How to Fix the 10 Most Common HP Printer Error Codes

HP printers are workhorses — until they aren't. When a cryptic code flashes across the control panel and your team is staring at a stalled print queue, you need answers fast, not a 40-page service manual. This guide walks through the ten HP error codes we see most often, what each one actually means, and the exact steps to clear them.

We at Windy City Toners have helped offices troubleshoot every flavor of HP issue across the LaserJet, OfficeJet, and Color LaserJet lines. The fixes below are the ones that work in the real world — not the canned answers buried in HP's knowledge base.

Before You Start: A Quick Reset Checklist

Roughly 30% of HP error codes clear with a proper power cycle. Before diving into any specific fix, try this:

1. Power off the printer using the front button.
2. Unplug the power cable from the wall (not just the back of the printer).
3. Wait 60 seconds — this drains residual capacitor charge.
4. Plug back in and power on.

If the error persists, find your code below.

1. Error 49 — Firmware or Communication Error

What it means: The printer received corrupt print data or experienced a firmware crash, usually caused by an outdated driver or a malformed print job.

Fix:

• Power cycle the printer (full 60-second unplug).
• Clear the print queue on every computer connected to the printer.
• Update to the latest firmware via HP's official support site.
• Reinstall the printer driver fresh — don't just "repair" it.

If the 49 error returns immediately after the same document prints, that file is the culprit. Recreate the PDF and try again.

2. Error 50.X — Fuser Error

The fuser is the hot roller assembly that bonds toner to paper. The decimal tells you what's wrong:

Code	Meaning
50.1	Low fuser temperature
50.2	Fuser warm-up failure
50.3	High fuser temperature
50.4	Bad power supply
50.7	Fuser pressure release failure
50.8	Low sub-thermistor temp
50.9	High sub-thermistor temp

Fix: Power off for 30 minutes to let the fuser fully cool, then restart. If the error returns, the fuser likely needs replacement — it's a wear part rated for roughly 100,000–200,000 pages depending on model. A new fuser maintenance kit is the permanent fix, and it's something to schedule into The Ultimate Laser Printer Maintenance Schedule.

3. Error 13.X — Paper Jam

What it means: Paper is stuck somewhere in the paper path. The decimal tells you where (13.1 input, 13.5 fuser area, 13.20 output bin, etc.).

Fix:

• Open every door and tray, remove all paper — including small torn fragments.
• Pull paper in the direction of normal feed, never backward, to avoid tearing.
• Check the registration roller and fuser exit area with a flashlight.
• Fan a fresh ream of paper before reloading. Curled or humid paper triggers repeat jams.

If you're getting frequent 13 errors with no visible jam, the pickup rollers are likely glazed and need replacing.

4. Error 79 — Firmware/Network Error

What it means: A network interface or firmware fault, often triggered by a faulty print job, EIO card, or out-of-date firmware.

Fix:

• Cold reset: hold the green checkmark or OK button while powering on.
• Disconnect the network cable, then power on. If the error disappears, the issue is upstream — a bad print job or a corrupt driver on the network.
• Update firmware. HP releases patches specifically for chronic 79 errors.

5. Error 59.X — Motor Error

What it means: A motor inside the printer failed to start or stalled. Common on Color LaserJet models where 59.A0 through 59.F0 codes point to the transfer belt or developer motors.

Fix: Power cycle first. If the error persists, open the printer and check that all toner cartridges and the transfer belt are seated correctly. A misaligned cartridge can prevent the motor from engaging. For repeat 59 errors, the motor assembly itself needs service.

6. Error 10.XX.YY — Supply Memory Error

What it means: The printer can't read the memory chip on a toner cartridge. Common after installing a new cartridge.

Fix:

• Remove the cartridge and inspect the chip contacts — wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth.
• Reseat the cartridge firmly.
• If you're using a third-party cartridge with an outdated chip, you'll need a reset or a replacement with current firmware compatibility.

This is one area where cartridge quality matters. If you're weighing options, our breakdown of OEM vs Compatible vs Remanufactured Toner covers chip reliability across the three categories.

7. Error 41.X — Print Engine Error

What it means: A temporary engine fault — usually a beam-detect malfunction, paper-size mismatch, or unexpected paper interruption.

Fix:

• Press the checkmark or OK button to attempt resume.
• Verify the paper size in the tray matches the driver's settings exactly. Mismatched Letter vs A4 settings are a common trigger.
• Power cycle if it doesn't clear.

8. Error 52.X — Scanner Error

What it means: The laser scanner motor failed to reach operating speed. Not to be confused with the document scanner on an MFP — this is the internal laser unit.

Fix: Power off for 5 minutes and restart. If 52 returns, the laser scanner assembly is failing and needs replacement. There's no consumer-level fix — this requires a technician.

9. Error 57.X — Fan Error

What it means: One of the cooling fans isn't spinning at the expected RPM.

Fix: Power down completely and listen carefully on restart. You should hear fans spin up. If you don't, check for dust buildup in the vents — a can of compressed air often resolves it. Persistent 57 errors mean the fan needs replacement before the printer overheats and damages the formatter board.

10. Error 02 / "Cartridge Not Recognized"

What it means: The printer doesn't see an installed cartridge, or flags it as incompatible.

Fix:

• Remove and reseat each cartridge.
• Clean the gold contact points on both the cartridge and the printer's contact rail.
• If you recently updated firmware, HP may have pushed an update that blocks certain third-party cartridges. Roll back firmware or switch to an OEM or vetted compatible cartridge.

When to Stop Troubleshooting and Replace Parts

A useful rule: if the same error returns within 24 hours of a fix three times in a row, you're past the troubleshooting stage. The component is failing. For fusers, transfer belts, and rollers, replacement is straightforward with a maintenance kit. For motors, scanners, and formatter boards, weigh the repair cost against a new printer — if the fix exceeds 40% of replacement cost on a printer over five years old, it's time to upgrade.

Office managers running into this calculus often find it makes more sense to start fresh with a current-generation LaserJet. If you want a second opinion, our sales team is at (872) 762-1131 — they'll tell you straight whether to repair or replace.

Keep This Page Handy

HP error codes follow patterns once you know what to look for. Bookmark this guide, and when an unfamiliar code shows up, our Printer Error Code Lookup Directory covers the long tail across HP, Canon, Xerox, Kyocera, and other major brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the decimal in an HP error code mean?

The decimal (the .X or .XX portion) is a sub-code that pinpoints the exact component or condition involved. For example, 50.1 is a low fuser temperature while 50.3 is overheating — same root system, very different causes. Always note the full code including decimals before troubleshooting.

Q: Can I fix an HP fuser error myself?

Yes, in most cases. Replacing a fuser on an HP LaserJet is typically a 10-minute job — the fuser unit slides out from the rear of the printer after releasing two blue or green levers. The harder part is sourcing the correct fuser kit for your specific model number, which you can find by checking the sticker inside the front door.

Q: How do I clear a print queue when my HP printer has an error?

On Windows, open Services, stop the Print Spooler service, delete all files in C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, then restart the spooler. On macOS, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-click the printer, and choose Reset Printing System. Clearing the queue is critical when errors are caused by a stuck corrupt job.

Q: Why does my HP printer keep showing the same error after a power cycle?

Persistent errors after a power cycle usually mean a hardware component has actually failed rather than glitched. Common culprits are worn pickup rollers, a fuser at end-of-life, or a failing scanner motor. At that point, the fix is parts replacement, not further restarts.

Q: Does Windy City Toners sell replacement fusers and maintenance kits for HP printers?

Yes — Windy City Toners stocks fuser maintenance kits, transfer kits, and replacement rollers for the most common HP LaserJet and Color LaserJet models, alongside OEM and compatible toner cartridges. We also offer free UPS Ground shipping on select items and ship to all 50 states. Call (872) 762-1131 if you need help matching a kit to your printer model.

Q: Will using a compatible toner cartridge cause HP error codes?

It can, especially after firmware updates that HP pushes to detect non-OEM chips. The 10.XX supply memory error is the most common symptom. Reputable compatible and remanufactured cartridges use updated chips that pass HP's checks, but bargain-bin cartridges often don't — sourcing matters more than the OEM/compatible label itself.

Q: How often should I update my HP printer's firmware?

Check for firmware updates every 6–12 months, or whenever you experience a recurring error like 49 or 79 that points to firmware issues. Avoid updating in the middle of a deadline week — occasionally HP firmware changes lock out third-party cartridges or alter behavior, so updates are best done when you have time to verify everything still works.

Q: What's the difference between an HP error code and an HP error message?

Numeric codes (49, 50.1, 13.20) come from the printer's firmware and indicate hardware or system-level issues. Plain-language messages like "Paper Jam" or "Low Toner" are user-facing alerts that may or may not correspond to a numeric code. When troubleshooting, always look for the numeric code first — it's far more diagnostic than the friendly message.