Printer cartridges store ink, and when you send a print job, they spray the ink onto the paper to print the document. However, if the printer cartridge has any issues, it may stop the printer from functioning and display an error message like “cartridges not communicating properly” or a similar message. In this situation, you will not be able to print. But the biggest question is why the cartridge is not communicating even when it still has ink.
There might be different reasons behind the issue, including a fault with the physical connection, using an incompatible cartridge, low ink levels, or common technical bugs. The good part is that this problem can be fixed with a few troubleshooting steps.
In this blog, I’ll share the most helpful troubleshooting methods to fix the issue with your printer cartridge. Let’s check them one by one and get your printer functioning again.
Before moving on to any advanced technical method, restart the printer to see if the error clears and the printer resumes working. Use the steps below to restart your printer.
Press and hold the power button on the printer to turn it off.
Remove the power cord from the power socket on the wall.
Open the access door of the printer, remove the cartridges, and place them back in the respective slots.
Wait for a few minutes, and then connect the power cord back into the wall outlet.
Check if the printer works again and starts printing. Plus, also check if the blinking lights on the printer turn solid after restarting the printer.
Sometimes, the area near the printer cartridge gets dirty, leading to slow performance of the printer. In this case, you should wipe the electrical contacts (copper colored) on the cartridge with a lint-free cloth. If it’s too dirty, use water or isopropyl alcohol to clean it. Let the area completely dry.
When the printer cartridge is not compatible with the printer model, it causes a problem with the printer’s functioning. That’s why you should check if the cartridge matches the printer model. But how to match? Your printer cartridge has a name written on the label. You can note the name and check if it matches your printer model on Google. If the cartridge is incompatible, replace it with a new one. Ensure that the new cartridge fits well into the slot. Otherwise, the same error may repeat on the printer.
Note: Don’t use third-party cartridges, as they may not be authentic. Always buy from the printer’s official website.
Sometimes, the printer cartridge doesn’t communicate well due to outdated firmware. In this situation, you need to update the firmware using the printer’s official website. Firmware is software needed for the normal functioning of the printer. When this software goes out of date, the printer starts displaying error messages about cartridge issues and others.
The process to update firmware is simple. Follow these steps to continue:
Visit the printer’s official website, and search for your printer’s name in the search bar.
Choose your printer’s name from the list, and click on the firmware option on the next page.
Click the Download option next to the firmware package, and then let it download on the computer.
Visit the Downloads folder, double-click on the firmware file to open it, and allow it to run.
Finally, let the installation process finish, and don’t shut down your computer during this process.
That’s how simply you can update the printer firmware and fix the cartridge issue.
If the printer cartridges are unable to communicate with the printer and affect its functioning, you need to take action. Most of the time, it happens because of the printer’s unstable physical connection, incorrectly placed cartridges, outdated firmware, etc. To resolve this, you must check if the cartridges are seated correctly in the slots and are compatible with the printer model. Also, update the printer firmware using its official website. Once the cartridge error is cleared, you’re free to use your printer again.
Question
There might be several reasons for your printer cartridge not to communicate, including incorrect positioning of the cartridge, low ink levels, outdated firmware, dirty cartridge contacts, etc. Plus, if your printer cartridge is not compatible with the printer model, it may also cause a problem with the cartridge communication.
Question
Check the ink levels in the cartridge by several methods, including physically shaking it and estimating the level. Another way is via the HP Smart app. Open the app, and check the estimated ink levels. Additionally, the printer’s control panel also has an option to display the ink levels. Besides, there are options to check the ink levels on Windows and Mac computers as well.
Question
Resolving the cartridge error on a printer is very simple if you know the troubleshooting steps. Check the printer connection, update the firmware, replace the cartridge if needed, confirm compatibility, and verify ink levels.
Source: How Do I Fix My Printer Cartridge Not Communicating