Many people who own HP Printer have encountered an error code at some point, but struggle to understand what it meant and how to fix it. I thought it would be helpful to tell you the code meaning and how to resolve it. HP offers a list of error codes in the control panel, and each one represents different problems that you’ll want to address before you can use your printer again. Once you know what error code you’re dealing with, try these troubleshooting tips to get your printer up and running again as soon as possible.
HP Printer Error Codes: How to Fix Them
Common error messages
The below error messages can appear on a HP printer’s control panel. The most common error messages include Paper Jam, Cartridge Empty and Out of Paper. Each message is accompanied by an error code, which will help you fix your HP printer faster. If you notice any other issues with your printer, such as the control panel not responding or no lights illuminating, refer to your user manual for solutions.
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‘X’ Printing problems
Most common error messages associated with printers include, the printer is out of paper, paper jam, or a simple flashing light. When any of these errors arise, first check that there is paper in your tray and that you have paper loaded properly. If that is not the issue, try cleaning off any extra paper from your printer. If that doesn’t work, remove all but one sheet of blank paper and continue to run tests while printing on one page until it’s empty; then reload with multiple sheets once more. Finally, if none of these solutions are working for you (and if your printer has Wi-Fi capabilities), resetting it may be helpful as well.
‘Z’ Fax problems
Z fax problems can be a little difficult for any user. In some instances, your HP printer will ask you for a document that has reached its resolution limit. This means that it is unable to print at a higher resolution and will instead just print as an z. The easiest way to fix these errors is by changing your settings or resolution so that you can receive files at their highest possible quality. Faxing does not have to be complicated if you know how to correct common issues such as z fax problems. This guide breaks down all of the steps necessary so that you will never run into these types of errors again.
‘Y’ Scanner problems
A blinking yellow light on your HP printer usually indicates that there is a scanner problem. This may be because of one of many reasons. Check and see if any paper jams have occurred or if your toner cartridge needs replacement. Try pressing OK to get it working again; otherwise, you should try removing jammed paper from your device or replacing your empty toner cartridge. This may solve the problem and get you back printing in no time! If not, call support for additional assistance.
‘P’ Wireless printing problems
As HP’s wireless technology has evolved, so have its error codes. One problem can be resolved by removing and re-adding printers from their respective computers. To remove a printer: Check in your HP software program that you are looking at My Printers. Right click on one of your printers and select Remove Device. Remove any printer cartridges and turn off your printer. Wait at least 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Once it is on, go back into your HP software (being sure to look at My Printers) and right click on one of your empty ports and select Add a Printer once again.
‘M’ Memory Problems
A couple of common issues can cause an ‘M’ memory error on your HP printer. The first is a faulty memory module, which will need to be replaced. Another possible cause is bad RAM settings in your computer, which you’ll want to troubleshoot with help from HP’s customer support. If neither of these problems apply to you, try unplugging your printer and then plugging it back in. In some cases, just restarting it will solve memory-related issues as well as other hardware or software errors that have cropped up after installing new firmware or software updates on your computer. If that doesn’t work, check out HP’s official guide for replacing an M module.
Others codes and miscellaneous issues
HP also displays an error code if it can’t complete a print job. For example, error code 7B tells you that there isn’t enough ink left in your printer cartridge to finish printing. The solution is straightforward replacing your cartridge with a full one should fix that problem and enable you to print again. If you want more information about error codes, HP has a comprehensive list here.
The control panel number counter indicator shows E0, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, and E9 error codes.
- Number counter indicator: Lights white. Number of copy count and error codes.
Error E0
An E0 error indicates an unusable cartridge.
This condition occurs when at least one ink cartridge needs attention, is faulty, incorrect, missing, damaged, or incompatible. Reseat both ink cartridges, clean the ink cartridge contacts, restart the printer, and replace one or both ink cartridges if necessary.
Error E1 or E2
An E1 or E2 error indicates that the paper size setting does not match the paper size that is loaded.
Cancel the print job and make sure the correct paper size is selected.
https://www.vinneltv.com/2021/02/10/hp-envy-6020-printer-loading-the-paper-tray-how-to-solve-alignment-problem-complete-alignment/
Step 1: Load the correct paper size
Step 2: Check the print settings
Error E3
An E3 error indicates a carriage jam.
Clear the carriage path of any jammed paper, or reset the printer if the carriage has no jammed paper. For detailed troubleshooting, go to ‘Carriage Jam’ or ‘E3’ Error Displays.
Error E4
An E4 error indicates a paper jam.
Clear the printer of any jammed paper, or reset the printer if the printer has no jammed paper. For detailed troubleshooting, go to An ‘E4’ Error Displays (Paper Jam).
Error E5
An E5 error occurs when the scanner is in an error state.
Error E6
An E6 error occurs when the printer is in a general error state.
NOTE:
The printer still prints even if the scan feature is unavailable.
Error E9
An E9 error occurs when there is a setup or update error.
Check the HP Smart app to confirm the error. If a Printer Setup Incomplete message displays, restore factory defaults on the printer, and then add the printer to HP Smart again. For detailed steps, go to HP ENVY 6000e, 6400e printers – E9 (Printer Setup Incomplete) error.
What if I can’t find a solution?
If you can’t find a solution through one of these resources, you can contact customer support and get further assistance from there. If your printer doesn’t show an error code on its display panel, or if you don’t know which model number it is (since they’re not all labeled), then we recommend contacting HP Support by phone. Just dial 888-447-6947, talk with an agent and provide them with information about your issue. They’ll help you figure out what kind of printer you have, what version of HP printing software is installed on your computer, and then walk you through whatever steps are necessary for a successful fix. It’s really easy to do!
Before you call tech support
This can save you time and frustration with tech support. Some printers have their own built-in diagnostic and troubleshooting options, so you might want to try them first before calling for help. On some HP printer models, for example, you can find specific error codes on your control panel or in its software type in a particular code (usually located in an error section) and press Enter to display possible solutions. To read more about printer error codes and what they mean, check out our guide here. If your printer doesn’t have a troubleshooting guide or if it displays an error code that’s not listed on HP’s site, feel free to call customer service. From there, they should be able to walk you through fixes using its built-in diagnostics menu.
Step 1: Reset the printer
If the issue persists, continue to the next step.
Step 2: Service the printer
If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.
Step 1: Reset the printer
- With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the power source.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.
Wait for the printer to fully turn on. The Edge lighting will turn from green to blue white/white.
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NOTE:
To make sure the power source functions correctly, make sure the printer is plugged into an electrical outlet and not a power strip or surge suppressor. If the issue persists, try a different electrical outlet.
Try to print. If the error persists, continue to the next step.
Step 2: Service the printer
If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.
If a message does not display in HP Smart, a problem occurred during a printer firmware update. Continue with these steps.
- Set up the wireless connection again.
Go to Wireless Printer Setup for more information.
- Touch the Information button on the printer.
If an information page prints, the issue is resolved.
If an information page does not print, the printer is in recovery mode and needs to download the firmware again.
NOTE:
During recovery mode, the printer automatically downloads firmware from the cloud. Leave the printer for about 2 hours, depending on your network speed, to complete the firmware update.
