How to Check Printer Ink Levels | What Each Method Shows

Nothing derails a print job faster than a cartridge that runs dry mid-page. But checking ink levels isn’t the same on every printer — the method that works on an HP OfficeJet won’t match a Brother laser or an Epson EcoTank. The right approach depends on your brand, connection type, and whether you want a quick glance or a detailed reading.

Check Ink Levels in Windows (10 & 11)

Windows offers two paths: the modern Settings app and the legacy Control Panel. Both rely on your printer’s driver being up to date.

In Windows 10 or 11, open Settings (Win + I) → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners. Select your printer, click Open print queue, then choose Printer (top menu) → Properties. Look for an Estimated Ink Levels or Supply Levels tab. If nothing appears there, the driver may be missing the status monitor component.

The older route still works: open Control Panel → Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and select Printing Preferences → Maintenance → View Printer Status. Many brands — including Epson and Brother — require their own utility (like EPSON Status Monitor 3 or Brother’s ControlCenter4) to populate this screen. Without it, the native Windows UI may show nothing under supplies.

Check Ink Levels on Mac (macOS 13+)

Apple’s built-in tool is straightforward when the driver cooperates. Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners, select your printer, then click Options & Supplies → the Supply Levels tab. Cartridge icons appear with estimated remaining amounts where available.

If that tab is missing, open any document and go to File → Print → scroll down in the print dialog → click Printer Info → Supply Levels. The Print Center utility (in Applications/Utilities) also lists supplies for each installed printer.

On a Mac, HP printers often use the HP Utility app instead of the native supply level display — install it from HP’s support site if System Settings shows nothing.

Use the Printer’s Own Menu or Software

Most modern printers let you check without touching a computer. On the front panel, navigate to Ink, Ink Management, or Supplies — the exact label varies by brand. On an HP model, look for an ink drop or cartridge icon. On Brother printers, the Maintenance menu contains Ink Management. Canon printers show levels under Ink or Maintenance.

For networked printers, especially Xerox and business models, enter the printer’s IP address into a browser (find it on the printer’s home screen, usually top-left). The web interface’s Status or Supplies page shows exact counts and sometimes part numbers for replacements.

The HP Smart app (free for Windows and mobile) shows ink levels at a glance and is the most reliable way to check HP printers. If you’re weighing a new purchase, our roundup of the best printers for checking ink covers models with easy-to-read level displays and low running costs.

Mobile Check (iOS & Android)

Smartphone apps work when the printer and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network — not with USB-only connections. Download the brand’s app: HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, or Brother iPrint&Scan. Open the app, select your printer, and look for Ink Status or Supply Levels. This method is convenient for a quick look but offers no more accuracy than the computer-based tools.

All four methods — panel, computer, software, mobile — show estimated levels, not exact physical ink volume. The printer tracks how much ink it has used based on page counts and maintenance cycles, so the reading updates only after a print job or cleaning. The one exception: printers with visible ink tanks, like the HP Smart Tank series, let you confirm the estimate by eye. Look at the fill lines on the tank window while the printer is on; dirt can make the marks hard to read, so wipe the window first if needed.