Everything You Need to Know About a Toner Chip

When using a printer, you might see the warning pop up on your computer indicating that the toner cartridge is running out. This alert is facilitated by a toner chip.

What is a toner chip?

The printer cartridge is designed with a specific page yield. Nowadays, laser printers or copiers commonly utilize a toner chip, also known as a smart chip, to monitor and count the number of pages printed. This chip is connected to the printer either through direct contact or non-contact method such as radio frequency (RF) and is typically soldered onto a small PCB board. It includes dedicated storage units to store information and is sometimes equipped with a processor to respond to requests from the printer or copier. When a certain number of pages are consumed, the chip communicates with your computer to provide a warning.

What is the chip's function?

1. Store the details of the toner cartridge (identify toner cartridge models).

2. Count and record the number of printed pages, toner powder volume, and the print coverage rate (calculated by the printer based on pixels). This information is collected by the printer, fed back to the toner chip and then stored in the chip's storage unit. To make sure the printer can work normally, the information collected by the printer is unrecoverable.

3. Identify area-specific information. Some printer manufacturers design different chip codes for distinct regions. This means that the chip is not compatible with various toner cartridges and printers. Each cartridge can only work with the corresponding chip. Click here to learn more about area-specific information.

4. Authorize the printer and cartridge to establish a right connection. The chip must employ the correct encryption and promptly respond to the printer's requests within the specified time.

5. Manage toner powder information based on printer requirements. The printer determines the remaining volume of toner powder and writes this information into the chip. When the printer requires the information, the chip sends it back to the printer.

Does non-original chip damage printer?

These chips have caused some controversy as they can be seen as obstacles to refill toner cartridges. Your printer will only allow you to print with a refilled or new compatible toner cartridge if you reset or replace the chip. When you replace a used original cartridge with a new compatible one (from a third party or refilled), some chips may display warnings that this cartridge could potentially damage your printer. However, there is limited research evidence to support such claims. There is no need to worry about this issue.

Is it possible or necessary to reset toner chip?

That depends. In certain printer models, the chips in the cartridge can’t be reset. These types of chips permanently store the toner level in their storage unit, making the data inaccessible and requiring chips replacement. Conversely, other chips can be reset using a tool called 'resetter'. This small plastic device has several pins to connect with the chips and instruct them to reset their counter to zero.

However, there is a risk to reset these chips. Resetter can only reset the original chips, but the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may constantly upgrade the firmware of the printer or copier. As a result, the reset chips can’t work if the firmware is upgraded. New compatible toner chips that come with the latest firmware upgrades are recommended , as they can work well always.

How to replace and install the chip?

1. Check and confirm the printer model, then select the chip that matches your printer model. If you are not sure which chip matches your printer, you can turn to XwkTech engineer for help by sending email to service@xwktech.com.

2. Power off the printer and take the toner cartridge out.

3. Remove the used chip from the toner cartridge and replace it with a new one.

4. Install the toner cartridge with the new chip back into the printer and close the cover.

5. Connect the printer to the power supply, turn it on, and wait for the printer status light to turn green. This indicates that the chip replacement is complete, printing and copying functions are resumed.

How to solve toner cartridge error?

Sometimes, you may encounter this problem. The cartridge still has enough print pages available, but the printer says the toner is empty. This problem occurs when the printer fails to recognize the chip properly. To avoid this problem, always power off your printer when you maintain or replace a cartridge. Additionally, a bad connection or improper installation of a new cartridge can also cause this kind of error. By reinstalling the cartridge and following the instructions provided by the original equipment manufacturer with the power off, you can resolve the issue.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave your comment here or send us an email at service@xwktech.com.