Brother Printer Cannot Detect Cartridge? Real Fixes, Not Fluff

Trisha Olivar | Jul 28, 2025

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New cartridge, same problem? Your Brother printer just won’t recognize it, and here’s why.

The “Brother printer cannot detect cartridge” error is one of the most frustrating alerts users face. It stops your work, wastes time, and often leads to replacing cartridges that are perfectly fine. Whether it’s a brand-new OEM or a refilled one, this issue can appear without warning.

Sometimes, it’s triggered by a firmware update. At other times, it’s due to dirt, misalignment, or incompatibility with a chip. Either way, your Brother printer not detecting ink leaves you with a machine that simply won’t print.

In this article, you’ll learn:

What does an ink cartridge not recognized error mean?
Why is your Brother printer not recognizing the ink?
Step-by-step fixes to get your printer working again
Printer maintenance tips to prevent this in the future

What Does the “Brother Printer Cannot Detect Cartridge” Error Mean?

The “Brother printer cannot detect cartridge” error appears when your printer fails to recognize the installed ink cartridge, even if it’s full or new. This leads to an ink cartridge not recognized message and stops all printing tasks. It’s one of the most common printer problems, especially with compatible or refilled cartridges. When it happens, your printer won’t print until the issue is resolved.

How the “Brother Printer Cartridge not Detected” Error Affects Your Printing

The Brother printer is not detecting an ink issue that occurs with both original and compatible cartridges. This issue wastes ink, reduces productivity, and causes user frustration. Here’s how:

1. Interruptions in Printing Workflow: The printer halts all operations. Documents stay in the queue. Print jobs fail. The Brother printer not detecting ink error must be cleared before anything resumes.

2. Error Loops or Setup Failures: Users may face repeated errors. The Brother printer cannot detect the ink cartridge, keeps flashing, even after reinserting the cartridge. In some cases, the printer won’t complete the setup.

3. Wasted Ink, Time, and Productivity: The Brother cartridge is not detecting an issue leads to:

Replacing usable cartridges
Wasting time on troubleshooting
Missed tasks or deadlines

Common Reasons Why Your Brother Printer Is Not Detecting Ink

When your Brother printer cannot detect the cartridge, it stops printing. This issue is common and often linked to chip errors, dirt, or firmware blocks. Here are the most frequent causes of the Brother printer not detecting the ink problem:

1. Use of Non-Genuine or Third-Party Cartridges

Third-party cartridges often trigger the Brother printer cannot detect cartridge error. They may lack proper chips or be blocked by firmware.

2. Dirty or Damaged Cartridge Contact Points

Dust or toner on contact points causes connection failure. This results in a Brother printer not detecting ink. Clean contacts with a dry cloth or alcohol wipe.

3. Incorrect Cartridge Installation

A cartridge that’s not fully clicked in will not register. The printer shows:

Brother printer cartridge not detected
Check alignment and ensure it locks in place.

4. Firmware Conflicts After Updates

Firmware updates can block compatible cartridges. After updating, users often face the Brother printer cannot detect cartridge issues. Disable auto-updates or roll back firmware if needed.

5. Empty, Expired, or Refilled Cartridges

Refilled or expired cartridges may not register. Their chips can show as invalid, causing a Brother printer not to recognise the ink cartridge error. Ensure chips are reset or replace the cartridge.

Step-by-Step Fixes for “Brother Printer Not Detecting Ink”

If your Brother printer cannot detect cartridge, you’re not alone. Many users face this as part of common printer problems, especially when the ink cartridge not recognised message appears out of nowhere. Below are direct steps to fix this issue and get back to printing.

Step 1: Power Cycle Your Printer

Restarting clears memory glitches that cause the Brother printer not detecting the ink issue.

How to do it:

Turn off your printer.
Unplug it from the power source.
Wait 2 minutes.
Plug back in and restart.

This simple step often resolves temporary detection errors.

Step 2: Remove and Reinsert the Cartridge

Loose or misaligned cartridges often trigger Brother printer cartridge errors.

How to fix it:

Open the ink cover.
Carefully remove the cartridge.
Reinsert it firmly until it clicks.

Make sure it fits snugly to avoid future detection problems.

Step 3: Clean Cartridge and Printer Contact Points

Dust or ink residue on contacts can lead to the Brother printer not recognizing the ink cartridge messages.

You’ll need:

A lint-free cloth
Isopropyl alcohol

Steps:

Power off the printer.
Remove the cartridge.
Gently clean copper contacts on both cartridge and printer.
Let dry fully before reinserting.

Step 4: Update or Roll Back Printer Firmware

A firmware update might block third-party cartridges and cause Brother printer cannot detect cartridge errors.

Fix:

Check the firmware version via the printer settings.
Visit Brother’s support page for updates or rollback instructions.
Disable automatic updates to avoid future issues.

This step especially helps when Brother printer cannot detect ink cartridge after a recent software update.

Step 5: Try a Genuine or High Quality Replacement Brother Cartridge

Using OEM or high-quality replacement ink can eliminate chip recognition issues, causing the Brother printer not to detect an ink error.

Why it works:

Genuine and high-quality replacement ink cartridges are fully compatible.
Helps isolate whether the issue is with the cartridge or the printer.

These cartridges are the fastest way to test hardware vs cartridge faults.

Step 6: Reset the Ink Cartridge Manually (Model-Specific)

Some models require a manual reset if the Brother printer cartridge detection error doesn’t go away.

Reset steps for Brother HL / DCP / MFC series:

Open the front cover.
Press the “Clear” or “Stop” button.
Use the arrow keys to select the cartridge.
Press OK to confirm reset.

When All Else Fails: What to Do Next

If your Brother printer cannot detect cartridge after trying every fix, it’s time to look beyond DIY steps. This issue often stems from damaged hardware, incompatible ink, or deep firmware blocks. When your ink cartridge is not recognised, and your printer won’t print, here’s what to do next.

Contact Brother Customer Support

If the Brother printer not detecting ink message won’t clear, reach out to Brother’s official support. They can:

Walk you through advanced steps
Identify hardware issues
Confirm if your model has known common printer problems

They may also check warranty status or offer free repair/replacement options.

Exchange Faulty or Incompatible Cartridges

If support confirms that a Brother printer cartridge detection issue is cartridge-related, return or exchange it. Especially if:

It’s a low-quality third-party cartridge
It was recently refilled
You’ve used it with another model

Using genuine or high quality replacements often resolves the Brother printer not recognising ink cartridge problem.

Use Brother’s Diagnostic Tools

If your Brother printer cannot detect ink cartridge, Brother offers built-in tools to run diagnostics. These tools help:

Scan for chip errors
Check cartridge status
Test internal sensors

This step often reveals hidden issues not visible in regular checks. You can also find firmware utilities via Brother’s official support page.

Pro Tips to Prevent Future Cartridge Detection Issues

A recurring “ink cartridge not recognized” error can disrupt work, waste time, and become costly. Many common printer problems stem from simple mistakes users can easily avoid. If your Brother printer cannot detect cartridge often or your printer won’t print, these proactive tips can save you from frustration.

Use OEM or High-Quality Compatible Cartridges

Always use original Brother cartridges or trusted third-party brands. Cheap knockoffs often trigger the Brother printer not detecting ink due to chip errors or poor build quality. OEM cartridges reduce the risk of detection failure and extend printhead life.

Avoid Auto Firmware Updates (If Using 3rd-Party Ink)

Brother firmware updates may block third-party cartridges. If you rely on compatibles:

Disable auto-updates
Manually install only essential patches

This prevents the Brother printer from detecting ink cartridge errors caused by locked firmware.

Regularly Clean Cartridge Contacts and Printer Internals

Dust or dried ink on contacts can confuse sensors. Include contact cleaning in your regular printer maintenance tips routine. Use lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Clean:

Cartridge chip area
Contact points inside the printer

Clean hardware = fewer Brother printer not recognising ink cartridge alerts.

Replace Cartridges Before They Are Empty

Avoid running cartridges completely dry. Empty cartridges often go undetected or cause chip failures. Replacing early ensures smoother ink recognition and reduces the chance your Brother printer will not detect ink mid-task.

Conclusion

Dealing with the Brother printer cannot detect cartridge error can be frustrating, but the good news is, it’s usually fixable. Whether it’s due to dirty contacts, a firmware glitch, or using a non-genuine cartridge, there are practical steps you can take. If your Brother printer not detecting ink, try cleaning the contact points, reinserting the cartridge, or performing a quick reset.

We’ve covered reliable fixes from trying OEM cartridges to disabling automatic firmware updates that address common printer problems and help when your printer won’t print.

To avoid issues like your Brother printer not recognizing the ink cartridge in the future, use quality ink, follow regular printer maintenance tips, and be careful with firmware changes..

Need more help? Drop your question in the comments or contact us directly. Our team is here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use any ink cartridge in my Brother printer?

No. Using incompatible or low-quality third-party cartridges can cause the Brother printer to not detect the ink error. Always use genuine or certified compatible cartridges for smooth operation.

2. Is it necessary to clean my printer cartridges and contacts?

Yes. Dust or ink buildup can lead to Brother printer cartridge not detected errors. Cleaning the contacts regularly helps maintain proper connection and prevents print issues.

3. Do firmware updates always fix detection issues?

Not always. Some firmware updates block third-party cartridges. If your Brother printer cannot detect cartridge after updating, rolling back the firmware may help.

4. Is a non-printing Brother printer always a hardware problem?

Not necessarily. In most cases, common printer problems like Brother printer not recognising ink cartridge are due to cartridge or software issues, not hardware failure. Try basic troubleshooting and printer maintenance tips first.

Ink Cartridge Not Recognized: How To Fix It?

Common Printer Problems And Solutions

Printer Won’t Print: Tips to Fix the Problem Easily!

Printer Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan