Setup & Compatibility
Do the cartridges come with the chips already installed?
Yes. Our cartridges come with ready-to-install chips pre-installed. No chip transfer or additional installation is required. Simply remove the cartridge from its packaging, install it in your printer, and start printing.
Do I need to transfer the chip from my original cartridge?
No. Our cartridges are designed for easy installation and come with the necessary chips already installed. You do not need to remove, transfer, or replace the chip from your original cartridge.
Are the cartridges ready to use out of the box?
Yes. Our cartridges are ready to install right out of the box. The chip is pre-installed, so there is no additional chip setup required. Just install the cartridge in your compatible printer and print.
Will the chip work with my printer?
Our cartridges are designed with pre-installed chips for compatibility with the listed printer models. Before purchasing, please check the compatible printer list on the product page to make sure the cartridge matches your printer model.
How do I check if my HP printer has HP+ activated?
Go to your printer’s settings menu > select “HP+ Services” or “Subscription Settings.” If you see options like “HP+ Status: Active,” then it’s enabled. For unactivated printers, this section will prompt you to set it up.
Are there any "e" models that can use these cartridges?
Only if the “e” model has never had HP+ activated and HP+ is permanently disabled. However, most “e” models come with HP+ pre-installed as a default, so compatibility is rare. We recommend confirming your printer’s HP+ status first.
Firmware & Updates
What if my printer stops recognizing the cartridges after an update?
Contact us immediately! If a firmware update causes issues, we’ll send replacement cartridges optimized for the new firmware at no extra cost. Just let our support team know your printer model and update version.
My printer keeps prompting for a firmware update. Should I install it?
We recommend disabling automatic firmware updates in your printer settings. Epson sometimes updates firmware to block third-party cartridges, which could make them incompatible. Check your printer model and update version before proceeding.
Should I turn off firmware updates on my printer?
Yes! We recommend disabling automatic firmware updates to prevent compatibility issues. HP sometimes pushes updates that block third-party cartridges. To disable: Go to “Settings” > “Advanced Settings” > “Printer Update” > turn off “Auto Update.”
I forgot to disable firmware updates, and now my printer won't recognize the cartridges. Can you assist?
Yes! Contact our support with your printer model and last update date. We often have solutions or updated cartridges that work with newer firmware—we’ll help resolve it.
Contact Us：(+1)2019031058
support@starinkshop.com
What if I don't disable firmware updates?
A firmware update could make your printer suddenly reject the cartridges, showing errors like “Invalid Cartridge”. If this happens, contact us—we can help troubleshoot or send updated cartridges if available.
Ink Levels & Usage
My printer shows an “ink low” warning, but the cartridge still has ink. Is this normal?
Yes, that’s common with compatible cartridges. The warning is triggered by the chip’s estimate, not actual ink levels. You can keep printing until quality fades—just don’t harm your printer.
If I print only in black and white, will the color cartridges still deplete?
In most Canon printers, color cartridges are used for occasional calibration, but minimal ink is consumed. If you set your printer to “Black Only” mode, color usage drops significantly—you’ll get the full life from your color cartridges.
Why do my cartridges show four question marks (????) for ink levels?
This is normal! Our compatible LC3033 cartridges don’t display ink levels on the printer’s screen—the “????” indicator is expected and won’t affect printing. To check real-time ink levels, use Brother’s printer status software on your computer.
How do I check ink levels on my computer if the printer screen doesn’t show them?
For Windows: Open “Devices and Printers” > Right-click your Brother printer > Select “Printer Properties” > Go to the “Maintenance” tab > Click “View Ink Levels”. For Mac: Open “System Preferences” > “Printers & Scanners” > Select printer > “Options & Supplies” > “Utility.”
Will the "????" ink level indicator cause my printer to stop working?
No, your printer will keep printing until the ink runs out. The question marks are just the printer’s way of saying it can’t read the cartridge’s ink data, but functionality remains normal.
My computer says ink is "low," but the printer still prints. Should I replace it?
You can keep printing until quality drops (e.g., faint text or streaks). The “low” alert is an estimate—you’ll often get 50–100 more pages after the warning.
Returns & Warranty
What is your return policy?
Every purchase is backed by our 30-Day No-Hassle Money-Back Guarantee. If your purchase does not fit your needs, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery for a refund.
What does your Lifetime Coverage include?
Our Lifetime Coverage protects you against quality, compatibility, and chip-related issues for the life of your cartridge. If you experience a covered issue, simply contact us and our support team will help resolve it with a replacement or other appropriate solution at no additional cost.
Are returns free?
We offer free returns within the contiguous United States for orders shipped with Standard Mail (typically 2–10 business days) when the return is requested within 30 days of delivery, based on the carrier’s tracking.
How do I start a return
Contact our support team within 30 days of delivery with your order information. We'll provide the return instructions and, when applicable, a prepaid return shipping label.
What if my item arrives damaged defective or I received the wrong item
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or incorrect. We’ll evaluate the issue and make it right.
When will I receive my refund
Once we’ve received and processed your return, your refund will be issued to your original payment method. Please allow 2–5 business days from receipt of the package for processing, plus additional time for your bank or card provider to post the refund.
Shipping & Damage
If I order multiple sets, will they have the same shelf life?
Yes, all cartridges have a 2-year shelf life from the production date (printed on the box). Stored as recommended, even extra sets will remain in top condition until you’re ready to use them.
How do I start a return?
Contact our support team within 30 days of delivery with your order information. We'll provide the return instructions and, when applicable, a prepaid return shipping label.
What if the cartridges arrive damaged or leaking?
We package cartridges in shockproof, sealed bags to prevent damage. If you arrive leaking or damaged, send us a photo within 48 hours of delivery, and we’ll ship a replacement immediately—no need to return the faulty ones.
What if a bottle arrives damaged or leaking?
Contact our support team within 30 days of delivery with your order information. We'll provide the return instructions and, when applicable, a prepaid return shipping label.
My cartridge is leaking ink—what should I do?
Please contact our customer support immediately with photos of the leaking cartridge and packaging. We’ll send a replacement set free of charge and can provide tips to clean any spilled ink safely.
How soon will I receive a replacement for a leaking cartridge?
We usually ship replacements within 24 hours after getting your request and photos. You’ll get a tracking number to monitor the delivery, so you won’t have to wait long.
How long does it take to receive a replacement for a leaking cartridge?
We process leak replacement requests within 24 hours. Once approved, your new cartridges will ship the same day, and you’ll get a tracking number to monitor delivery.
What if a cartridge arrives damaged or empty?
Contact our support immediately with photos of the damaged or empty cartridge. We’ll send a replacement at no cost—no need to return the faulty one. We stand behind our products and want to make it right quickly.
Does the ink expire? How should I store unopened bottles?
Unopened bottles have a 2-year shelf life. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and contamination.
Troubleshooting
What if my printer stops printing even though the ink isn’t empty?
This is rare, but try removing and reinserting the cartridges to reset the connection. If that doesn’t work, check for clogs using your printer’s “Clean Print Heads” function (in the maintenance menu). If issues persist, contact us for a replacement.
Print Quality & Color
How does the ink quality compare to Canon’s original cartridges?
Our ink delivers sharp text and vibrant colors that match OEM quality. It’s fade-resistant and smudge-proof, making it great for both everyday documents and photo printing. Many users can’t tell the difference.
How does the color accuracy compare to OEM cartridges for printing graphics?
Our color ink is calibrated to match Canon’s color profiles, so graphics and charts print with accurate hues. Whether it’s a pie chart or a company logo, the colors will be true to the original.
My prints have ink smudges—could this be from a leaking cartridge?
It’s possible! Smudging can be a sign of a partial leak or a loose seal. Send us photos of the smudged prints and the cartridge, and we’ll check if a replacement is needed—we’ll cover it if it’s a defect.
Do these cartridges affect photo print quality?
They produce vibrant, true-to-life photos with good color accuracy. While professional-grade prints might benefit from OEM ink, these work great for family photos or casual use.
My prints have streaks—could this be a cartridge issue?
It might be! Try running your printer’s “Clean Print Heads” function (in the maintenance menu) first. If streaks persist, contact our support with photos of the prints—we’ll send a replacement set if the issue is the cartridge.
My prints have a green tint—could this be the ink’s fault?
It’s unlikely, but try cleaning the print heads via your printer’s maintenance menu first. If the issue persists, contact our support with photos—we’ll send a replacement bottle if the ink is defective.
How well does this ink perform for photo printing?
Our ink is formulated to deliver vibrant colors and sharp details. For best photo results, use high-quality photo paper and set your printer to the correct paper type. Many customers report excellent photo quality comparable to OEM ink.
My prints have a pinkish hue—could this be due to the ink?
A pinkish tint can happen if one color is not printing properly. Try running a nozzle check and print head cleaning. If the tint remains, contact support—we can help troubleshoot or replace the ink if it’s defective.