Checking ink and laser cartridge levels is a relatively simple process. Our walkthrough covers the ins and outs of checking ink levels for HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother. Even if you don’t own a model from one of these four brands, we bet some of our information will carry over to whatever brand of printer you do own.
Checking ink on an HP printer:
HP’s Instant Ink program makes ink refills automatic. The printer monitors ink levels and attempts to send replacement ink before a cartridge runs out. Some HP inkjet printers include six months of free ink. If you don’t have HP Instant Ink or want to check the levels before starting a big print job, using the mobile app is a convenient way to find out.
Checking ink on a Canon printer:
Canon’s Pixma TS202 scored top place on our list of best cheap printers. At under $50, Canon can’t be making money on the hardware, so it has to make a profit from the ink, and cartridges will need to be replaced more frequently. Canon’s Maxify printers, on another of our best-of lists, can use high-yield cartridges that last longer. Regardless of cartridge life, it’s good to check your printer’s ink levels periodically to get a sense of how quickly it’s dropping. That’s easiest with the mobile app.
Checking ink on an Epson printer:
Epson used to have a subscription ink service called ReadyInk, but they aren’t taking any new subscriptions at this time. If you own an Epson printer in the EcoTank series, you can still subscribe to a similar service called ReadyPrint. The ink in printers like the EcoTank ET-2760 is easy to forget to order more. When you do, it comes in big bottles that replenish the tanks at the right front. Incidentally, you can see the ink level through translucent panels.
Checking ink on a Brother printer:
Brother printers often make it onto our list of the best printers since they offer great value and typically have a long lifespan. Like most inkjet manufacturers, Brother offers a subscription service that aims to get ink to you before you run out. You might still like to see how much remains, and the mobile app lets you check remotely.
Checking from Windows or Mac:
Your printer might have Windows software that lets you see ink levels. This is the quickest way, but if you don’t want to install extra printer software on your computer, there’s a universal method that works with most popular printers. From Windows Settings, select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar. Choose Printers & scanners on the right and pick the printer that you want to check. Select Manage in the section to reveal details about that printer. Use the clickable link labeled Printer web page to open the printer’s web server. You might see a login screen. If you know your password, enter it. If you don’t you can still see supply details. In the address bar, delete everything to the right of the first “/” hit “enter.” You’ll see ink levels displayed regardless of whether you use an HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother printer.
If you’ve already installed a macOS app from the printer manufacturer, that might be the quickest way to see how much ink remains. If not, you can check your printer’s ink levels in System Settings. Use the search box at the top left to look for printer settings, or scroll down and select Printers & Scanners from the left sidebar. Select your printer from the list. Under Location choose the Options & Supplies button. A new window will open, and you’ll find ink levels on the Supplies tab.
Troubleshooting:
If you cannot check ink levels, it could mean your printer is offline or in sleep mode. In that case, go to the printer and cycle the power off and on to ensure it’s awake and accessible. After this reset, the printer should share information about the remaining ink supplies. Try the Windows or Mac methods, a mobile app, or navigate the printer’s built-in menu system to check ink levels. The controls vary, but if you browse the options, you should find a section called status or supplies, which will show your printer’s current ink levels.
Checking ink levels is a good idea, particularly before using expensive paper or beginning a large print job. When ink runs low in the middle of a print, the colors might lose accuracy and gaps might appear in images and text. It’s easy with the mobile app and not too hard from a computer.