Find your printer model and cartridge type first

Before you buy a replacement, you need to know which cartridge your printer uses. The fastest way is to look at your printer itself — most models have the cartridge type printed on a sticker on the back or inside the cartridge bay. You can also find it in your printer's manual or by searching your printer's model number on the manufacturer's website.

Write down the exact cartridge number. Printer cartridges are not interchangeable across brands or even across different printer lines from the same brand. A Canon PIXMA cartridge will not work in an Epson printer, and an HP 63 cartridge is different from an HP 65, even though they look similar. Buying the wrong one means a wasted trip and a return.

Check whether your printer uses individual cartridges (one for black, one for cyan, one for magenta, one for yellow) or a combined cartridge system. Some printers use both — a single black cartridge plus a tri-color cartridge. This matters because you may only need to replace one color, not all of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Your printer model number and the exact cartridge number are printed on your printer or in the manual, and you must match them exactly when buying a replacement.
  • Cartridges from different brands and different printer models are not interchangeable, so buying the wrong one will not work in your machine.
  • The replacement process takes five minutes: power off the printer, open the cartridge bay, remove the old cartridge by pressing the clip, and insert the new one until it clicks.
  • Original cartridges from the printer manufacturer cost more but are may provide to work, while third-party cartridges are cheaper but may trigger warning messages or void your warranty.
  • Ink cartridges dry out over time, so buy only what you will use within a year and store unused cartridges in a cool, dry place in their original sealed packaging.

Decide between original and third-party cartridges

Original cartridges made by your printer's manufacturer (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and so on) cost more — often $15 to $30 per cartridge depending on the brand and model — but they are may provide to work and come with the printer's full warranty. If something goes wrong, the manufacturer will replace it.

Third-party cartridges, sold under brand names like Remanufactured, Compatible, or store brands, cost $5 to $15 per cartridge. They work in most printers, but some machines will display a warning message saying the cartridge is not genuine, and a few will refuse to print until you dismiss the warning. Some printer manufacturers void your warranty if you use non-original cartridges, though this is rarely enforced. Third-party cartridges also vary in quality — some print as well as originals, and some produce faded or streaky output.

If you print rarely, original cartridges make sense because you will not use them up before they dry out. If you print often and cost matters, third-party cartridges are worth trying once to see how your specific printer handles them. Keep the receipt in case you need to return them.

Power off and open the cartridge bay

Turn off your printer completely using the power button. Wait 30 seconds for it to shut down fully. Do not open the cartridge bay while the printer is on — the cartridge head may move unexpectedly and you could damage it or get pinched.

Open the access panel or cartridge bay. On most inkjet printers, this is a hinged cover on the top or front of the machine. Some printers have a button labeled "Open" or a latch you pull. Consult your manual if you cannot find it — the location varies widely by model.

The cartridge bay will usually have a light inside. If it does not come on, the printer may not be fully powered down. Wait another moment and try again. You should see the cartridge holder, which is a plastic frame with slots for each color cartridge.

Remove the old cartridge and install the new one

Locate the cartridge you need to replace. Each slot is labeled with a color — usually Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow, sometimes abbreviated as K, C, M, Y. If you are replacing black ink, find the slot marked Black or K.

Press the small clip or lever on the cartridge holder toward the cartridge. This releases the cartridge from its slot. The cartridge will tilt forward slightly. Grasp it by the sides (not the nozzles on the bottom) and pull it straight out toward you. Do not twist or force it.

Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Peel off any protective tape or seals on the cartridge itself — there is usually a small piece of tape covering the nozzles on the bottom. This tape must come off or the printer will not work. Keep the cartridge's original box and packaging in case you need to return it.

Hold the new cartridge by its sides and align it with the empty slot. Push it straight in until you hear or feel a click. The cartridge should sit flush in the holder. If it does not click, pull it out and try again — it may be slightly misaligned.

Close the cartridge bay and run a test print

Close the cartridge bay cover and turn the printer back on. Most printers will automatically detect the new cartridge and run a brief calibration cycle — you may hear the cartridge head move back and forth. This is normal and takes a minute or two.

Some printers will display a message asking you to confirm that you have installed a new cartridge or asking you to clean the print head. Follow the on-screen prompts. If the printer asks whether the cartridge is original or third-party, choose the option that matches what you installed.

Print a test page to confirm the new cartridge is working. Most printers have a "Print Test Page" or "Print Configuration Page" option in the settings menu or in the printer's software on your computer. If the output looks normal with no streaks or missing colors, the cartridge is installed correctly.

What to do if the cartridge does not work or fits wrong

If the cartridge will not click into place, remove it and check that you are inserting it into the correct slot. Cartridge slots are usually color-coded and shaped slightly differently so you cannot put a cartridge in the wrong place by accident, but it is worth double-checking. Also confirm that you removed the protective tape from the bottom of the cartridge.

If the printer displays an error message saying the cartridge is not recognized or not genuine, try removing the cartridge and reinserting it firmly. Sometimes the electrical contacts on the cartridge or the printer need to make better contact. Power the printer off and back on, then try again.

If the printer still will not accept a third-party cartridge after reinserting it twice, the cartridge may be defective or incompatible with your specific printer model. Return it to the retailer where you bought it. If you installed an original cartridge and it is not working, contact the printer manufacturer's support line — original cartridges come with a warranty.

Store cartridges properly to prevent drying out

Ink cartridges dry out over time, even when they are not in use. An unopened cartridge stored in a cool, dry place will last about two years before the ink inside begins to thicken and clog the nozzles. Once a cartridge is installed in a printer, it will dry out faster if the printer sits unused for more than a few weeks.

Keep unopened cartridges in their original sealed packaging in a drawer or cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not store them in a garage, attic, or car where temperature swings are large. If you buy cartridges in bulk, use the oldest ones first.

If your printer will sit unused for more than a month, consider running a cleaning cycle before you stop using it. Most printers have a "Clean Print Head" option in the settings menu. This pushes a small amount of ink through the nozzles to keep them from drying out. It uses a little ink but can save you from having to replace a cartridge that has clogged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refill an old cartridge instead of buying a new one?

Yes, but it requires a refill kit (usually $10 to $20) and takes 10 to 15 minutes. You drill a small hole in the cartridge, inject ink through a syringe, and seal the hole with a plug. Refilled cartridges work, but the quality is less consistent than buying new ones, and you risk spilling ink. Most people find it easier to buy a new third-party cartridge.

What if my printer says the cartridge is low but it still has ink?

Printers estimate ink levels by counting how many pages you have printed, not by measuring the actual ink inside. If you know the cartridge still works, you can usually ignore the warning and keep printing. When the cartridge actually runs dry, the printer will stop printing and display a different message.

Do I need to clean the print head every time I replace a cartridge?

No. A cleaning cycle is only necessary if you notice streaks or missing colors in your output, or if the printer has sat unused for several weeks. Running a cleaning cycle uses ink, so do it only when you need to.

Is it safe to touch the nozzles on the bottom of the cartridge?

Avoid touching them, but if you do, it is not dangerous — you will not hurt yourself. However, fingerprints or dust on the nozzles can block ink flow. If you accidentally touch them, wipe the cartridge gently with a lint-free cloth before installing it.

What should I do with an empty cartridge?

Many retailers that sell cartridges (Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot) will take empty cartridges for recycling at no charge. Some manufacturers also run mail-back programs. Do not throw cartridges in the trash — they contain plastic and residual ink that should be recycled.