Regularly checking your printer’s ink levels is important to avoid running out of ink during crucial print jobs, which can cause delays and affect productivity. Keeping track of ink levels ensures that your printer operates smoothly and delivers high-quality prints without interruption.
Different printer brands, such as Lexmark and Canon, have specific methods for monitoring ink levels. For Lexmark printers, use the Lexmark P910 Series Utility or check directly on the printer’s display. Canon printers utilize the Canon IJ Status Monitor and the ‘Maintenance’ tab for ink-level information. This guide will help you understand how to efficiently check ink levels and maintain your printer’s performance.
On a Windows Computer
- Start Menu and Search Bar: Click on the Start menu and use the search bar to type in ‘Devices and Printers’ or ‘Printers & Scanners.’
- Devices and Printers: Select ‘Devices and Printers’ from the list. This will show you all the printers connected to your computer.
- Check Ink Levels: Click on your printer model. You’ll see the ink levels displayed in the status area. This helps you keep track of ink consumption and know when it’s time for a replacement.
On a Mac Computer
Open System Preferences: Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen. Then, choose ‘System Preferences.’ You can also use the search icon (magnifying glass) to look for ‘Printers and Scanners.’
Select Your Printer: In the ‘Printers and Scanners’ window, find and click on your printer model.
Check Ink Levels: Click on ‘Options and Supplies,’ then go to the ‘Supplies Levels’ tab. Here, you’ll see how much ink is left in your printer.
On IOS and Android Devices
Download the Right App: If you use a tablet or phone, download the HP Smart App from your app store. This app is needed to check the ink levels for HP printers.
Open the App: Once installed, open the HP Smart App. The app will show you the current ink levels right on your screen.
Popular printer brands and how to check ink levels
HP Printers
- Use HP Print and Scan Doctor: For HP printers, you can use the HP Print and Scan Doctor to check your ink levels. This tool helps find problems and shows how much ink and toner you have left. It’s great for troubleshooting and fixing issues.
- Open the HP Smart App: Another easy way to check ink levels is by using the HP Smart app. Open the app on your computer or phone, and you’ll see the ink status right on the home screen. It’s a quick way to check if you need more ink.
- Check with Instant Ink: If you use HP’s Instant Ink service, you can check ink levels by clicking the Instant Ink icon on your printer. This service helps track how much ink you’re using and tells you when it’s time to get new cartridges.
Epson Printers
- Check with Status Monitor Utility: First, open the Status Monitor Utility that came with your Epson printer driver. This tool helps you see how much ink is left. If you notice any problems, like paper jams or low ink, the utility will let you know.
- Find It in Printer Driver: To use this tool, open the printer driver software on your computer. The Status Monitor Utility will show you the current ink levels and alert you if anything needs fixing.
Lexmark Printers
- Open Lexmark P910 Series Utility: To start, find and open the Lexmark P910 Series Utility on your computer. This tool helps you see how much ink is left in your printer.
- Look for the Cartridges Tab: Once you’re in the utility, click on the ‘Cartridges’ tab. This will show you detailed information about your ink levels, so you know when it’s time to replace your cartridges.
- Check on the Printer’s Display: You can also see your ink levels directly on your printer’s screen. This is a quick way to check if you need more ink without using your computer.
Canon Printers
- Use Canon IJ Status Monitor: For Canon printers, open the Canon IJ Status Monitor on your computer. This tool will display your current ink levels.
- Go to the Maintenance Tab: Inside the Canon IJ Status Monitor, click on the ‘Maintenance’ tab. You’ll be taken to a screen where you can see your ink levels pop up.
- Check Ink Detail: If you want more details, click on ‘Ink Detail.’ This will give you a closer look at how much ink is left in each cartridge.
Brother Printers
- Using the LCD Screen: To check your ink levels on a Brother printer, start by looking at the printer’s LCD screen. Find the ‘Ink Management’ key or option. Press it, and you’ll see information about your ink volume and status right on the screen.
- Check on Your PC: If you prefer to check from your computer, use the Status Monitor Utility. To do this, double-click the printer icon in the task tray on your desktop. This will bring up a screen showing the colour levels of your ink cartridges.
- Access on a Mac: For Mac users, go to the pathway: HD/Library/Printers/Brother/Utilities. Open the utility software from this location to check your ink levels.
HP Laserjet 1020 Plus
- It’s possible to print a test page from your PC via the Control Panel or Settings, and this can be a useful way to check printer functionality and sometimes get an idea of toner levels. Some printers include toner’s level information or status messages on the page including different elements, but many do not. For more detailed toner information, you might need to check the printer’s status through its control panel or by the printer software installed on your PC.