Signs of printer running out of ink and effective, easy fixes

When the printer is running out of ink and is not detected and fixed in time, it can cause problems and damage to the printer. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the signs of a printer running out of ink , especially for older models that do not have a low ink warning feature. Moreover, each type of printer will have its own way of notifying and displaying when it runs out of ink. Therefore, to help users easily recognize the signs of a printer running out of ink, TipsMake will provide detailed information in the article below. 

Common signs of printer running out of ink

When the ink in the printer runs out and is not detected in time, it can affect the performance of the machine and cause damage to the device. Below are common signs of a printer running out of ink that you can easily recognize.

White streaks appear running vertically on printed page 

This is the most basic sign of a low ink printer to determine if your printer is running out of ink. When a page is printed but the printer is out of ink, you will see white streaks running down the page from top to bottom, because the print head cannot cover the entire page evenly with ink. These streaks usually appear in the middle of the page, but they can also appear on the left or right edge of the page.

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Through the printer's flashing indicator light

Some printers are equipped with a warning feature when the ink is running low through a flashing light system or through the display screen. For example, the messages "Low Ink", "Low Toner", "Toner Empty", "Replace Toner". depending on the type of printer. In addition, for types of ink with chips, you can monitor how much ink is left in the ink tank.

In addition, you can recognize common signs of a printer running out of ink through error code displays or the following messages:

1. The printer does not recognize the ink.
2. The ink tank is not installed properly.
3. Printer reports an error about the ink tank.
4. For Epson printers, there will be a message 'Printer seal cartridge has expired. Please contact Epson for support'.

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Signs of printer running out of ink through warning on LCD display 

Reading the low toner warning on the LCD display is a sign of the printer running out of toner that applies to some printers, such as Toner empty, Toner low, Replace toner cartridge, Replace toner, Toner exhausted. Some printers, such as the Samsung M2020 and Samsung M2070 can also be set to display a warning when the toner is running low at around 10%, 20%, or 30%.

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Printer out of ink sign by number of printed papers

The simplest common sign of a printer running low on ink is to estimate it based on the number of pages printed. Printer manufacturers typically set performance standards, including a limit on the number of pages a cartridge can print. These numbers are calculated accurately based on a standard ink coverage level, usually set at 5%.

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Some printing process functions do not work.

In the case of color inkjet printers, when the ink runs out or is very low, some printing functions will not work, causing blurry and unsharp prints.

How to fix out of ink problem in printer 

Although many people have recognized the above signs, they are still wondering what to do when the printer runs out of ink. To fix the printer running out of ink, there are usually 2 ways to handle it as follows:

Refill ink for printer

When your printer runs out of ink, you can try shaking the cartridge, then putting it back in the printer and printing as usual. However, this method is only suitable for emergency situations. After you have finished the urgent matter, you should consider refilling your printer.

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Refilling printer ink is very effective, because when the printer is working properly, your prints will be guaranteed to be high quality and sharp, while also saving costs. You can contact reputable establishments specializing in providing printer ink refilling services to receive support in this case.

Replace new cartridge 

Printer manufacturers often recommend that users replace the ink cartridge when they detect signs of the printer running out of ink to ensure stability during operation. However, this method often requires a higher cost than refilling the ink. Therefore, the decision to replace the ink cartridge when the printer runs out of ink needs to be carefully considered.

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Instructions on how to choose the right ink for your printer

Choosing the right ink for your printer is important, not only to ensure print quality but also to maintain and extend the life of your printer. This not only saves time and repair costs but also ensures long-term printer performance.

To choose the right ink, you need to determine the type of ink compatible with the printer model you are using, that is, choose genuine products manufactured by the manufacturer. This way, you will be covered by a warranty in case of problems or damage, helping to reduce printer maintenance costs.

So, TipsMake has just shared with you the signs that your printer is running out of ink and how to fix this situation. When you encounter any signs that your printer is running out of ink, consider how to handle it appropriately for each specific situation of the printer and your needs. It is important to always monitor your printer to ensure that it is always working well and ready to meet your printing needs.

Marvin Fry

Update 16 January 2025