FAQ
TL;DR: XP‑235 not seeing refillables? "We process hundreds" successfully, yet chips reset only after a true empty (red X), not removal. Follow proper reset timing to restore recognition. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050254]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Epson XP‑235 owners using refillable/“eternal” cartridges fix “ink not recognized” errors and reset chips correctly.
Quick Facts
- Correct chip series for XP‑235 refillables is 2991–2994; replacing these restored recognition in this case. [Elektroda, viper99, post #17062112]
- Auto‑reset triggers only after a cartridge shows the black‑white icon with a red X, not at the yellow exclamation. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050254]
- Bent, pushed, or misaligned cartridge‑carriage pins can block chip contact; verify all pins are present and aligned. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17048636]
- Topping up ink does not change the displayed level; the chip stores its own state and must reset later. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050383]
- If recognition still fails after refill and pin check, suspect faulty or mismatched chips and contact the seller. [Elektroda, borg18, post #17048231]
Why won’t my Epson XP‑235 recognize my refillable cartridges after a refill?
Wrong or defective chips commonly cause this. In the documented case, installing the correct 2991–2994 chip set immediately restored recognition and printing. Contact your seller for the proper chip set. [Elektroda, viper99, post #17062112]
Which chip series do XP‑235 refillables require?
Use chips labeled 2991–2994 for XP‑235 refillable cartridges. Replacing this full set fixed the thread’s ink recognition problem. [Elektroda, viper99, post #17062112]
Is a T29 chip compatible with XP‑235 black?
No. The XP‑235 black cartridge requires a 2991 chip. A T29‑series black chip caused nonrecognition and should be replaced. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050383]
How do I reset an auto‑reset chip on the XP‑235 correctly?
Auto‑reset chips activate only when the cartridge is truly empty, then removed. “Not … after each removal,” but only after emptying and removal.
- Print until the driver shows a black‑white cartridge icon with a red X.
- Remove, refill, and reinsert that cartridge.
- Do not expect a reset at the yellow exclamation icon. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050254]
Why didn’t the ink levels change after I topped up?
Displayed levels come from the chip, not the liquid inside. The reported case confirms the chip state can differ from reality. Refill regularly to avoid printing empty while waiting for a proper chip reset. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050383]
Can refilling all colors at once block the reset?
No. Reset occurs per color only after the red X icon appears for that color. Refilling early does not reset the chip or change the indicated capacity. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050254]
How can I diagnose contact‑pin issues on the carriage?
Remove the cartridge and inspect the contact pins that touch the chip. Bent, pushed, or damaged pins can break contact and trigger errors. Ensure every pin is present and properly seated before proceeding. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17048636]
Are “eternal” refillable cartridges reliable on Epson XP‑235?
Yes, when paired with the right chips and procedure. One practitioner reports, “We process hundreds of these cartridges in the company, they operate.” Reset only after a true empty event indicated by the red X. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050254]
The printer shows the orange droplet light after a refill—what does that indicate?
In the documented case, the orange droplet LED stayed lit while the printer failed to recognize ink after a refill. Treat it as a symptom and proceed to check chips and contacts. [Elektroda, viper99, post #17044438]
Black reads empty and other colors don’t update—what should I check first?
Check the black chip’s marking. The failure involved a T29‑series black chip, while XP‑235 black should use 2991. Replace the wrong chip and retest. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050383]
What should I ask my seller to send if chips are faulty?
Request a replacement set of chips labeled 2991–2994 for XP‑235 refillables. Receiving that set restored ink detection and normal printing for the reporter. [Elektroda, viper99, post #17062112]
The seller says these chips reset when I remove the cartridge. Is that accurate?
No. They reset only after the chip flags empty with a red X, then removal triggers the reset. “Not … after each removal,” only after emptying. [Elektroda, pir0maniac, post #17050254]
After pin checks and refills, the printer still can’t see any ink—what next?
Escalate to your seller and request chip replacements. As one reply summed up, “you sold faulty chips …” Provide photos of chip labels to speed resolution. [Elektroda, borg18, post #17048231]
After all, it's just the customer salesman wants it, he just forgot to add that he does not reset he probably did not know himself.
