Replacing the Photo Cartridge

Your PictureMate will let you know when the photo cartridge is low or empty. When the photo cartridge is low, it's a good idea to get a new PictureMate Print Pack, which includes a new PictureMate Photo Cartridge (ink) and PictureMate Photo Paper. See Buying a PictureMate Print Pack for more information.

When PictureMate's photo cartridge is expended, you see this message on its LCD screen:

Tip: If you see this message while printing, you can still replace the photo cartridge and continue the current print job. Just replace it without turning off and unplugging PictureMate.

You can check the ink level any time PictureMate is not printing. See Checking Your Cartridge Status (Ink Level).

Caution: Do not attempt to refill the photo cartridge. This could result in damage to PictureMate.

When the photo cartridge needs to be replaced and you are out of paper, see these sections:

Checking Your Cartridge Status (Ink Level)

You can check the approximate level of ink in your photo cartridge on the PictureMate LCD screen or with your computer software. Go to the appropriate section:

PictureMate LCD Screen

  1. On the Main Menu, press  or to highlight More Options, then press OK.



  2. Press  or to highlight Maintenance, then press OK.



  3. Press  or to highlight Cartridge Status, then press OK.



    4. You see a screen with the approximate ink level in your photo cartridge.



  4. Press OK to close the screen.

    5. Note: If the status (ink level) is down to only one bar, you should buy a new PictureMate Print Pack. See Buying a PictureMate Print Pack for details.

PictureMate Status Monitor for Windows

You can check the amount of ink remaining in the photo cartridge using EPSON Status Monitor 3 or the progress meter.

Open EPSON Status Monitor 3 in one of the following ways.

PictureMate Status Monitor for Macintosh OS X

  1. Double-click Macintosh HD (the default hard disk name), double-click the Applications folder, then double-click the EPSON Printer Utility icon. The Printer List window appears.
  2. Select PictureMate, then click OK. The EPSON Printer Utility dialog box appears.
  3. Click the EPSON StatusMonitor button. The EPSON StatusMonitor window appears, showing the approximate amount of ink left in the photo cartridge.
  1. Close the Epson Printer Utility.

Buying a PictureMate Print Pack

The PictureMate Print Pack (part# T5570) has everything you need to print in one box: 100 sheets of PictureMate Photo Paper and a new PictureMate Photo Cartridge.

Note: If you are out of PictureMate Photo Paper, but do not see the Replace cartridge message, you can still print. Use Epson Premium photo paper, borderless 4 × 6 inches for optimal print quality and prints that resist water, smudging, and fading.

You can buy a Print Pack wherever PictureMate is sold or from retailers that sell printer supplies.

For product information and to find the nearest authorized dealer, please call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766).

You can also buy Print Packs from the Epson Store at www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call (800) 463-7766 for dealer referral.

Note: Use your photo cartridge within six months of installing it and before the expiration date on the package.

Visit www.MyPictureMate.com for information about PictureMate, special offers, and accessories.

Removing the Used Photo Cartridge

Make sure you have a new PictureMate Photo Cartridge before you begin. Once you start replacing a cartridge, you must complete all the steps in one session.

Tip: If you see the Replace cartridge message while printing, you can still replace the photo cartridge and continue the current print job. Just replace it without turning off and unplugging PictureMate.

Caution: To ensure good results, use a genuine Epson PictureMate Photo Cartridge and do not refill it. PictureMate calculates the amount of ink remaining using an IC chip on the photo cartridge, so even if the cartridge is refilled, the IC chip will report that it is empty. Other products may cause damage to your printer not covered by Epson's warranty.

Do not use a photo cartridge if the date on the package has expired.

Do not leave a photo cartridge or PictureMate exposed to heat or direct sunlight.

  1. Flip the handle up.



  2. Open the cartridge door.



  3. Move the lever to the Release position by sliding it in the direction shown. This releases the cartridge.



  4. Carefully pull out the cartridge and dispose of it properly. (For appropriate disposal, check local resources for recycling guidelines.)



    5. Warning: Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children and do not drink the ink.

    If ink gets on your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water. If discomfort or vision problems continue after flushing, see a doctor immediately.

Inserting the New Photo Cartridge

  1. Shake the cartridge four or five times while it is still in its package. Then unwrap the cartridge.



    2. Caution: Don't touch the circuit board. Install the photo cartridge immediately after you remove it from its package. If you leave a cartridge unpacked for a long time before using it, normal printing may not be possible.

  2. Make sure the lever is in the Release position.
  3. Slide the cartridge straight into the slot, label side up, until it is fully inserted. Push in both sides evenly to make sure it is not crooked.



    4. If either side is sticking out, remove the cartridge and reinsert it so the cartridge is straight.



  4. Move the lever right to the Lock position. If it does not lock in place, the cartridge is crooked. Remove the cartridge and reinsert it so it is straight. (See step 3.)



    5. Caution: If the cartridge is not inserted correctly, ink may leak out.

  5. Close the cartridge door. Make sure it snaps shut.



  6. Move the handle over to the back.



  7. Reconnect the power cord. If you're using a computer or external drive, reconnect the USB cable to PictureMate.
  8. Turn PictureMate back on.