Epson Ink Printer Check Manufacture Date

Updated: 2026 

You install a “compatible” Epson cartridge, close the lid, and instead of printing, the printer throws a blunt message: Not Recognized or Not Compatible. The cartridge looks right. The model number matches. So what changed?

For several older Epson inkjet families (Epson inkjet printers such as Epson stylus cx5000, Epson stylus cx8400 or Epson stylus photo rx595, these Epson ink printers use ink cartridges T069 series or T078 series.), manufacture date can be the hidden deciding factor. Some production runs use different chip-reading expectations, which means a compatible cartridge that works perfectly in one unit can fail in another—sometimes within the same model family.

This 2026 guide shows you how to check your Epson printer’s manufacture date, interpret the molded “date dials,” and take the right next step before you spend more money or start unnecessary returns.

The One-Minute Answer (Read This First)

• Step 1: Find your printer’s manufacture date (often molded into the plastic as “date dials”).

• Step 2: If your printer is from a production period known to have different chip behavior, you may need a compatible cartridge version with a different chip (seller support can confirm).

• Step 3: If the printer still won’t recognize the cartridge, do the simple fixes first: re-seat, clean the chip contacts, confirm cartridge series, and check for protective tape.

Why Manufacture Date Can Affect Cartridge Compatibility

Epson printers identify cartridges using chip communication. In some older families, Epson made changes over time—so printers manufactured in different periods may expect different chip responses.

That doesn’t automatically mean “compatibles don’t work.” It means compatibility can depend on manufacturing batch and chip version. The goal is to avoid guessing: confirm your printer’s manufacture date, then match that to the correct cartridge version.

Which Epson Printers Are Commonly Affected?

Older Epson inkjet lines referenced in legacy compatibility discussions include models such as:

• Epson Stylus CX5000 / CX8400 / Photo RX595 (examples often associated with T069/T078-era cartridges)

Even if your exact model differs, the process below is still useful: find the manufacture date first, then confirm cartridge series and chip expectations.

How to Check the Manufacture Date on Many Epson Inkjet Printers

Method A: Look for the molded “date dials” (common on older units)

On many Epson inkjets, the manufacture date is stamped into the casing as four small circular dials (they look like tiny clocks). These dials indicate day / month / year.

Steps

1. Power off and unplug the printer.

2. Carefully turn the printer so you can view the underside or back-lower casing.

3. Look for four small molded dials in the plastic.

4. Read the dials as a date code (example formats vary by model family).

Example interpretation

A code like “6 0 9 07” is commonly read as 6 Sept 2007 (day, month, year).
Your printer’s dial layout may vary slightly, but the concept is the same: the casing itself often encodes the manufacturing date.

Tip: Use your phone flashlight and take a photo—zooming in often makes the dial pointers easier to read.

How to Use the Date Once You Find It

Once you have a manufacture date, use it as a decision tool:

Quick decision table (practical, not theoretical)

Before You Blame the Cartridge: 5 Fast Fixes That Solve Most “Not Recognized” Errors

Even genuine cartridges can fail recognition if something basic is off. Do these first:

1. Confirm the cartridge series
   T069 and T078 are not interchangeable. Match the exact series your printer requires.

2. Remove protective tape/tabs
   Some compatibles ship with protective seals that must be removed fully.

3. Re-seat the cartridge
   Remove it, wait 10 seconds, reinstall firmly until it clicks.

4. Clean chip contacts gently
   Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid liquids unless manufacturer guidance allows it.

5. Power-cycle the printer
   Turn off, unplug, wait 30 seconds, restart.

(These steps align with common Epson guidance for cartridge recognition troubleshooting.)

What If You’re Using Compatible Ink in Canada (How to Reduce Risk)

Compatible cartridges can be a smart CPP move for home printing, but the safest approach is to reduce variables:

• Buy from suppliers that clearly distinguish OEM vs compatible and provide support for chip/version questions.

• Keep your printer’s model and manufacture date handy—those two details solve most compatibility mysteries quickly.

• If your printer is a legacy model, avoid “random marketplace” cartridges with no version notes or support path.

FAQ (2026)

Q1: Where is the manufacture date on an Epson printer?
Many older Epson inkjets show it as molded date dials in the plastic casing (often on the underside). Some models use labels/serial data instead.

Q2: Why would the same compatible cartridge work in one Epson printer but not another?
Chip-reading expectations can vary by production period. Two printers in the same family may differ if manufactured in different batches.

Q3: What should I do if my cartridge is genuine but still not recognized?
Start with re-seating and cleaning the chip contacts, then power-cycle. Epson support commonly recommends these steps before replacement.

Q4: Is manufacture date the only reason for “not compatible”?
No. Wrong cartridge series, protective tape, improper seating, or a dirty contact can also cause the same error.

Q5: Will firmware updates affect older Epson printers like CX-series devices?
Many older models receive fewer updates today, but chip behavior can still vary by model. If you rely on compatibles, avoid changing settings or software only when everything is working unless needed.