Setup Cartridges Explained: Why Your New Printer's First Ink Runs Out So Fast
Last Updated:Published September 27, 2026. Written by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink.
Quick answer
Yes, new printers come with ink, but usually a starter amount. Many inkjets ship with setup or starter cartridges, and part of that ink is used to prime the printhead during setup. So the first set can run out in a fraction of the time a regular cartridge lasts. HP printers in particular require their SETUP cartridges to be installed first. After that, you can switch to standard, XL, or quality compatible cartridges.
What “setup” or “starter” means by brand
| Brand | What ships in the box | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| HP inkjet | Cartridges labeled SETUP | Must be installed first; a “Use SETUP cartridges” error appears if you start with regular ones |
| Epson (cartridge models) | Initial cartridges | Epson notes part of the first set is used to charge the printhead |
| Epson EcoTank | Full ink bottles | Initial ink charging uses a noticeable share of the first fill |
| Canon / Brother inkjet | Starter or intro cartridges on many models | Often lower capacity than retail cartridges |
| Brother / HP laser | Starter toner | Typically a fraction of a standard cartridge's page yield |
Common questions
Why did my first ink cartridge run out so fast?
Two reasons: starter cartridges often hold less ink, and the printer spends ink filling the printhead and ink lines the first time it powers up. The second set of cartridges typically lasts much longer.
Can I skip the setup cartridges and use regular ones?
On HP inkjets, generally no. The printer expects the SETUP cartridges for its first initialization and shows an error if new retail cartridges go in first. If you've lost the setup cartridges, HP support is the path. On most other brands, use what came in the box to be safe.
I installed the setup cartridges and it still says “Use SETUP cartridges.” What do I do?
Remove and reseat each cartridge, make sure the protective tape is fully removed, and power-cycle the printer. If the error persists, the setup cartridge may be faulty; contact the manufacturer while the printer is under warranty.
Do the setup cartridges have less ink than regular ones?
Usually, yes. HP and others don't always publish exact amounts, but setup and starter cartridges are commonly lower capacity, and priming uses part of what's there. For your next set, compare page yields; XL is usually the best value. See Is XL ink actually worth it? and HP 67 vs. HP 67XL.
Can I use compatible cartridges after the setup ones?
Yes, in most printers. Some HP models sold as HP+ or with an “e” suffix require HP-only cartridges, and firmware updates can affect third-party chips on some brands. Check before you buy: Which printers work best with compatible ink, Printer firmware updates and third-party ink, and How to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink.
Should I sign up for an ink subscription during setup?
Only if the math works for how you print. Subscriptions like HP Instant Ink charge by pages, not cartridges. See HP Instant Ink vs. compatible cartridges.
How do I make the first cartridges last longer?
Avoid repeated head cleanings, print in draft or grayscale for everyday documents, and print at least weekly so the nozzles don't dry out. See Do printer ink cartridges dry out? and try the Printer ink cost calculator.
Should I buy replacement cartridges right away?
Yes. Order a spare set when you set up the printer. Starter cartridges tend to run out at inconvenient moments, and having the right cartridge number on hand avoids a scramble.
Stock up before the starter ink runs out
- Popular HP XL: HP 67XL black, HP 64XL black
- Brother laser toner: TN760, TN660
- Browse HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother ink
Related guides
- How to set up a new printer
- Is XL ink actually worth it?
- Which printers work best with compatible ink
- Printer firmware updates and third-party ink
- HP Instant Ink vs. compatible cartridges
- Do printer ink cartridges dry out?
- Refillable ink tank vs. cartridge printers
About the author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has written about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for more than 20 years.
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