Customer Support for Inkjet Printers and Ink Cartridges
Inkjet printer & ink cartridge support
Customer Support for Inkjet Printers and Ink Cartridges
Having trouble with an ink cartridge, missing colour, “no ink” message or cartridge recognition error? Start here for simple checks, HP+ advice, Canon guidance and general inkjet troubleshooting.
Quick checks first
Many ink cartridge errors are caused by contact, installation or printer memory issues.
HP+ explained
Understand HP+ before choosing a printer or trying compatible ink.
Canon help
Guidance for Canon low-ink warnings, orange lights and common error codes.
Still stuck?
Our UK customer service team can help you work out the next step.
Quick checks for common ink cartridge problems
Try these safe checks before assuming the cartridge is faulty. They only take a few minutes and often solve the most common inkjet printer issues.
New cartridge
New ink cartridge not printing?
Ink may have settled away from the print head while the cartridge was stored.
- Stand the cartridge print-head down for around 10 minutes before installing.
- Place the print head on a damp folded paper towel for a couple of minutes.
- Reinstall the cartridge firmly in the correct slot.
- Print several test pages or run a cleaning cycle if colours are still missing.
Not recognised
Cartridge not recognised?
Recognition errors are often caused by the chip or contacts not communicating with the printer.
- Check the cartridge code matches your exact printer model.
- Remove and reinstall the cartridge firmly.
- Gently wipe the chip or copper contacts with dry tissue or a lint-free cloth.
- Turn the printer off at the plug for a few minutes, then restart.
Print quality
Missing colours or poor print quality?
Missing colour is usually caused by blocked nozzles, trapped air or a print-head issue.
- Run your printer’s nozzle check or print-head cleaning cycle.
- Print a test page to identify which colour is missing.
- Check the protective tape or orange clip has been fully removed.
- If there is no error message, the issue may be with the printer print head.
Tip: If you contact us about an ink issue, please include your order number,
printer model, cartridge code and a photo of any error message or print fault. This helps us resolve things faster.
“No Ink” or “Cartridge Missing” error?
If your printer says there is no ink, no cartridge, or a cartridge is missing, try these simple steps first.
1. Check whether the cartridge is actually empty
If the cartridge has been used for a while, the warning may be genuine. If the print is faded, patchy or colours are missing, the cartridge may be empty or near the end of its life.
2. Clean the chip or copper contacts
Remove the cartridge and gently wipe the gold or copper contacts with a dry tissue, lint-free cloth or coffee filter. Dust, ink or fingerprints can stop the printer detecting it properly.
3. Restart the printer properly
Turn the printer off at the plug, wait at least one minute, then switch it back on. This can clear the printer memory and force it to check the cartridge again.
4. Reinstall the cartridge firmly
Make sure the cartridge clicks into place and is seated in the correct colour slot. On some printers, one cartridge slightly out of position can stop the whole printer from printing.
5. If you changed several cartridges, test one at a time
Reinstall the old working cartridges, then replace the new cartridges one by one. This helps identify which colour is triggering the warning.
6. Canon low-ink warning?
Some Canon printers may continue to show low or empty ink after a remanufactured cartridge is installed. In many cases, holding the Stop/Resume button for around 5 seconds can allow printing to continue.
HP+ ink cartridge advice
HP+ is important to understand before buying a printer or choosing compatible cartridges, because it can affect which cartridges your printer will accept.
What is HP+?
HP+ is an optional setup programme available on some HP printers, often models ending in “e”. It may be offered during setup with benefits such as extra warranty, HP Smart app features and an Instant Ink trial.
- It is usually activated during the printer setup process.
- It is separate from simply buying an HP printer.
- It can be linked with HP Instant Ink, but HP+ and Instant Ink are not the same thing.
- If you skipped HP+ during setup, your printer may still work as a standard HP printer.
The important bit
HP+ printers require Original HP cartridges to operate. This can mean compatible, remanufactured or refilled cartridges are rejected, even if they are the correct cartridge number.
- Activating HP+ can remove long-term cartridge choice.
- Canceling Instant Ink does not necessarily remove HP+ cartridge restrictions.
- Firmware updates can also affect how cartridges are recognised.
- If you want cartridge choice, be careful before activating HP+.
HP+ support tip: If an HP cartridge issue starts immediately after printer setup,
an HP Smart app setup, or a firmware update, tell us your exact printer model and whether HP+ or Instant Ink
was activated. This helps us advise whether the issue is cartridge-related or printer-restriction related.
General inkjet help
These answers cover the inkjet questions customers ask most often, including fitting problems, missing cartridge errors, poor print quality, firmware updates and ink running out quickly.
My cartridge does not fit in the printer
First, check that the cartridge code is compatible with your exact printer model. Also make sure all protective tape, seals or orange clips have been removed before installation.
My printer says the cartridge is missing or faulty
Remove the cartridge while the printer is on, switch the printer off at the socket and leave it for around 10 minutes. Wipe the chip or contact area with dry tissue, then switch back on and reinstall the cartridge.
I installed several cartridges and now there is an error
Reinstall the old working cartridges, then replace the new cartridges one at a time. This helps identify whether one specific colour is causing the error.
My print quality is poor
If there are no cartridge error messages, the issue may be with the printer’s print head. Run a nozzle check and one or two print-head cleaning cycles through the printer menu or software.
Should I update my printer firmware?
Be cautious with automatic firmware updates if you use compatible or remanufactured cartridges. Some updates can change how cartridges are recognised.
Why is my cartridge running out faster than expected?
Page yields are usually based on low page coverage. Photos, graphics, full pages of text and frequent cleaning cycles can use much more ink than the standard test conditions.
What does a light on the cartridge mean?
Some ink cartridges use a small light to show cartridge status. A steady light usually means the cartridge is fitted correctly, while flashing can indicate an error or empty cartridge warning.
Could my printer need cleaning?
Yes. Inkjet printers can dry out if unused for long periods. Running occasional test prints and using the printer’s maintenance tools can help keep the print head clear.
Canon inkjet support guides
Canon inkjet printers often show low-ink warnings, orange flashing lights or error codes. These guides explain what the messages mean and what to try next.
Canon printer showing empty or low ink?
Learn why Canon ink monitors may still show low or empty after a remanufactured cartridge is installed.
View Canon low ink guide ›
Canon orange flashing light?
Count the flashes and use our guide to understand what your Canon printer is trying to tell you.
View orange light guide ›
Canon inkjet error codes
Find explanations and suggested fixes for common Canon inkjet error codes and printer warnings.
View error code guide ›
Still need ink cartridge help?
If the quick checks have not solved the problem, our customer service team can help. Please include your order number, printer model, cartridge code and a clear photo of any error message or print fault.
Call us
01423 701704
Email us
customerservice@cartridgeworld.co.uk
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
