An inkjet printer is a printer that sprays small dots of ink onto a sheet of paper. It is one of the most popular types of printers both at home and in the office, as it gives good results and is quite inexpensive. There are many manufacturers of inkjet printers, so each is slightly different from the other; however, there are some common ways to tell when the printer is running out of ink. Read this guide to understand how.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure you have installed the management software that you received with the printer on the computer connected to it
If the printer is in use on many different computers, you may be able to access it via your computer, or need to access it via the main network computer
Step 2. Make sure your computer is connected to the printer
Step 3. Make sure both your computer and printer are turned on
Step 4. Click on the printer application on your computer and look for the "Ink Levels" tab
- If you use an Apple computer, you can find all of this in the System Preferences application under "Hardware". Click on the printer, and then on "Ink Levels".
- If you use a Windows computer, you need to go to the Start menu and select "Control Panel". Click on "Devices and Printers", then right click on the printer and select "Printing Preferences …", then click on "Ink Levels".
Method 1 of 1: Manual Control
Step 1. Turn on the printer
Step 2. Open the top (or middle) of the printer, and the cartridges will snap into place
Do not force the components of the printer. Look for arrows indicating the correct direction to remove the pieces. Many printers have a removable front section that holds the print cartridges
Step 3. Remove the cartridges individually by applying light pressure (HP) or by opening the case and pulling them out (Epson)
Unlike toner cartridges, ink cartridges are usually transparent, so you can check their level.
Step 4. Repeat this procedure with all cartridges
Advice
- You can also check if there is a flashing light on the printer. Most modern printers may also have scrolling text that warns of low ink levels. Always check the printer control panel before continuing.
- Even if you refill the cartridges, they need to be replaced every now and then. Printheads are often included with cartridges, so you can replace them quite frequently. In fact, if used for too long, they deteriorate, and the print quality suffers.
