HP Printer Error Codes: Complete Fix Guide

Comprehensive solutions for every HP printer error code. Step-by-step troubleshooting instructions.

By Glen Meade, TestMyPrinter Team · Updated December 2025

📋 Table of Contents

Numeric Error Codes

E-Series & Hex Codes

🔍 Quick Error Code Finder

13 49 50 59 79 E0-E8

HP printers display error codes when they encounter problems. Understanding what these codes mean is the first step to fixing your printer. This guide covers every common HP error code with detailed, step-by-step solutions that work for LaserJet, DeskJet, OfficeJet, and ENVY printer models.

13

Error 13 - Paper Jam

Paper stuck in the paper path

What Causes Error 13?

  • Paper stuck in rollers, fuser, or output area
  • Worn or dirty pickup rollers
  • Incorrect paper type or size
  • Overloaded paper tray
  • Damaged or wrinkled paper

✅ Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Step 1: Turn off the printer and unplug it
  2. Step 2: Open all access doors (front, back, and side panels)
  3. Step 3: Gently pull out any visible paper in the direction of the paper path
  4. Step 4: Check the fuser area (back of printer) for stuck paper
  5. Step 5: Remove the paper tray and check for stuck paper underneath
  6. Step 6: Look for small torn pieces that may remain
  7. Step 7: Close all doors, plug in, and turn on

⚠️ Prevention Tips

  • • Fan paper before loading to prevent sheets sticking together
  • • Don't overfill paper trays (stay below the maximum line)
  • • Use paper that matches the settings in your print driver
  • • Store paper in a dry location to prevent moisture absorption
49

Error 49 - Communication Error

Firmware or data transmission issue

What Causes Error 49?

  • Corrupted print job data sent to printer
  • Outdated or incompatible printer driver
  • Complex documents (especially PDFs with embedded fonts)
  • Third-party software conflicts
  • Network communication issues

✅ Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Step 1: Turn off the printer completely
  2. Step 2: On your computer, open the print queue and cancel all pending jobs
  3. Step 3: Wait 30 seconds, then turn the printer back on
  4. Step 4: Try printing a simple text document to test
  5. Step 5: If the error occurs with a specific file, try "Print as Image" option
  6. Step 6: Update your printer driver from HP's website

Windows Driver Update

  1. 1. Go to HP.com/support
  2. 2. Enter your printer model
  3. 3. Download latest driver
  4. 4. Run installer

Mac Driver Update

  1. 1. System Preferences → Printers
  2. 2. Remove printer
  3. 3. Re-add printer
  4. 4. macOS auto-downloads driver

Advanced: Disable Bidirectional Communication

If Error 49 persists: Windows → Printer Properties → Ports tab → Uncheck "Enable bidirectional support" → Apply

50

Error 50 - Fuser Error

Fuser temperature or hardware malfunction

⚠️ Important: This error indicates a hardware issue. The fuser unit heats toner to bond it to paper. If troubleshooting doesn't help, professional service may be required.

Error 50 Sub-Codes

Code Meaning Likely Cause
50.1 Low fuser temperature Fuser heating element failure
50.2 Fuser warm-up error Power supply issue
50.3 High fuser temperature Thermistor failure
50.4 Power supply error AC power fluctuation

✅ Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Step 1: Turn off printer and unplug for 30 minutes (allows fuser to cool)
  2. Step 2: Check for paper jams near the fuser (back of printer)
  3. Step 3: Ensure the printer has proper ventilation (4" clearance on sides)
  4. Step 4: Plug directly into a wall outlet (not a power strip or surge protector)
  5. Step 5: Turn on and print a test page

When to Replace the Fuser

If the error persists after troubleshooting, the fuser unit likely needs replacement. Fuser replacement cost varies by model:

  • • HP LaserJet Pro: $80-150
  • • HP LaserJet Enterprise: $150-300
  • • Professional installation: Add $50-100
59

Error 59 - Motor Error

Main motor, ITB, or developer motor issue

Error 59 Sub-Codes

59.0 - Main motor error
59.1 - Main motor start error
59.2 - Main motor rotation error
59.3 - Fuser motor error
59.4 - Intermediate transfer belt motor
59.9 - ITB motor start error

✅ Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Step 1: Turn off the printer and unplug for 30 seconds
  2. Step 2: Open the front cover and remove all toner cartridges
  3. Step 3: Check for any obstructions in the paper path
  4. Step 4: Reinstall toner cartridges firmly until they click
  5. Step 5: Close the cover, plug in, and turn on
  6. Step 6: If error persists, reseat the imaging drum/ITB unit
79

Error 79 - Service Error

Critical firmware or memory error

What Causes Error 79?

  • Firmware corruption or incompatibility
  • DIMM memory module issues
  • Network print job causing buffer overflow
  • Outdated firmware version
  • EIO card malfunction (network/connectivity card)

✅ Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Step 1: Turn off the printer completely
  2. Step 2: Unplug the power cord and wait 60 seconds
  3. Step 3: If installed, remove any DIMM modules (side panel access)
  4. Step 4: Disconnect from network (unplug ethernet or disable WiFi)
  5. Step 5: Plug in and turn on the printer
  6. Step 6: Print a configuration page from the printer menu
  7. Step 7: Update firmware from HP's support website

How to Update HP Firmware

  1. 1. Visit support.hp.com
  2. 2. Enter your printer model number
  3. 3. Select your operating system
  4. 4. Download "Firmware" (not drivers)
  5. 5. Run the firmware update utility
  6. 6. Keep printer on during update (5-10 minutes)

E-Series Error Codes (E0 - E8)

E-series errors appear on HP DeskJet, ENVY, and OfficeJet inkjet printers. These single-letter codes indicate specific problems.

E0 - Paper Jam

Paper stuck in the printer

  1. 1. Turn off printer
  2. 2. Open all access doors
  3. 3. Remove jammed paper
  4. 4. Check for torn pieces
  5. 5. Close doors and turn on

E1 - Paper Feed Error

Printer can't pick up paper

  1. 1. Remove all paper
  2. 2. Fan paper stack
  3. 3. Reload (don't overfill)
  4. 4. Adjust paper guides snugly
  5. 5. Clean pickup rollers

E2 - Door Open

A door or cover isn't fully closed

  1. 1. Check all doors/covers
  2. 2. Press doors firmly closed
  3. 3. Reseat ink cartridges
  4. 4. Clean door sensors

E3 - Out of Paper

Paper tray is empty or not detected

  1. 1. Add paper to tray
  2. 2. Push tray in completely
  3. 3. Verify paper size settings
  4. 4. Check for paper tray sensor

E4 - Cartridge Error

Ink cartridge problem detected

  1. 1. Remove all cartridges
  2. 2. Clean contacts with lint-free cloth
  3. 3. Clean printer contacts
  4. 4. Reinstall cartridges firmly
  5. 5. Replace if damaged

E5 - Scanner Error

Scanner unit malfunction

  1. 1. Remove scanner lock (if present)
  2. 2. Clean scanner glass
  3. 3. Restart printer
  4. 4. Update firmware

E6 - Printhead Problem

Printhead communication issue

  1. 1. Turn off and unplug printer
  2. 2. Open cartridge access door
  3. 3. Remove and reseat printhead
  4. 4. Clean printhead contacts
  5. 5. Run head cleaning utility

E8 - Ink System Failure

Critical ink delivery problem

  1. 1. Perform hard reset
  2. 2. Remove all cartridges
  3. 3. Unplug for 10 minutes
  4. 4. Reinstall cartridges
  5. 5. Contact HP if persists
0xc4eb827f

Ink System Failure

Common in HP OfficeJet, ENVY, and DeskJet models

Affected HP Printer Models

OfficeJet Pro 6968 OfficeJet Pro 8710 ENVY 5055 DeskJet 3755 OfficeJet 4650

✅ Comprehensive Fix Process

  1. Step 1: Turn off the printer and open the cartridge access door
  2. Step 2: Remove all ink cartridges
  3. Step 3: Unplug the printer from power for 5 minutes
  4. Step 4: Clean the cartridge electrical contacts with isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth
  5. Step 5: Clean the corresponding contacts inside the printer
  6. Step 6: Let contacts dry completely (2-3 minutes)
  7. Step 7: Reinstall cartridges one at a time, pressing firmly until they click
  8. Step 8: Close the door, plug in, and turn on
  9. Step 9: Run the printhead cleaning utility

If the Error Persists

  • • Try a new set of genuine HP cartridges
  • • Perform a semi-full reset (see Universal Fix section)
  • • The printhead may be failing - contact HP support

Supply Memory Errors

These errors occur when the printer can't read the cartridge chip.

Error Message Meaning Solution
10.XX.YY Supply Memory Error Cartridge chip unreadable Clean contacts, reseat cartridge
Supply Problem Non-HP or refilled cartridge detected Use genuine HP supplies
Cartridge Not Detected No cartridge found in slot Remove and reinstall cartridge
Used/Counterfeit Cartridge HP detected non-genuine supply Replace with genuine HP cartridge

🔧 Universal HP Printer Reset Process

If the specific error code fix doesn't work, try this comprehensive reset process:

1

Hard Reset

While plugged in, hold the power button for 15-20 seconds. Release and wait for the printer to restart.

2

Semi-Full Reset (LaserJet)

Navigate to: Settings → Service → Restore Defaults

This resets network and some settings but preserves consumable info.

3

Update Firmware

Download the latest firmware from support.hp.com and install it. Many errors are resolved by firmware updates.

4

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

Navigate to: Settings → Printer Maintenance → Restore → Restore Factory Defaults

⚠️ Warning: This erases all settings including network configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my HP printer's error code?

Check the printer's display screen. For printers without a screen, look for blinking LED patterns, then check the HP support website for your model's error light meanings.

Why does my HP printer show an error after replacing cartridges?

This is usually due to the protective tape not being removed, cartridge contacts needing cleaning, or the cartridge not being seated properly. Remove the cartridge, check for orange pull-tabs, clean contacts, and reinstall firmly.

Can I use non-HP cartridges?

HP printers are designed for HP cartridges. Third-party cartridges may work but can cause "Supply Memory" errors, void warranty coverage, and may not report ink levels correctly.

How often should I update my HP printer firmware?

Check for updates every 3-6 months, or immediately if you're experiencing errors. You can enable automatic updates in most HP printer settings.

What if none of these fixes work?

Contact HP Support at support.hp.com or call 1-800-474-6836. If your printer is under warranty, HP may repair or replace it. Out-of-warranty repairs may be more cost-effective as a new printer purchase.

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