Understanding Printer Error Codes

Your printer is flashing a code or displaying an error message and you have no idea what it means. This glossary covers the most common printer error codes across HP, Epson, Canon, and Brother — what they actually mean and what to do about them.

HP printer error codes

0x…

Hexadecimal error codes (0x83C0000A, 0x6100004A, etc.) typically indicate a hardware or firmware failure. The specific code matters — search the exact code on HP’s support site. Most hex errors require a printer reset (hold power for 30 seconds while unplugged) or firmware reinstall.

Error 49 / 79

Firmware error. The printer received a corrupted print job or has a firmware issue. Cancel all print jobs, turn the printer off and on. If recurring, update firmware.

Error 50 (50.x)

Fuser error (laser printers only). The fuser — the heated component that bonds toner to paper — has failed or isn’t reaching operating temperature. Usually requires fuser replacement. Let the printer cool down completely and retry once; if the error persists, the fuser needs replacing.

Error 13 (paper jam)

Paper jam detected. Open all access panels, remove the paper jam, and check for torn paper scraps — even a small piece left inside will trigger the error again. Turn off and restart after clearing.

Ink System Failure

The ink system has a hardware error. Try removing and reinserting cartridges. If this appears after running out of ink completely and the printer ran dry, the print heads may have been damaged. Sometimes resolved by replacing the cartridges; sometimes indicates head damage.

Epson printer error codes

E-01 / E-02

Printer error requiring service. E-01 is a general hardware failure; E-02 means the scanner unit is open or not properly closed. Check the scanner lid is fully latched for E-02. E-01 usually requires a reset or service visit.

E-11 / E-12

Ink pad near end of service life (E-11) or at end of service life (E-12). Epson printers have internal ink pads that absorb waste ink from cleaning cycles. When saturated, the printer locks up. Epson sells a utility to reset the counter; third-party alternatives exist. The pads themselves can be replaced, though it’s a messy job.

W-01

Paper jam or paper not loaded correctly. Clear the jam, remove all paper, reload, and press OK or Resume.

Flashing ink light (one color)

That specific ink cartridge is low or empty. Replace it. If the light keeps flashing after replacement, remove the cartridge, clean the contacts with a dry lint-free cloth, and reinstall.

Canon printer error codes

5100

Carriage error — the print head carriage is obstructed or can’t move freely. Turn off the printer, open the top cover, and check for anything blocking the carriage path. Paper scraps and debris are common culprits.

5200

Print head overheat. The print head got too hot, usually from printing too many pages in a row. Turn off the printer, wait 15+ minutes for it to cool down, then restart.

6000

Paper jam. Clear all paper from input and output trays, check inside the printer for stuck paper, and restart.

B200

Print head error — usually print head voltage failure. This is often fatal on older printers. Try: power off, remove and reseat cartridges, power back on with the cover open until the carriage parks, then close. Some users have had success; others need a new print head or printer.

Waste Ink Absorber Full (1700 / 1701)

Same issue as Epson’s E-11/E-12. The waste ink absorber is saturated. Requires counter reset via Canon’s service utility or third-party tools.

Brother printer error codes

Unable to Print / Replace Ink

The cartridge is empty or unrecognized. Remove, inspect the contacts, clean if dirty, and reinstall. If using third-party cartridges, Brother printers sometimes reject them — check compatibility.

No Paper / Paper Jam

No paper detected in tray (check the paper is seated against the guides) or a jam has occurred. For jams: open all access panels and gently remove paper in the direction of the paper path, never against it.

Print Unable XX (error code)

Internal printer error. “Print Unable 32” and similar codes typically mean the fuser or main board is failing. Turn off, unplug for 1 minute, restart. If recurring, Brother’s support site has specific codes and repair options.

Drum Near End / Replace Drum

Laser printers only. The drum unit has reached or is nearing its rated page yield and needs replacement. Brother drums are separate from toner cartridges — you replace them independently.

Universal error patterns

Symptom	Likely cause	First fix to try
Paper jam error with no visible jam	Torn paper scrap inside	Shine a flashlight inside all access panels
Error after replacing cartridge	Contacts dirty or chip not read	Remove, clean gold contacts, reinstall
Error after firmware update	Update corrupted or failed	Run firmware update again from manufacturer site
Flashing all lights / unresponsive	Printer locked in error state	Unplug for 60 seconds, hold power while plugging in
Error only on certain paper sizes	Paper guides misset or wrong type selected	Reset paper guides, confirm size in print dialog matches tray setting

For issues with printer maintenance and cleaning that might be causing these errors, see the printer cleaning guide.