If you receive an error message stating that the “alignment failed” or that the ”alignment could not be completed”, this may indicate that the printer is not properly recognizing the cartridge.

Remove the cartridge from your printer, slowly reinstall the cartridge and attempt the alignment process again.

If the error continues, it may be necessary to perform a cleaning cycle to improve the quality of the print and allow the alignment process to be completed. Every printer is different so please consult your printer’s user manual for instructions on performing a cleaning cycle on your printer.

If you are not able to perform a cleaning cycle or if the alignment fails even after performing a cleaning cycle, please ensure that the scanner glass is clean and free from fingerprints or debris (this applies to certain models only).

If these steps do not allow the printer to align the cartridge(s), you will need to return the cartridge(s) to the place of purchase.

Confirm that the cartridge pictured matches the cartridge you have in your hand or installed in your machine.

Confirm that the printer you are using is listed in the printer compatibility table as a suitable printer for the cartridge you are trying to install.

If ONE of these TWO criteria do NOT match, you have most likely received the incorrect cartridge for your printer. Please visit our PRINTER COMPATIBILITY page in order to determine what cartridge you need for your machine.

Once you have confirmed you have the correct cartridge for your printer, the first step is to remove the clip from the cartridge. The clip protects the ink ports and also keeps the cartridge from leaking.

Please keep in mind that there are various styles of clips and that the clip we are removing in this video may not be identical to the one on your cartridge. Clips will vary in color, size and shape depending on the cartridge model and supplier of your remanufactured inkjet.

If the cartridge is still not fitting into the machine after you have removed the clip, please look at the print port on the cartridge. Some inkjets may have a protective covering that will need to be punctured upon insertion into your printer, as indicated in the image below. The puncturing of this material will allow for the cartridge to be seated into the space properly. If your cartridge does not contain this material, please just ensure you are inserting the cartridge into the correct slot and hear it click into place. Please consult your printer’s user manual to learn how to correctly install your remanufactured inkjet cartridge.


(Your cartridge may look different than that shown above)

If you have just installed a remanufactured cartridge and the ink levels display as low or empty, there may be a solution for this problem.

Carefully remove the cartridge from your printer, and slowly reinstall into your printer.

If a low or empty ink level still shows, remove the cartridge from your printer and close the cover, turn the machine off and disconnect the power supply for 2 minutes.

When 2 minutes have passed, turn your printer back on and reinstall the cartridge when prompted.

If the error persists, you should return your cartridge to the place of purchase.

If you have printed a document and are unsatisfied with the print quality, you may need to perform a cleaning cycle in order to improve the quality of your print.

Please attempt the following procedures in order to do so.

Please keep in mind that this process may vary by Printer, and that you may also consult your printer’s user manual for instructions on performing a cleaning cycle. 

• Please press the Ink button on your printer. 
• Next select the up or down arrow key until you see Cleaning. 
• Press OK. 
• Use the arrow keys to scroll to black, color or all and press OK for the color or colors you want to clean. 
• You will observe your printer performing a cleaning cycle. 
• Your printer will display “Completed” to indicate that the cycle is finished. 
• Press the Ink Button, and use the arrow keys until you see “Test Print”. 
• Press OK. 
• Select Print Quality and press OK. 
• Select Start. 

• Please be aware that cleaning your printhead does consume ink; and therefore, should only be completed when necessary.