Printer error codes are, on the surface, maddening. A blinking light, a cryptic alphanumeric string on the display, and absolutely no indication of what you're supposed to do about it. The printer knows what's wrong. It just won't tell you in plain English.
In practice, most error codes fall into a small set of categories — paper issues, ink issues, hardware faults, communication problems — and once you know what category you're dealing with, the fix is usually straightforward. This guide covers the most common codes across HP, Canon, and Epson printers and, more importantly, what to actually do about them.
HP Error Codes
HP printers use both numeric and alphanumeric error codes, and the meaning varies somewhat between their Officejet, Deskjet, Envy, and LaserJet lines. These are the ones you're most likely to encounter.
Common HP Inkjet Error Codes
| Error Code | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Error 0x97 | Internal hardware failure, most commonly an issue with the printhead or carriage assembly | Power cycle the printer completely (unplug from the wall for 60 seconds). If it persists, the printhead may need replacement or the printer serviced. |
| Error 0xc19a | Ink system failure — usually related to an ink absorber or ink level sensor | Remove all cartridges, inspect for leaks or damage, reseat them firmly. If the error persists, one cartridge may be faulty. |
| Error E3 | Paper jam (carriage stall) — the print carriage can't move freely | Open all access doors and carefully remove any paper fragments. Check the carriage path for debris. Never force the carriage. |
| Error E4 | Out of paper, or paper not detected in the tray | Reload paper squarely in the tray, fan the stack before loading, and ensure the paper guides are snug but not too tight. |
| Error 59.F0 | Printhead motor stall (common on HP LaserJet) | Power cycle. If recurring, the fuser or drum unit may be at end of life. |
| Error 79 | Firmware error or corrupt print job (LaserJet) | Cancel all print jobs, power cycle the printer, update firmware via HP's support site. |
HP Error 0x97 — the full fix process
- Cancel all pending print jobs from your computer's print queue.
- Turn the printer off using the power button and wait for it to fully shut down.
- Unplug the power cord from the wall — not just from the printer — and wait a full 60 seconds.
- While unplugged, open the cartridge access door and gently move the carriage to the centre of its track, then return it to the right.
- Plug back in and power on. If 0x97 persists after two attempts, the printhead assembly is likely the issue.
Canon Error Codes
Canon uses a consistent numerical code system across most of its Pixma, Maxify, and imageCLASS ranges. The codes tend to be more descriptive than HP's, in the sense that each number corresponds to a specific component.
Canon Pixma — Frequently Seen Codes
| Error Code | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 5B00 / 5B02 | Ink absorber (waste ink pad) is full. This is a consumable with a finite capacity. | The absorber genuinely needs to be reset or replaced. Canon's service tool can reset the counter; physically replacing the pad is the permanent fix. |
| 1000 | Out of paper | Reload paper in the rear tray or cassette. Confirm the paper type setting matches what's loaded. |
| 1300 | Paper jam | Open the rear cover and remove jammed paper slowly and evenly. Never pull paper from the front feed path — always from the rear. |
| 1401 / 1403 | Incompatible or unrecognised ink cartridge | Often triggered by third-party cartridges. If using Canon-branded cartridges, remove, inspect contacts, reseat. A dirty electrical contact is sometimes the cause. |
| 5100 | Carriage error — something is obstructing the print head carriage | Power off, open the access cover, remove any paper scraps or foreign objects from the carriage path, power on. |
| 6000 | Paper feed error — paper isn't being picked up correctly | Clean the feed rollers with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water. Worn rollers are often the culprit on older printers. |
Resetting the Canon waste ink absorber counter
Canon Service Tool reset process (Windows)
- Download the Canon Service Tool (version varies by printer model — search your specific model number). Ensure it's from a reputable source.
- Connect your printer via USB — the service tool typically doesn't work over Wi-Fi.
- Open the service tool. It should detect your printer automatically.
- Navigate to the "Absorber" or "Ink Counter" section and select "Clear" or "Set". The exact label depends on the version.
- The tool will reset the counter. Restart the printer — the 5B00 error should be gone.
- Note: This resets the counter only. If the physical absorber pads are saturated, ink can eventually overflow. Replacing the pads alongside the reset is the thorough solution.
Epson Error Codes
Epson's error code system uses a mix of letter-number codes and descriptive messages depending on the model. Their EcoTank, Expression, and WorkForce lines each have some quirks, but the underlying issues are mostly the same across the range.
| Error Code | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| E-01 | Printer error — a hardware fault has been detected, often related to the carriage or paper path | Power cycle completely. If persistent, the printer may need service. |
| W-01 | Paper jam | Open the rear cover, remove jammed paper, check for torn fragments left behind. |
| W-11 / W-12 | Ink pad is nearing or at end of life (Epson's equivalent of Canon's 5B00) | The waste ink pad needs servicing. Epson's official route is a paid service centre reset; third-party tools like WIC Reset Utility can also reset the counter. |
| 0x10 | Printer hardware error — often the ink delivery system | Run the Epson Print and Scan Doctor (Windows) or equivalent diagnostic. A head cleaning cycle may resolve it. |
| E-02 | No paper loaded | Load paper into the specified tray or rear feed. Confirm the paper size setting in the driver matches. |
| Ink Out (any colour) | A specific cartridge has run out | On some Epson models you can continue printing briefly in mono by holding the ink button. Full colour requires replacement. |
When an error code means the printer is done
Some error codes do genuinely signal the end of a printer's useful life, or a repair cost that exceeds the printer's value. The tell-tale signs are hardware fault codes that persist after power cycling, codes that indicate a failed fuser or drum unit on a laser printer (where those parts cost nearly as much as a new entry-level printer), and repeated printhead failures on inkjet printers.
As a rough rule: if the repair or replacement part costs more than 50–60% of a new equivalent printer, a new printer is usually the right economic decision. Printheads for HP inkjets, for example, can cost £40–£70 on their own, and a new mid-range HP Envy is often available for £80–£100.
General troubleshooting that applies to all brands
Before looking up a specific code, it's worth running through a quick checklist that resolves a surprising number of error states regardless of brand or code.
Universal first-response checklist
- Full power cycle: Turn off, unplug from the wall (not just a power strip), wait 60 seconds, plug back in and power on.
- Check for physical obstructions: Open every door and cover. Paper fragments, packaging material left from installation, and even insects can cause hardware errors.
- Clear the print queue: A corrupted or stuck print job can cause the printer to report errors. Cancel all jobs from your computer before power cycling.
- Update firmware: Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that fix known error states. Check the support page for your specific model.
- Reinstall the driver: On Windows, go to Device Manager, remove the printer, and reinstall using the manufacturer's latest driver package — not the one Windows picks automatically.
Error codes feel alarming, but they're actually the printer communicating clearly. The translation layer — understanding what each code actually refers to — is what this guide provides. In most cases, the resolution is a physical check, a power cycle, or a counter reset, and you're back to printing without needing a technician.