Epson Printer Info Code I-11 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Code I-11 is an informational notice, not a true error. It tells you that one or more ink cartridges are getting low. You can continue printing for now, but you should order a replacement cartridge soon.

Affected Models

Epson WorkForce WF-2850
Epson WorkForce WF-2860
Epson Expression XP-5100
Epson Expression XP-4105
Epson WorkForce WF-2830

Common Causes

One or more ink cartridges have dropped below the low-ink warning threshold
The printer's ink tracking system detected reduced ink volume
A cartridge that was recently installed may have a lower fill level than expected
Third-party ink cartridges may report inaccurate levels due to chip differences
The printer ran many cleaning cycles, consuming ink faster than printing alone

How to Fix It

Note which color is low. Look at the printer's display or use the Epson Status Monitor on your computer.

The Status Monitor shows a bar or percentage for each color cartridge.
Continue printing normally for now. I-11 is a warning, not a stop condition.

The printer will continue to work until the cartridge is actually empty.
Order the correct replacement cartridge for your printer model. Do not wait until the cartridge is completely empty.

Running a cartridge fully dry can damage the print head in some Epson models.
When the replacement arrives, install it when you see the next ink warning or when print quality declines.

You do not need to replace the cartridge immediately at I-11 — it is just a heads-up.
After installing the new cartridge, the I-11 notice will clear automatically.

No manual reset is needed after replacing a cartridge.

When to Call a Professional

No professional service is needed for I-11. This is simply a reminder to buy replacement ink before you run out. No repairs are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much ink is left when I-11 appears?

Epson triggers the low-ink warning conservatively. There is usually enough ink for dozens more pages when I-11 first shows. The exact amount depends on what you print — text pages use far less ink than photos.

Can I dismiss I-11 and keep printing?

Yes. I-11 is just a notice and does not prevent printing. Press OK or the continue button on your printer's panel to dismiss it. Just make sure to order a replacement cartridge before the ink actually runs out.

I-11 shows for a cartridge I just replaced. Is the new cartridge defective?

Third-party cartridges sometimes report inaccurate ink levels. Genuine Epson cartridges should report correctly. If a brand-new genuine Epson cartridge immediately shows I-11, it may be defective — contact the retailer.