Canon or Epson Tank Printer Not Printing After Refill? Here’s the 2025 Permanent Fix
Just refilled your Epson or Canon tank printer, but nothing comes out on the paper? You’re not alone. Thousands of users face this exact problem each month — the ink tanks are full, but the printer won’t print properly or at all. Whether you own an Epson EcoTank or a Canon MegaTank, this guide explains exactly why it happens and how to fix it for good in 2025.
🔍 Why Do Tank Printers Stop Printing After a Refill?
Even though tank printers are designed to be more economical and eco-friendly, they are also more sensitive to ink flow issues. Common causes include:
Air bubbles in the ink lines
Clogged printhead nozzles after a refill
Incorrect refilling procedure or overfilling
System not recognizing the refill
Dry ink due to inactivity before refill
The good news? Most of these issues are fixable — without professional help.
🛠️ Solution 1: Run Multiple Head Cleanings
The first and easiest solution is to run 2 to 3 head cleaning cycles:
Turn on your printer and make sure it’s connected to your computer.
Open the printer software or Epson/Canon utility.
Go to Maintenance > Head Cleaning.
Run the process and wait 5 minutes between each cycle.
Once done, perform a Nozzle Check. If all color lines are clear, you’re good to go.
📝 Note: Don’t exceed 3 cleaning cycles in a row — it may waste ink or damage the printhead.
🧪 Solution 2: Use the “Ink Charging” or “Power Cleaning” Feature
Some Epson and Canon models offer a deeper cleaning option called Power Cleaning (Epson) or Ink Flush (Canon):
This forces ink through the system and clears trapped air bubbles or dry ink.
You’ll find it in the same maintenance menu as head cleaning.
It uses more ink but often solves stubborn cases.
🧼 Solution 3: Manual Printhead Cleaning (If Nothing Works)
If normal cleaning doesn’t help, try manual cleaning:
Turn off and unplug the printer.
Open the ink tank system and gently remove the printhead if your model allows it.
Soak the printhead in warm, distilled water for 15–30 minutes.
Gently blot dry with a lint-free cloth, then reinstall.
⚠️ Warning: Manual cleaning should be done carefully and only if you’re confident, as printheads are delicate.
💧 Solution 4: Check Ink Levels and Airlocks
Even if the tanks look full, the ink may not be flowing:
Gently tap the tank body to release any air bubbles.
Open the ink tank lids slightly to equalize air pressure.
Make sure the ink tubes are not pinched or blocked.
Canon MegaTank users can use the built-in Ink Flush utility, while Epson users can use Ink Charging if available in their model.
🔄 Solution 5: Reset Ink System (If Printer Doesn’t Detect the Refill)
Sometimes, the printer still thinks ink is empty:
For Epson, press and hold the ink button for 5–10 seconds until the light blinks.
For Canon, use the “Stop” button method: hold for 5–15 seconds after refill to reset the ink detection.
You may also need to do this from the printer software by selecting Reset Ink Level under Maintenance.
🧠 Pro Tips to Avoid This Problem in the Future
Never let the ink run completely dry — always refill before the tank reaches the bottom line.
Use genuine ink whenever possible.
Print at least once a week to keep ink flowing.
Don’t shake ink bottles aggressively — it causes air bubbles.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why won’t my tank printer print after I refilled it?
Most likely, there is air in the ink line or the printhead is clogged. Running a few head cleanings or performing power cleaning usually resolves it.
Can I use third-party ink in my tank printer?
Yes, but with caution. Some low-quality inks can clog the nozzles or be rejected by the printer system.
Is manual cleaning safe?
If done carefully with distilled water and soft materials, yes — but not all printers allow printhead removal.