Easily Fix Epson Printer Not Printing Color Issue

Mr. Ryan
on Aug 21, 2023

Printing in vibrant, accurate color is an expectation for users of modern printers, including those from Epson, a brand synonymous with quality and reliability. Whether it’s printing beautiful photographs, eye-catching graphics, or professional documents, color plays a critical role in our visual experiences. However, even with the best technology, encountering issues is inevitable, and one such common problem is the Epson printer not printing colors correctly. Troubleshooting these issues can be complex, and understanding what’s behind them can make a difference. This blog will delve into the common challenge of color printing and guide you through the intricacies of resolving it.

Contents

1 Why is My Epson Printer Not Printing Color?
2 Fixes for Epson Printer Not Printing Color Issue
3 Bottom Line

Why is My Epson Printer Not Printing Color?

There can be various reasons why your Epson printer won’t print color; these can include the following:

Incorrect color settings in the printer preferences, such as being set to grayscale mode.
Depleted or imbalanced ink levels in the color cartridges affect the color output.
Blocked or clogged printhead nozzles, preventing the flow of color ink onto the paper.
Corrupted or outdated printer drivers cause miscommunication between the printer and the computer.
Issues with color management options in the printing software affect color reproduction.
Physical damage or misalignment of internal components can cause Epson printer not to print color
Incorrect paper type or print quality settings might restrict the printer from printing in color.
A malfunctioning or incompatible color cartridge leads to a failure in color printing.

Fixes for Epson Printer Not Printing Color Issue

To get rid of the Epson printer not printing in color, you can follow the given solutions:

Solution 1: Check Low Ink Levels

Initially, the failure of an Epson printer not printing color correctly might stem from low ink levels. To diagnose this issue:

First, open the Epson printer software on your computer.
Second, navigate to the ink levels or maintenance section.
Here, you’ll find an option to view the status of the ink cartridges.
Subsequently, if you discover that the color ink levels are low or depleted.
The next step involves carefully replacing or refilling the color cartridges.
Follow the instructions specific to your model.

By taking these systematic measures, you pinpoint the underlying problem and quickly and effectively fix it, thereby restoring your printer’s ability to produce vibrant color prints.

Solution 2: Blocked Nozzles

A common issue causing an Epson printer not printing color is blocked nozzles. Initially, you must run a nozzle check from the printer’s maintenance menu. If you discover broken or incomplete patterns, this may indicate clogs. Subsequently, you can utilize the cleaning function in the maintenance menu to clear the blockage, effectively restoring the printer’s ability to print in full color. The following are the steps:

Open the printer’s maintenance menu on your computer or printer’s control panel.
Initiate a nozzle check to print a pattern.
Examine the pattern for broken or incomplete lines, indicating a clog.
Utilize the cleaning function in the maintenance menu to clear the blockage.
Repeat the nozzle check to confirm the blockage is cleared, thus restoring the printer’s ability to print in color.

AlsoRead: Epson printer not printing

Solution 3: Update Printer Driver

Outdated printer drivers might cause an Epson printer not printing color, creating compatibility issues with the operating system or printing software. Updating the driver can often resolve this problem, ensuring seamless communication between the printer and computer. The following are the steps:

Firstly, visit the Epson support website.
Then, enter your printer model in the given box or use the site’s tools to find the correct driver for your specific operating system.
Next, download the newest driver.
After downloading, open the downloaded file, and an installation wizard will appear.
Follow the instructions to initiate the installation.
During installation, choose the appropriate options for your printer and system needs.
Once installed, reboot the computer.
Subsequently, turn off the printer, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on to ensure proper synchronization with the updated driver.
Finally, run a test print to confirm that the color printing issue has been resolved.

Solution 4: Clean Printhead

Color printing issues in an Epson printer may result from a dirty printhead. You can remove blockages by performing an automatic cleaning through the printer’s maintenance menu or manually cleaning the printhead with a gentle solution. These actions help restore the printer’s ability to print in full color. The following are the steps:

Automatic Cleaning

First, navigate to ‘Devices and Printers’ on your computer, right-click your Epson printer, and select ‘Properties.’
Then, click on the ‘Maintenance’ or ‘Utility’ tab.
Next, select the ‘Head Cleaning’ option, and a dialog box with instructions will appear.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the automatic cleaning process.
Afterward, print a nozzle check pattern to verify that the printhead is clean.
Repeat the cleaning process if necessary until the nozzle check pattern is clear.

Manual Cleaning

Initially, ensure the printer is turned off and unplugged to avoid electric shock.
Carefully open the printer cover to access the printhead.
If the printhead is locked at the side, turn the printer on and off again to center it.
Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing a little distilled water with isopropyl alcohol (ratio around 1:1).
Gently wipe the printhead’s nozzles using a soft, lint-free cloth or Q-tip dipped in the solution, avoiding electrical contact.
Allow the printhead to dry completely.
In last, close the printer cover, turn the printer back on, and run a test print to verify that the color printing issue is resolved.

Note: Manual cleaning should be cautiously approached, and it may be best to refer to your printer’s manual or consult Epson’s support for specific guidance related to your printer model.

AlsoRead: Epson printer not printing black

Solution 5: Examine Printer Preferences

Examining the printer preferences is often necessary to diagnose and correct printing issues, including Epson printer not printing color problems. Here’s a guide to checking and adjusting the printer preferences:

Firstly, open the document you wish to print and select ‘File,’ then ‘Print.’
Secondly, choose your Epson printer from the available printer list.
Thirdly, click ‘Properties’ or ‘Preferences,’ depending on your operating system.
Inside this menu, you can examine and modify various settings related to printing quality, paper size, orientation, color management, and other preferences.
Make sure to look for any settings that might be causing the printer not to print in color, such as grayscale or monochrome options, and adjust as needed.
After adjusting, click ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Try printing the document again to confirm the adjustments have resolved the issue.

Solution 6: Use The Color Management Options

Sometimes, the color management settings of an Epson printer may cause it not to print in color. Properly configuring these options can help solve the Epson printer not printing color issue. The following are the steps:

Open the document you wish to print and go to ‘File,’ then ‘Print.’
Select your Epson printer and then pick ‘Properties’ or ‘Preferences.’
Then, navigate to the ‘Advanced’ or ‘Color Management’ section.
After that, select the correct color profile for your printer or choose the option that allows the printer to manage colors.
Ensure all color options are correctly configured, and grayscale or monochrome options are deselected.
Click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.
Lastly, try printing the document again to confirm that the printer is now printing in color.

Solution 7: Reinstall the Printer Driver

If your Epson printer not printing color, reinstalling the printer driver can be an effective solution. This process involves uninstalling the current driver and installing the latest one.

Uninstall Process

Firstly, go to the ‘Control Panel’.
Next, click ‘Programs and Features’ or ‘Uninstall a Program.’
Then, find the Epson printer software in the list and click ‘Uninstall.’
Follow the prompts to conclude the uninstallation.
Afterward, restart your computer to make sure all components are removed.

Install Process

Initially, visit the official Epson website.
Navigate to the support section and enter your printer model to find the latest driver compatible with your operating system.
Download the driver file.
Open the downloaded file, and an installation wizard will appear.
Follow the instructions to accomplish the installation.
Lastly, restart both your printer and computer to complete the update.

By carefully uninstalling the old driver and installing the latest one from the official Epson website, you ensure that your printer has the most up-to-date software. This can resolve compatibility issues that may have been causing the printer not to print in color.

AlsoRead: Epson printer not printing properly

Bottom Line

Navigating Epson printer not printing color issues can be complex, but understanding the underlying reasons is half the battle. Whether it’s a simple setting tweak or a more involved hardware solution, pinpointing the problem is key to a successful resolution. By following a systematic troubleshooting approach, you can restore your printer’s ability to produce stunning color prints and ensure that it continues to serve as a reliable tool for all your printing needs. However, we can assist you with more solutions if you still face issues. Contact Us!