HP shows these as two digits, then two more groups of two characters separated by full stops, for example 10.00.11. The first two digits tell you the system: 10 is supplies, 13 is a jam, 50 is the fuser, 59 is a motor. The last four characters are the exact condition, so write the whole code down before you do anything else. On smaller models with a two line panel, a blinking Attention light means an error, and the Ready and Attention lights both on means the firmware has crashed and the printer will restart itself.
Before you call
- Write down the full code, all six characters, and what the printer was doing when it appeared.
- If it is a jam, open the door or tray the panel shows and ease the sheet out. Take care above the rear door, because the fuser sits there and it is hot.
- Turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Many jams and communication errors clear this way.
- If it comes back, or it is a fuser code in the 50 range, stop there and call us with the code and the model. The event log in the Troubleshooting menu lists the recent errors, which helps the technician.
HP codes by family
10.xx.xx: supplies
The toner cartridges and the memory chip on each one.
| Code | What it means | Who clears it |
|---|---|---|
| 10.xx.xx | A supplies error, or the printer could not read a cartridge's memory chip. | A technician |
| 10.00.11 | Black cartridge problem: the printer read bad data from the cartridge's memory chip. One known cause is a cartridge moved between too many printers, which locks it out for good. | A technician |
| 10.01.11 | Cyan cartridge problem: bad data from the cartridge's memory chip. | A technician |
| 10.02.11 | Magenta cartridge problem: bad data from the cartridge's memory chip. | A technician |
| 10.03.11 | Yellow cartridge problem: bad data from the cartridge's memory chip. | A technician |
13.xx.xx: paper jams
Sheets stopped in the paper path, and doors opened while paper was moving.
| Code | What it means | Who clears it |
|---|---|---|
| 13.xx.xx | A paper jam, or a jam caused by a door being opened. Clear the sheet, then restart if the message stays. A jam that keeps coming back in the same place usually means worn rollers. | A restart may clear it |
01, 21 and 44: connections, jobs and digital sending
Input and output, print job processing, and scanning to email and folders.
| Code | What it means | Who clears it |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | An input and output error, including the wireless connection. | A restart may clear it |
| 21.xx.xx | A misprint: the page was too complex for the printer to process. Send the job again, simplified if you can. | A restart may clear it |
| 44.xx.xx | A firmware failure in digital sending, the part of the printer that scans to email and folders. | A technician |
30 to 33: scanner, document feeder, backup and security
The flatbed scanner and document feeder on multifunction models, and the printer's stored data and firmware checks.
| Code | What it means | Who clears it |
|---|---|---|
| 30.xx.xx | An error inside the flatbed scanner. | A technician |
| 31.xx.xx | A document feeder, scanner or document feeder jam error. | A technician |
| 32.xx.xx | A notice or error from a backup, restore or reset of the printer's settings. | A technician |
| 33.xx.xx | A security error: backup, disk, BIOS or the HP SureStart firmware integrity check. | A technician |
50 to 52: fuser and laser scanner
The fuser that melts the toner onto the page, and the laser that writes the image onto the drums.
| Code | What it means | Who clears it |
|---|---|---|
| 50.xx.xx | A fuser error. Safety related, so the printer stops until the cause is found. Often the fuser itself. | A technician |
| 51.xx.xx | The laser scanner beam was not detected. | A technician |
| 52.xx.xx | The laser scanner motor did not start up properly. | A technician |
53 to 60: print engine
Trays, sensors, fans, motors and power inside the print engine.
| Code | What it means | Who clears it |
|---|---|---|
| 53.xx.xx | An engine accessory error: the duplexer or an optional tray was detected as fitted or removed, or a lifter in Trays 1 to 3 failed. | A technician |
| 54.xx.xx | A sensor error that is not a paper jam. | A technician |
| 55.xx.xx | An engine data error. | A technician |
| 56.xx.xx | A paper input, paper output or paper handling accessory error. | A technician |
| 57.xx.xx | A fan has failed. On the M454 and M479 that is the power supply fan or the cartridge fan. | A technician |
| 58.xx.xx | An engine power failure. | A technician |
| 59.xx.xx | A motor error. On the M454 and M479 the printer watches the drum motor, which also turns the transfer belt, the fuser motor and the developer disengagement motor. | A technician |
| 60.xx.xx | A tray motor error: a tray did not lift, or paper was not picked up. | A technician |
Fax codes and messages (MFP models)
Codes in the fax activity log and fax messages on the panel. Most are the phone line or the other machine rather than the printer.
| Code | What it means | Who clears it |
|---|---|---|
| 232 | The fax connection between the two machines failed, or the other end cancelled or lost power. Resend later. | A restart may clear it |
| 282 | No data arrived at the start of a page while receiving. The sending machine may have jammed or failed; ask the sender to check it and resend. | A restart may clear it |
| 321 | A communication error with the receiving machine because of a poor phone line. Resend later. | A restart may clear it |
| 344 to 348 | The other machine stopped answering fax commands, the connection dropped, or someone cancelled at the other end. | A restart may clear it |
| 381 | The other machine stopped answering fax commands, or someone pressed Stop at the other end. | A restart may clear it |
| No Fax Detected | A call came in but no fax followed. Often a voice call to the fax number. | A restart may clear it |
| Communication error | The fax failed partway, usually because of the phone line. Resend, or try a slower fax speed. | A restart may clear it |
| Fax is busy, No fax answer | The number you dialled was busy or did not answer as a fax. Check the number and try again. | A restart may clear it |
| Fax storage is full | Fax memory is full. Turn the printer off and on, or clear stored faxes, then send large jobs in smaller parts. | A restart may clear it |
Messages that are not faults
A toner cartridge is running out. Not a fault: depending on the printer's settings it will keep printing, prompt you, or stop until you put in a new cartridge. On a service agreement, order it from the customer portal.
The printer is set to take genuine HP cartridges only, and the one fitted is not genuine, or is a genuine cartridge past its low point. It will not print until that is sorted.
The cartridge has been locked to another printer or fleet, and it cannot be unlocked. Fit a cartridge meant for this printer.
On the Color LaserJet Pro models there is no separate waste toner box: used toner goes back into each cartridge, so a new cartridge deals with it.
The panel points to where to look: the document feeder, Tray 1, Tray 2, the optional 550 sheet Tray 3, the rear door and fuser area, the output bin, or the duplexer. Clear it gently, and call if it keeps happening in the same place.
The printer had trouble managing its memory. A clearable warning rather than a fault.
Need it fixed?
Call 1300 922 260 or book online and quote the full code. In Brisbane, see HP repairs in Brisbane. For toner and parts, see our HP page.
Common questions
What do HP error codes mean?
They are the printer reporting a fault it has found in itself. The first two digits say which system it came from, for example 13 for a paper jam, 50 for the fuser and 59 for a motor. The last four characters narrow it to the exact condition.
How do I reset an error code on an HP printer?
Clear any jam first, then turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. That clears many jams and communication errors. Fuser, motor and laser codes will come back until a technician fixes the cause.
What does a 50 error mean on an HP printer?
A code starting with 50 is a fuser error, from the unit that heats and presses the toner onto the page. It is safety related, so it needs a technician. Write down all six characters, because the last four tell us which fuser condition it found.
What does a 13 error mean on an HP printer?
A code starting with 13 is a paper jam, or a jam caused by a door opened while paper was moving. Clear the sheet from where the panel points. If it keeps coming back in the same place, the pickup or separation rollers are usually worn, so book a call and quote the code.
Checked against the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454 and Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479 troubleshooting service manual. LaserJet Enterprise and Managed machines use the same numbering families, though individual codes vary a little between models. DSA is an independent service provider. HP is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to describe the machines we service.