No worries — I have a hack for ya which will keep you up and running even after your printer detects a so-called “depleted” toner cartridge.

The first step is to get a single sticky note. If you don’t have one of these, a piece of duct tape or electrical tape should do it; anything small and blocks light will work. The next step is to adjust the size of the paper so that it will fit into the side of the toner. I’m using a Brother HL 2270DW toner cartridge, and 1/4 piece of a sticky note fit it perfectly.

If you look at the size of your printer’s toner cartridge, you should see a small glass circle where the light passes through. This is the hole we need to block to trick the printer into thinking the cartridge is full.

Insert the sticky note piece into the side so that it isn’t in the way of any gears but blocks the sensor.

Once fully inserted, your toner should be good to go. Just plug it back into your printer and enjoy another 20-40 percent more toner that is still sitting in the cartridge.

Do you have any useful printer tips or similar groovyHacks? Please send in your tips via email to tips@groovypost.com or drop them in the comments section below! Do you have any tips for ink-jet printers? Would you also be aware of any free programs that could save ink for these thirsty beasts? Eager to get your ideas on this one.

  1. Manually refill the cartridges using this kit 2. Sell all of your inkjet printers and ink supplies to Staples and then buy a laser printer. The tip for the laser printer works just fine with my old Kyocera. Thanks for the comment James! Note that I didn’t block the sensor until the printer was already telling me that it was depleted. I wouldn’t recommend blocking the sensor on a brand new toner cartridge because the “depleted” warning helps you keep track of when to buy replacements. And as Steve mentioned, you’ll know it’s run out of toner when the paper has streaks printed on it or it becomes difficult to see. At that point just pop in a replacement. “but thanks to all the haters I know G-IV pilots on a first name basis” Thanks again! Comment

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