- Printers
- Inkjet printer
W-13
Epson W-13 on inkjet printer: ink cartridge not recognised
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
Code W-13 on your Epson WorkForce means the printer does not recognise the ink cartridge shown on the LCD screen. Check it carries the right code for your region (603 or 603XL in Europe) and replace it with a new genuine cartridge.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Epson warns that damage caused by non-genuine ink may not be covered by its warranties.
- Do not leave the printer without cartridges or switch it off mid change: ink in the print head can dry out and stop printing.
Safe checks you can perform
- Check the cartridge code
- Remove and refit without touching the chip
- Replace with a new genuine cartridge
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Case with Epson support
- Do not attempt this professional task: Claim for a faulty genuine cartridge
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Case with Epson support
What they doIf a new genuine cartridge with your region's code still shows W-13, Epson support or an authorised service provider checks the printer.
They must show youthe new cartridge installed and a test page after the check.
In writingthe diagnosis, the warranty status and the case number.
Claim for a faulty genuine cartridge
What they doIf the unrecognised cartridge is new and genuine, ask Epson or the seller whether it can be exchanged.
They must show youthe cartridge code, its best before date and proof of purchase.
In writingwhether the cartridge will be exchanged and the claim number.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Check the cartridge code
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- see which colour the LCD screen highlights and compare the code printed on that cartridge with those Epson lists for your region: in Europe, 603 or 603XL for black, cyan, magenta and yellow.
- Result that matters:
- knowing whether the cartridge matches your printer and region.
- If the code does not match:
- get a cartridge with the right code.
- If the code is right:
- check how it is fitted and handled.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the label on the highlighted cartridge.
Evidence: Epson WF-2820 series: Checking Error Codes on the LCD Screen · Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Codes
Remove and refit without touching the chip
- Who:
- you, keeping the printer powered throughout.
- How:
- open the scanner unit, take out the highlighted cartridge without touching the green chip or the areas the manual says to avoid, check it has not been taken apart or modified, and push it back in until it locks.
- Result that matters:
- ruling out a poor contact before spending money on a new cartridge.
- If the printer recognises it:
- it was a seating problem.
- If W-13 stays:
- replace that cartridge with a new genuine one.
- Evidence to keep:
- note of the time and the colour you refitted.
Evidence: Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Handling Precautions
Replace with a new genuine cartridge
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- from Maintenance, Ink Cartridge(s) Replacement, fit a new genuine cartridge of the colour shown; open its package only when you are ready to install it and do not use the cartridges supplied with the printer as replacements.
- Result that matters:
- checking whether W-13 came from the previous cartridge.
- If the new cartridge is recognised:
- the old one was the problem.
- If a new genuine cartridge is not recognised either:
- contact Epson support.
- Evidence to keep:
- receipt and code of the new cartridge.
Evidence: Epson WF-2820 series: Checking Error Codes on the LCD Screen · Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Handling Precautions
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Printers
- Brand
- Epson
- Product type
- Inkjet printer
Known code variants
- cartucho desconocido Epson W-13
- Epson 603 W-13
- Epson ink cartridge not recognized W-13
- Epson W-13
- Epson W13
- Epson WF-2820 W-13
- Epson WorkForce W-13
- W-13 Epson
What it means
In the WorkForce WF-2820 series guide, Epson describes W-13 as an unrecognised ink cartridge, the one displayed on the LCD screen, and asks you to replace it, recommending genuine cartridges. These cartridges carry a green chip that stores data such as remaining ink. For Europe the manual lists codes 603 and 603XL. A W-13 does not prove the printer is faulty: a cartridge that suits the model and the region is usually enough.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Mediumsource verified
Epson warns that damage caused by non-genuine ink may not be covered by its warranties.
Evidence: Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Codes
- Lowsource verified
Do not leave the printer without cartridges or switch it off mid change: ink in the print head can dry out and stop printing.
Evidence: Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Handling Precautions
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Cartridge that is not genuine EpsonPossible
Epson recommends genuine cartridges and warns that non-genuine ink may cause erratic behaviour and hide the ink level.
Evidence: Epson WF-2820 series: Checking Error Codes on the LCD Screen · Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Codes
- Cartridge code from another regionPossible
The manual says cartridge codes may vary by location and gives 603 and 603XL for Europe; one meant for another region may not be recognised.
Evidence: Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Codes
- Cartridge areas touched or modifiedPossible
Epson asks you not to touch the cartridge areas shown in the illustration and not to take it apart or modify it, as that can prevent normal operation.
Evidence: Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Handling Precautions
Virtual technician
Does W-13 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
Epson WF-2820 series: Checking Error Codes on the LCD Screen
Epson · 2021 · official_doc
- 2
Epson WF-2820 series: Consulta de los códigos de error en la pantalla LCD
Epson · 2021 · official_doc
- 3
Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Handling Precautions
Epson · 2021 · official_doc
- 4
Epson WF-2820 series: Precauciones en la manipulación de los cartuchos de tinta
Epson · 2021 · official_doc
- 5
Epson WF-2820 series: Ink Cartridge Codes
Epson · 2021 · official_doc
- 6
Epson WF-2820 series: Códigos de cartuchos de tinta
Epson · 2021 · official_doc
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