a refilled cartridge could void the warranty on your printer.

Cartridge Not Installed Properly

The most common reason a refilled ink cartridge does not work is that you didn't reinstall the cartridge properly. Check the cartridge and make sure it is not dislodged or misaligned. If there is no visible sign of misinstallation, remove the cartridge and reinstall it.

Incompatible Ink

One of the risks of buying an ink refill kit is that the ink that you use may not be designed to work with your printer. The refill kit may say that it works with your printer's make, but it may not work with your specific model. If it does not, the printer will not use the ink, and it may even damage the printer.

Cartridge Designed to Not Work After Being Empty

Certain printer manufacturers such as Epson actually design their cartridges to seal themselves off after a certain amount of ink has passed through the unit. Once that happens, the cartridge codes itself off and is permanently unusable by any other printer, regardless of how much ink is in it. In this case, you have no other option but to purchase a new cartridge.

Printer Hardware

You may need to do some hardware maintenance to get your refilled cartridge working again. You may need to align the cartridges and clean the printer nozzles, both of which are automatic processes that can be initiated within your printer's maintenance settings.