A little preparation

Before you start

  • Have suitable replacement cartridges ready before removing any. Check the code for your printer’s region; Epson’s European table lists 604/604XL, while its Australia/New Zealand XP-2205 entry differs.

Step 1:Move the holder with the correct control

Keep the printer powered on. Close the document cover, then lift the scanner unit to its supported open position. Do not move the print head by hand.

  • Ink lamp off: hold Stop for 10 seconds to move the holder to the replacement position.
  • Ink lamp steady: press Stop. The holder identifies an affected cartridge at the crossed-out ink-drop mark. This is an identification position, not the place to pull a cartridge out. Press Stop again to advance through any other affected cartridges and reach the accessible replacement position.
  • Ink lamp flashing: hold Stop for 10 seconds to identify the low cartridge, then press Stop again as needed to reach the replacement position.

Step 2:Prepare the new cartridge

For a new black cartridge, gently shake its unopened package four or five times, then unwrap it. Unwrap colour cartridges without shaking. Do not shake any cartridge after opening its package.

Remove only the yellow tape. Leave the bottom transparent seal and the other labels intact, and avoid touching the green chip or ink outlet. For a brand-new printer, use the supplied setup cartridges and complete Epson’s initial-setup prompts; those supplied cartridges are not replacements for another used set.

Step 3:Remove and replace the matching colour

Squeeze the old cartridge’s release tab and lift it straight up. Insert the new cartridge in the matching colour slot and press down until securely seated. Keep all four colour positions filled. Handle the removed cartridge carefully because ink can remain around its outlet; use an appropriate local cartridge collection or disposal route.

Step 4:Close the scanner unit and start charging

Support the scanner unit, lift it slightly, release the support at its catch, then lower the unit carefully. Press Stop to start charging. The power and ink lamps flash while this runs; Epson estimates about two minutes for replacement charging. Do not switch off during it.

Wait for charging to finish and the ink warning to clear before printing. If the ink lamp remains on, identify the message and check seating using the linked cartridge-error guide. Closing the printer alone does not finish the charging step.

A little extra help

Questions & troubleshooting

Can I pull the cartridge holder across myself?

No. Use the correct Stop-button operation and wait for it to stop in the replacement position.

Must I replace all four cartridges together?

Replace the cartridge or cartridges that need replacement, but keep every colour position installed. Do not leave the printer with missing cartridges.

References