Canon Printer 'Cartridge is Empty' – But Ink Is Left

TL;DR: Your Canon printer may show a 'cartridge is empty' error even when ink is visibly present, often due to the cartridge chip's pre-set memory or seating issues. You can usually bypass this by holding the stop/reset button for 5–20 seconds, reinserting cartridges, or performing a power cycle. Manual ink monitoring is advised afterward.

I’ve faced this frustrating issue myself: my Canon printer flashes a 'cartridge is empty' warning, but when I pull out the cartridge, there’s clearly ink left. It’s a common problem, especially if you use refilled, remanufactured, or third-party cartridges. The error isn’t about actual ink levels—it’s triggered by the chip on the cartridge, which may still report low ink from previous use or fail to communicate properly with your printer^1.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through why this happens, practical steps to override the error, and how to prevent it in the future. Let’s get your printer back to work without wasting precious ink.

Why Does My Canon Printer Say Ink Is Empty When It’s Not?

The ink status monitor on Canon printers isn’t always a reliable gauge of actual ink levels^1. Instead, it often relies on:

Chip Memory: Cartridge chips track usage and may flag 'empty' based on estimated pages printed, not physical ink remaining.
Third-Party Cartridges: Non-OEM cartridges might not reset their chips properly, causing false empty errors.
Poor Seating or Connectivity: If a cartridge isn’t fully inserted or has dirty contacts, the printer can’t read it correctly^8.
Protective Tape Left On: Forgetting to remove the tape from new cartridges can block ink flow and cause errors^6.

Understanding this helps you see that the error is often a communication glitch, not a true ink shortage.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Canon ‘Empty Cartridge’ Error

Try these solutions in order. Most users resolve the issue with one of these methods.

1. Press and Hold the Stop/Reset Button

This is the most common fix. When the error appears:

Hold the Stop/Reset button for 5–20 seconds (duration varies by model)^4.
The printer should beep or display a message, overriding the warning.
You’ll disable ink level monitoring, but printing can continue.

2. Reinsert the Cartridge

Sometimes, poor contact is the culprit:

Power off the printer.
Remove the cartridge and inspect for tape or debris.
Clean the copper contacts gently with a dry cloth.
Reinsert firmly until it clicks into place.
Power on and check if the error clears^8.

3. Power Cycle the Printer

A reset can help:

Turn off and unplug the printer.
Press the power button 5 times to discharge residual power^3.
Wait 60 seconds, plug back in, and turn on.

4. Check for Protective Tape

New cartridges often have an orange or clear tape covering the ink ports. Ensure it’s fully removed before installation^6.

5. Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause recognition issues. Visit Canon’s support site, download the latest firmware for your model, and install it.

How to Bypass Low Ink Warnings Permanently

If you frequently use refilled cartridges, consider disabling ink level monitoring entirely:

Go to your printer’s settings via the control panel or software.
Navigate to Ink Settings or Status Monitor.
Disable alerts or set the printer to continue printing despite warnings.

This prevents interruptions, though you’ll need to monitor ink manually by checking print quality.

Pros and Cons of Overriding Ink Errors

Pros	Cons
Saves money by using all ink	No low ink warnings; may run out mid-print
Reduces cartridge waste	Potential for air bubbles or clogging if ink is truly low
Easy to implement	Not recommended for critical prints (e.g., documents with deadlines)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Shaking Cartridges: Some users shake cartridges to trick the sensor, but this can introduce air bubbles and worsen problems^2.
Ignoring Print Quality: If prints are streaky or faint, ink may actually be low—don’t override in this case.
Using Damaged Cartridges: Cracked or leaking cartridges can damage your printer.

Case Study: Resolving a Pixma TS6420 Error

A user on Canon’s community forum reported their TS6420 showed 'cartridge empty' with new ink^3. They:

Powered off and unplugged the printer.
Pressed the power button 5 times.
Waited 60 seconds and restarted.

The error cleared, and printing resumed. This power cycle reset the printer’s memory, allowing it to recognize the cartridge anew.

When to Seek Professional Help

If none of these steps work:

The cartridge chip may be faulty and need replacement.
Your printer’s printhead or internal sensors could be damaged.
Contact Canon support if under warranty^3.

FAQ

Q1: Can I reset the cartridge chip itself?
A: Most consumer cartridges have non-resettable chips. Overriding via the stop button is easier.

Q2: Will this void my printer’s warranty?
A: Using third-party cartridges might, but overriding errors generally doesn’t. Check Canon’s policy.

Q3: Why does the error come back after a few minutes?
A: The chip may still be reporting low ink. Try a longer reset hold or disable monitoring entirely.

Q4: Is it safe to use refilled cartridges?
A: Yes, but buy from reputable suppliers to avoid leaks or clogs.

Q5: How do I manually check ink levels?
A: Print a test page via your printer’s maintenance menu and look for streaks or fading.

Q6: Can firmware updates cause this error?
A: Sometimes, updates add checks for non-OEM cartridges. Rolling back firmware might help.

Checklist for Troubleshooting

Hold stop/reset button for 5–20 seconds
Reinsert cartridge and clean contacts
Power cycle the printer
Remove protective tape from new cartridges
Update printer firmware
Disable ink monitoring in settings

Glossary

OEM Cartridges: Original Equipment Manufacturer (Canon-branded) cartridges.
Chip Reset: Clearing the memory on a cartridge chip (often not possible for consumers).
Power Cycle: Turning off and unplugging a device to reset it.

Conclusion

Dealing with a false 'cartridge empty' error on your Canon printer is frustrating, but it’s usually fixable. By overriding the warning or resetting your printer, you can access the remaining ink and avoid unnecessary replacements. Remember to monitor print quality manually afterward.

Have you tried these steps? Share your experience in the comments below! If you’re still stuck, consider reaching out to Canon support or a trusted technician.

References

Step-by-Step Guide to Override the Warning

When my Canon printer started flashing that dreaded 'cartridge empty' warning even though I knew there was plenty of ink left, I followed these steps to override it:

Press and Hold the Stop/Reset Button: As soon as the error message appears, I press and hold the stop/reset button on the printer for 5–20 seconds (timing varies by model, but 5 seconds often works for newer ones like the PIXMA series)^4. This disables the ink status monitor.
Power Cycle the Printer: If the error persists, I turn off the printer, unplug it for 60 seconds, press the power button 5 times while it's unplugged (as some Canon community members suggest), then plug it back in and power it on^3.
Reinsert the Cartridge: Sometimes, the cartridge isn't seated properly. I remove it, check for any protective tape I might have missed (a common oversight!), and reinsert it firmly^6.

Pros and Cons of Overriding the Warning

Pros:

Cost Savings: I avoid replacing cartridges prematurely, saving money, especially with refilled or third-party options^1.
Convenience: No more interruptions mid-print job; I can use the ink until it's truly empty.
Eco-Friendly: Reduces waste by extending cartridge life.

Cons:

No Ink Monitoring: I lose automated low-ink alerts, so I have to manually check print quality for fading or streaks^4.
Risk of Damage: If I ignore actual empty cartridges, printing with no ink could clog print heads, leading to costly repairs.
Voided Warranty: Using non-Canon cartridges or reset methods might void my printer's warranty, as noted in some support forums^3.

Comparison: Canon vs. Other Brands

From my experience, Canon's chip-based system is more aggressive with warnings compared to some other brands:

Canon: Relies heavily on cartridge chips that estimate ink levels based on usage, not actual ink volume, leading to frequent false alarms^1. Override methods are well-documented but require manual steps.
Epson: Often uses piezoelectric print heads and chips that can be reset with software tools, but may still show errors with third-party ink.
HP: Similar to Canon, but some models allow easier resets through printer menus or holding buttons, though they also push for OEM cartridges.

Canon's approach feels more rigid, but the override tricks are reliable once you get the hang of them. If you value hassle-free operation, sticking to Canon-branded cartridges might be better, but for budget-conscious users like me, the workarounds are worth it^1 ^9.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with these errors has taught me to always keep the stop/reset button handy and periodically check my prints for quality. It's a small trade-off for the savings, but if you're not comfortable with manual monitoring, investing in genuine cartridges might save you headaches. Whatever you choose, remember that a little patience and these steps can keep your printer running smoothly without unnecessary ink waste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Override Canon Ink Errors

Based on my experience and the sources I've consulted, here's a clear, step-by-step process I follow to override Canon's low ink warnings:

Identify the Stop/Reset Button: On most Canon printers, this is a triangular or circular button marked with an "X" or "!". Refer to your manual if unsure^4.
Wait for the Error: When the printer displays "low ink" or "empty cartridge" (even if I know it's not true), I proceed immediately.
Press and Hold: I press and hold the stop/reset button for 5–20 seconds (duration varies by model; 5 seconds often works, but some require longer holds)^4 ^9.
Release and Confirm: After releasing, the printer usually beeps or shows a confirmation, and printing resumes normally.
Power Cycle if Needed: If the error persists, I turn off the printer, unplug it for 60 seconds, press the power button 5 times while unplugged (as some forums suggest), then replug and power on^3.

I've found this method reliable across models like the PIXMA series, but always double-check model-specific advice in Canon communities or support pages^3.

Pros and Cons of Manual Override (Revisited)

Reflecting further, I've noticed some nuanced pros and cons: