How to Check Printer Ink Levels

Is your office printer not printing yellow? Do you encounter printing glitches on Windows 11? Or is your Canon printer not printing black? Often, the first thing you are advised to do to address any printer issue is to do a simple ink check. But how should you exactly do that? Today, we’ve come up with a guide on how to check printer ink levels, whether you use HP, Canon, Brother or Epson printers in the office.

Why Checking Ink Levels Matters

Low ink can cause streaky or faded prints and colour inconsistencies. Worse, it can cause premature printhead wear and lead to major and costly printer problems. 

So, it is vital to check your printer’s ink levels regularly. Treat this task as part of your routine printer maintenance to ensure your equipment’s optimal condition and avoid costly and sudden printer repairs. Now, let’s get into the guide. 

How to Check Ink Levels on an HP Printer

HP’s got a nifty trick up its sleeve with the Instant Ink program. It monitors your printer’s ink levels and sends replacement ink before your cartridge runs out. So, you might not even need to check ink levels if you subscribe to this program. However, not everyone’s on board with this program. If you’re not a subscriber, here’s how to check ink levels manually:

• Fire up the HP Smart app on your mobile device.
• Select your printer model at the top.
• Look for the bar graph on the right—that’s your ink level indicator.

Pro Tip: If you don’t see accurate readings, update your printer’s firmware. If that doesn’t work, we have a troubleshooting guide for inaccurate readings below. 

How to Check Ink Levels on a Canon Printer 

Like HP’s Instant Ink program, Canon’s Auto Replenishment Service ships new ink to you whenever your Canon printer detects it’s running low on ink. But if you haven’t signed up, Canon’s approach to showing ink levels is pretty simple. Here’s the drill:

• Open the Canon Print app.
• Choose your printer at the bottom of the screen.
• Ink levels will be front and centre on the next screen.

How to Check Ink Levels on an Epson Printer 

Epson’s EcoTank series is changing the game when it comes to longer-lasting ink, but checking printer ink levels remains crucial. Here’s how:

• Launch the Epson Smart Panel app.
• Pick your printer at the top.
• You’ll see bar graphs for each colour—simple and effective.

Pro Tip: EcoTanks are great, but don’t let the large tanks make you complacent. Check ink levels regularly, as running completely dry can damage the system.

How to Check Ink Levels on a Brother Printer 

Brother printers are often the preferred choice in many offices in Australia. That’s why you must know how to check their ink levels. Here’s what to do: 

• Open Brother’s iPrint&Scan app.
• Tap Supplies/Machine Settings.
• A bar graph will show your remaining ink or toner.

Pro Tip: Brother printers are tough, but they’re not invincible. If you see faded prints even with full ink levels, it might be time to run a deep cleaning cycle or call in a pro.

Universal Method for the Tech-Savvy

If you’re tech-savvy, here’s a universal method that works for most modern printers:

• Find your printer’s IP address (usually in network settings).
• Type that IP address into a web browser.
• This opens your printer’s web interface, where you can check ink levels and more.
• This method is particularly useful for network printers or when you don’t want to install extra software or apps.

When to Call the Pros

While checking ink levels is usually simple, there are times when you might need expert help:

• If ink levels show full, but print quality is poor
• When you repeatedly get error messages about cartridges
• If the printer doesn’t recognise new cartridges

In these cases, there might be underlying issues that require professional diagnosis.

What Should I Do If My Printer’s Ink Levels Aren’t Updating Correctly?

As mentioned above, there could be times when your printer’s ink levels don’t update correctly. Common causes include outdated firmware, faulty cartridge chips, use of third-party cartridges or printer software glitches. Here’s a quick guide on how to address ink-level inaccuracies:

1. Reset the Printer: This simple step can often recalibrate the ink level sensors. All you have to do is turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Wait 60 seconds before plugging the printer back in and turning it on.
2. Update Printer Firmware: Outdated firmware is often the culprit behind inaccurate readings. So, if resetting your printer didn’t work, visit your printer manufacturer’s website to look for the latest firmware update for your model. Download and install the update following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Clean Cartridge Contacts: Dirty contacts can interfere with ink level readings. So, remove the cartridges carefully. Clean the gold contacts on the cartridges using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water. Allow contacts to dry completely before reinserting.
4. Check Cartridge Compatibility: Remove the cartridges and check their model numbers. Cross-reference these with your printer’s manual or manufacturer’s website. Replace any incompatible cartridges with the correct ones.
5. Perform a Deep Clean: This can help clear any clogs affecting ink flow and level readings. Simply access your printer’s maintenance menu. Select the “Deep Clean” or “Power Clean” option. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
6. Reset Ink Levels Manually: Some printers allow manual reset of ink levels. All you must do is access your printer’s settings menu. Then, look for an option like “Reset Ink Levels” or “Cartridge Reset.” Follow the prompts to reset the levels for each cartridge.
7. Professional Inspection: If none of the above steps work, it might be time for a professional look. Contact your printer manufacturer’s support line for advanced troubleshooting. You can also give us a call. We can inspect your printer, diagnose the issue and perform necessary repairs on the same day. 

Stay Proactive, Save Money

Regularly checking your printer’s ink levels is like giving it a quick health check-up. It can save you from unexpected print failures during crucial moments and help you budget for replacements. More importantly, it can help extend your printer’s life. 

Have more questions on how to see printer ink levels? Are you bothered by your office printer’s poor performance? Don’t hesitate to book a service. Our trained technicians are ready to provide same-day printer repair & maintenance in Sydney.