How Do You Tell If an Ink Cartridge Is Empty? (Or Just Clogged)

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Quick answer: Check the ink level first, then print a nozzle check. If the pattern has gaps and the level is low or out, the cartridge is empty. If the pattern has gaps but the level looks fine, it's more likely a clog, so clean the print head instead of buying ink. If the pattern is complete, there's still ink. Don't judge by shaking or weighing the cartridge.

Faded text, streaks and missing colors can mean an empty cartridge or a clogged nozzle, and the fixes are different. The nozzle check is the quickest way to tell them apart. Here's how to run it and read the result on HP, Canon and Epson printers.

Flowchart for telling an empty ink cartridge from a clogged one: check the ink level, print a nozzle check, then read the pattern to decide whether to replace the cartridge, clean the print head, or keep printing
Ink level plus a nozzle check tells you whether to replace, clean or keep printing.

How do you tell if an ink cartridge is empty?

Look for faded or missing color, check the estimated ink level, then confirm with a nozzle check. A cartridge is almost certainly empty when the printer reports it as out and the nozzle check shows that color missing or broken.

  • Prints look faded or streaky in one color, or a color is missing entirely.
  • The printer reports the cartridge as out. Epson printers without a screen keep the Ink light on when a cartridge is expended. On Canon models with ink lamps, a fast flash means the ink has run out.
  • The nozzle check shows gaps or a missing block in that color.

To find the ink level, see how to check ink levels on Canon and Epson printers or on an HP printer.

Is the ink level indicator accurate?

Not exactly. Printers estimate ink levels, so a low warning can come with plenty of printing left, and refilled or remanufactured cartridges may show no level at all.

  • Canon labels its readings "Estimated ink levels" and shows an "unknown" symbol when it can't tell.
  • Epson calls its readings "an approximate indication" and says status "may not be displayed" with non-genuine cartridges.
  • HP says its supply levels "provide estimates for planning purposes only" and that you don't need to replace a cartridge until print quality becomes unacceptable. (HP's wording here comes from its LaserJet toner support, but the same idea applies to its ink gauges.)

So a low warning means "order soon," not "replace now." Let print quality make the call.

How do you run a nozzle check?

Print it from the printer's Maintenance or Tools menu, or from the Maintenance tab in the printer software on your computer. Load plain paper first.

  1. Load plain letter-size paper.
  2. Start the nozzle check. On the printer, look under Maintenance, Setup or Tools. On a computer, open the printer driver's Maintenance or Utility tab.
  3. Read the pattern. Each color prints as a grid of fine lines.
What you see What it means What to do
Complete lines in every color There's ink and the nozzles are firing Keep printing; check paper type and print quality settings if prints look off
Gaps or faint lines, ink level low or out The cartridge is most likely empty Replace the cartridge, then print another nozzle check
Gaps or faint lines, ink level looks fine Likely clogged nozzles Run one head cleaning, then check again
Almost the whole color missing Empty cartridge or a heavy clog Check the level; Epson suggests Power Cleaning for heavy clogs

Canon's guidance is the same idea: if lines are missing or you see horizontal white streaks, the print head needs cleaning. For step-by-step cleaning, see how to clean a printhead without ruining it.

What if the cartridge isn't empty but still won't print?

Clean the print head, but don't overdo it. Epson recommends up to three nozzle-check-and-clean cycles; if gaps remain, turn the printer off, wait at least 12 hours, and try again.

Each cleaning uses ink, so running cycle after cycle can empty a cartridge that wasn't empty to begin with. Other common causes:

Best-selling replacement ink packs. Find the exact match for your printer on each product page.

Can you keep printing when one cartridge is empty?

Sometimes, for a short while, depending on the brand. Canon and some Epson models have temporary workarounds, but Epson printers generally won't operate with an expended cartridge.

  • Epson: the printer "won't operate if any cartridge is expended or removed." Some models offer Black Print Mode, which Epson calls "a temporary emergency measure" when a color cartridge is empty. It works only on plain paper in black or grayscale, for a limited time.
  • Canon (two-cartridge FINE models): both cartridges must be installed, but you can set the Windows driver to print with only black or only color for a while, leaving the empty cartridge in place.
  • Canon "ink out" (support code 1688): you can continue by holding Resume or Stop for 5 seconds, but Canon warns the quality "is not satisfactory." Replace the cartridge right after.
  • HP: some two-cartridge HP printers have a single-cartridge mode that runs with one cartridge removed. Check your model's manual to see if yours supports it.

Should you shake an ink cartridge to see if it's empty?

No. Shaking doesn't tell you how much ink is left, and it can cause leaks. Epson says not to shake its color cartridges, and not to shake any cartridge after opening the package.

Two more rules from the printer makers:

  • Leave the old cartridge in until the new one is ready. Epson says this keeps the print head nozzles from drying out.
  • Never leave a slot empty. Canon says if you remove a FINE cartridge, replace it immediately.

When it really is empty, find the right replacement on our find ink by printer page, or browse HP, Canon, Epson and Brother ink. Empties can go to a free recycling drop-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

My printer says the ink is empty, but I just replaced it. Why?

The printer may not be reading the new cartridge. Remove it, check that all protective tape is off, and reseat it firmly. With refilled or remanufactured cartridges, the level may show as unknown even though the cartridge is full.

Why is my printer printing blank pages with a new cartridge?

Usually leftover protective tape, a cartridge that isn't seated, or clogged nozzles. Print a nozzle check: if every color is missing, remove the cartridge, check for tape, reinstall it, and run one head cleaning.

How many pages are left after the low-ink warning?

It varies, because ink levels are estimates. Keep printing until the quality drops, and have a replacement ready.

Can a clogged print head look like an empty cartridge?

Yes. Both cause faded or missing color. If the nozzle check shows gaps but the ink level looks fine, it's more likely a clog. Clean the print head before you buy new ink.

Should I remove an empty cartridge right away?

Not until the replacement is in hand. Epson says to leave old cartridges in to keep the print head from drying out, and Canon says not to leave the printer with a cartridge removed.

Sources

Policies, steps and settings were checked on October 27, 2026 and can change. Confirm with the store or manufacturer before you rely on them.

Need replacement printer ink cartridges? Shop printer ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.

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Written and reviewed by — Castle Ink CEO since 2005; more than 20 years of experience in the printer supplies and e-commerce industry..

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