How To Change Ink In Epson Printer

Directions to Change the Cartridge in an Epson Printer

By David Perez

i printer cartridge image by hugy from Fotolia.com

With all-in-one printers coming complete with scanners, fax machines and copiers, newer Epson printers are designed with the user in mind. This is especially true when it comes to changing the ink cartridges. It used to be that you had to wait foir your printer to prepare for the routine activity of replacing a cartridge. Now, more recent models such as the Artisan 800 have streamlined the refilling process, making it quicker and easier than ever.

Make sure you purchase the right cartridge for your printer. You can either remove your empty cartridge and bring it with you to buy the replacement or go to Epson's website, and click on "ink." This takes you to a page where you can search for your cartridges by printer model number.

Make sure your computer is plugged into the printer. If you're using a wireless connection, make sure it's established.

Find out which colors need to be replaced. Do not assume that just because you're out of black ink that this is the only cartridge you need to replace. Open your Epson printer utility. Select "Epson Status Monitor." It will show you a diagram of your ink levels. Make a note of all empty cartridges. They will all have to be replaced for the printer to work properly.

Open the printer. On the Artisan 800 and similar models, the ink cartridges are exposed and easily recognizable as the color of their labels corresponds to the color of the ink. On some models the cartridges need to be placed in the refill position. If this is the case, close the printer, go into "printers and fax," select the correct printer, go into "properties," click on "refill" and open the printer. The cartridges will move into the refill position.

Remove the empty cartridge by pressing its tab and gently pulling it out of its housing.

Locate the piece of tape on the bottom of your new cartridge and peel it off.

Place the cartridge in the housing and push it in until it clicks into place.

Print a small color image to test the printer. If there is a problem, trouble shoot by going to Epson's printer utility.

References

Tips

Look on your ink cartridge's packaging to find out how to recycle your printer cartridges.

Warnings

If your printer cartridge won't come out, don't force it. Contact Epson technical support by clicking "help" on their website.