EcoTank printers use bottled ink and tanks, so the equivalent of a cartridge error is an ink level or tank message. Epson's guidance for the reset message is exact: if the LCD prompts you to reset ink levels, refill all of the ink tanks, or the ones indicated, all the way to the top, select the colors you refilled on the LCD and follow the instructions to reset the ink levels.
The checks in more detail
Depending on operating conditions you may see the reset message even when there is still ink in the tanks. Epson explains that the product has a low ink alert system that cannot measure the ink directly, it estimates the amount remaining by monitoring usage, and that the system may give inaccurate messages if the tanks are not refilled according to the instructions. As a precaution inspect the tanks regularly so ink does not fall below the lower line, because continued use below the lower line could damage the product.
If you refilled but the printer still says low, reset the levels. On WorkForce Pro models that use ink packs, reseat the pack, check it is the right model and that the packing tape is off; an unrecognized pack may be a wrong-region or damaged one. Use genuine Epson ink, since third-party ink can cause errors. Ink pad codes E-11 and W-11 are separate and need Epson.
Keep the bottle keys and packaging with the printer, and note which bottle went in which tank, since Epson's low ink alert only works if you refill to the top and reset. If the low ink message appears right after you refilled, you probably need to reset the levels, and if it appears when the tank is clearly full, reset anyway. Refill in good light, tank by tank, wiping drips at once, and reset the levels straight after so that the printer's estimate starts from a true full tank.
Differential
Likely causes of “Epson printers does not recognize ink or toner”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Levels not reset after refilling
What separates it A low ink message shows because the levels were not reset after refilling
How to confirm Reset the ink levels, following the prompts on the printer's screen
- 2
A tank not filled to the top
What separates it The alert is inaccurate because a tank was not filled to the top
How to confirm Refill the tank to the top line, and then reset the levels
- 3
Ink below the lower line
What separates it There is a damage risk because the ink is below the lower line
How to confirm Refill the tank immediately, before you print anything else
- 4
A wrong or damaged ink pack
What separates it The ink pack is not recognized because it is the wrong one or is damaged
How to confirm Reseat the ink pack, or replace it, and check that it is recognized
- 5
A wrong tank filled
What separates it The colors are off because the wrong tank was filled
How to confirm Contact Epson, since a tank filled with the wrong ink needs a service
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The message that the screen shows
- Which tanks you refilled most recently
- The ink level against the lower line
- Whether the ink that you used is genuine Epson ink
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedRead the message
ReversibleRead the message on the screen, and note which colors it names, before you refill.
Refill to the top
ReversibleRefill the indicated tanks to the top line, taking care not to overfill them, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Select the refilled colors
ReversibleSelect the refilled colors on the screen, when the printer asks which ones you filled.
Follow the reset prompts
ReversibleFollow the reset prompts, and confirm that you have refilled each of the tanks, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Inspect the tanks
ReversibleInspect the tanks, and make sure that the ink is above the lower line, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Use genuine ink
ReversibleUse genuine ink if you are in doubt, since Epson recommends it, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Contact Epson
ReversibleContact Epson if the message persists, and give them the model and the message, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- EcoTank
- EcoTank models have bottle-fill tanks with a keyed bottle for each color.
- WorkForce Pro
- WorkForce Pro models use ink pack cartridges.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models EcoTank ET-2800, EcoTank ET-2850, EcoTank ET-3850, EcoTank Photo ET-8550, Expression Premium XP-7100, P700, WorkForce Pro WF-4830, WorkForce Pro WF-7840.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the printer still asks for a reset after the procedure, contact Epson
- !If ink went into the wrong tank, contact Epson
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Refilling and resetting ink levels.
E, W and I codes, ink pads and Recovery Mode.
Errors, Power Cleaning, Event Manager and maintenance box.
When to clean the nozzles.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does it ask me to reset ink levels?+
It estimates ink use and needs to know you refilled.
Can I see the reset message with ink left?+
Yes, you can see the reset message with ink left, according to Epson.
Do I refill to the top?+
Yes, refill to the top line, since the printer estimates ink use.
What is the lower line?+
The lower line is the minimum safe ink level, below which damage can occur.
Can I run below it?+
No, it could damage the product.
Why is the alert inaccurate?+
If tanks were not refilled per the instructions.
Do WorkForce models use tanks?+
WorkForce models use ink packs, and not tanks that you refill.
What do E-11 and W-11 mean?+
E-11 and W-11 are ink pad conditions, which need an Epson service provider.
Should I use genuine ink?+
Epson recommends genuine ink, since other inks can cause problems.