Ink empty without printing - that's the reason
If your printer's ink is empty without printing, two things can be responsible for this: either the printer driver does not recognize the level correctly or the cartridge is now empty due to automatic flushing. We explain how this problem can arise and show you solutions.
Ink out: printer driver error - reinstall driver software
- Open the control panel and click on "Uninstall a program" under "Programs".
- Select the printer driver here and uninstall it.
- Now plug the printer cable back into the computer. If the driver is not installed automatically, look for it on the manufacturer's website.
- After installation, the fill level should be displayed correctly.
Ink empty despite little use
As Stiftung Warentest reported in March 2015, cleaning the print head uses significantly more ink than many believe. In order to prevent the fine nozzles from drying out, a printer even used ink for 10 euros in the test within six weeks. 15 printers were switched on and off once a week for six weeks.
- The Canon Pixma MG6650 consumed the least ink in six weeks - just 20 cents worth.
- The Epson Ecotank L350 is also economical (30 cents), as is the HP Envy 7640 model (40 cents).
- In contrast, the Canon Maxify iB4050 and MB5350 are expensive ink-eaters at around 8 euros. This is only topped by the MB2350 with wear of ink worth 10 euros within six weeks.
Our tips: save on ink and printer
Unfortunately, if your printer uses a lot of ink to clean the nozzles, there is nothing you can do about it. However, you can save significantly when buying the cartridges.
- Stiftung Warentest tested third-party cartridges with which you pay up to 80 percent less. You can also save by choosing a cheap printer cartridge shop.
- You can also make sure to choose an economical printer when you buy the printer.
- In the short term, you can reduce your printing costs by using economical fonts and using various ink saving tools.
The next practical tip will help you if your printer stops printing.