Epson inkjet printers are known for their high-quality prints and efficiency, especially with EcoTank and Ink Cartridge models. However, after refilling the ink tanks or replacing ink cartridges, some users encounter issues where the printer fails to print or produces blank pages. This can be frustrating, but the good news is that there are several troubleshooting steps to fix it.

This guide will walk you through all the possible solutions to get your Epson printer printing correctly again after a refill.

Common Reasons Why Epson Printers Won’t Print After Refilling Ink

If your Epson printer is not printing properly after you have refilled the ink, it could be due to the following reasons:

✔️ Air Bubbles in Ink Tubes – Air trapped in the ink lines can block ink flow.

✔️ Ink Not Properly Recognized – The printer may not detect the refilled ink cartridge.
✔️ Dried Ink in Nozzles – Ink may have dried inside the printhead, blocking it.
✔️ Incorrect Ink Installation – The ink cartridge or tank may not be seated properly.
✔️ Printer Firmware Issues – Some firmware updates may block non-original ink.
✔️ Clogged Print Head – Ink residue buildup can prevent proper printing.
✔️ Low Ink Counter Reset Needed – The printer may think the ink is still empty.

 

Now, let’s go through the step-by-step troubleshooting methods to fix this issue.

Step 1: Check Ink Levels and Refill Correctly

  1. Ensure that you have used the correct ink type for your Epson printer.
  2. If you are using refilled ink cartridges, make sure they are completely filled.
  3. For EcoTank models, check that the ink is at the proper level in the tanks.
  4. Shake the ink bottles gently before refilling to prevent air bubbles.
  5. Make sure the ink caps are tightly closed after refilling.

If the ink levels appear correct but the printer is still not printing, move to the next step.

Step 2: Reset the Ink Counter (For EcoTank Printers)

Epson EcoTank models track ink usage with an internal counter. After refilling, the printer may still think the ink is empty. To reset it:

  1. Turn on your printer.
  2. Press and hold the "Ink" or "Reset" button (depending on your model) for 5–10 seconds.
  3. The power light may blink, indicating that the ink counter is resetting.
  4. Once done, try printing a test page.

If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Run a Nozzle Check and Print Head Cleaning

If the printer prints blank pages or has missing colors, the print head may be clogged. You can use Epson’s built-in cleaning function:

Running a Nozzle Check

  1. Open Epson Printer Utility on your computer.
  2. Select "Nozzle Check" and print a test page.
  3. If you see missing or broken lines, proceed to head cleaning.

Running Print Head Cleaning

  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers on your PC.
  2. Right-click on your Epson printer and select Printing Preferences.
  3. Navigate to Maintenance > Head Cleaning.
  4. Start the cleaning process and wait for it to complete.
  5. Print a test page again.

💡 Tip: If printing is still not working, repeat the cleaning process 2–3 times. Avoid excessive cleanings, as this can waste ink.

Step 4: Perform a Power Reset

A simple power reset can sometimes resolve ink detection and print issues.

  1. Turn off your printer.
  2. Unplug it from the power source.
  3. Wait for 10 minutes to allow residual power to clear.
  4. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
  5. Try printing again.

Step 5: Remove and Reinsert the Ink Cartridges

For cartridge-based Epson printers, incorrect cartridge placement may prevent printing.

  1. Turn off the printer and open the ink compartment.
  2. Remove all cartridges carefully.
  3. Clean the cartridge contacts with a lint-free cloth.
  4. Reinsert the cartridges firmly into their respective slots.
  5. Close the ink cover and restart the printer.

Step 6: Check for Air Bubbles in Ink Tubes (For EcoTank Models)

Air bubbles in the ink tubes can block ink flow, preventing printing.

How to Remove Air Bubbles:

  1. Print several test pages with full-color images to force ink through.
  2. If that doesn’t work, try manual priming:
    • Remove the ink tank and squeeze the ink tube slightly to push out air.
    • Reinstall the tank and run a head cleaning cycle.

Step 7: Check for Blocked Nozzles (Manual Cleaning Method)

If print head cleaning via software doesn’t work, you may need to manually clean the print head.

How to Manually Clean the Print Head:

  1. Turn off the printer and remove the ink cartridges.
  2. Use a syringe with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol to inject cleaning fluid into the ink nozzles.
  3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to dissolve any dried ink.
  4. Reinstall the cartridges and perform a head cleaning cycle before printing.

Step 8: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can also cause printing issues.

To update or reinstall drivers:

  1. Go to Epson’s official website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
  2. Open Device Manager (Windows) and locate your printer.
  3. Right-click and choose Uninstall device.
  4. Restart your PC and reinstall the drivers.

Step 9: Bypass Epson Firmware Blocks (For Third-Party Ink Cartridges)

Epson frequently updates its firmware to block non-original ink cartridges. If you are using refilled or third-party ink, try the following:

  1. Disable automatic firmware updates in the Epson software settings.
  2. Rollback the firmware if an update caused printing issues.
  3. Use chip resetters or compatible cartridges that bypass firmware restrictions.

Step 10: Factory Reset Your Epson Printer

If none of the previous steps work, you may need to reset your printer to factory settings.

How to Factory Reset Epson Printer:

  1. Press and hold the "Reset" button while turning on the printer.
  2. Hold the button until the power light starts flashing.
  3. Release the button and wait for the printer to restart.
  4. Set up the printer again and try printing.

Conclusion

If your Epson printer is not printing after a refill, the problem could be due to air bubbles, clogged print heads, firmware issues, or improper ink installation. By following the step-by-step troubleshooting methods in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and restore normal printing.

If the problem persists, consider taking the printer to an Epson service center for professional repair.

Would you like additional help with your specific Epson printer model? 😊