Common Printer Error Codes Explained and Fixed

Few things are more frustrating than a cryptic error code flashing on your printer's display when you have an urgent print job waiting. Whether it reads 13.XX, 50.4, or "Jam Inside", every printer error code tells a story about what went wrong. The good news is that most of these errors have straightforward fixes you can handle yourself without calling a technician.

In this guide, we break down the most common printer error codes across major brands like HP, Brother, and Canon, explain what they actually mean, and walk you through the steps to resolve them quickly.

Paper Jam Errors

Paper jams are by far the most frequent printer error. They occur when paper gets stuck in the feed mechanism, rollers, or output tray. Each brand reports them differently:

HP: Error 13.XX

On HP LaserJet printers, paper jam errors fall under the 13.XX series. The second number tells you where the jam is located:

• 13.01: Paper jam in Tray 1 (the manual/multi-purpose tray)
• 13.02: Paper jam in Tray 2 (the main paper cassette)
• 13.05: Paper jam in the document feeder area
• 13.20: Paper jam inside the printer, near the fuser
• 13.21: Paper jam at the rear output area

Brother: "Jam Inside" / "Jam Rear"

Brother printers use plain-English messages on their LCD screens. You may see "Jam Inside", "Jam Rear", "Jam Tray", or "Jam 2-sided" for duplex-related jams. Brother also displays a letter-number combo like "Jam A Inside" or "Jam B Rear" to narrow down the location.

General Fixes for Paper Jams

• Turn off the printer and unplug it before clearing a jam
• Open all access doors (front, rear, and any tray panels) and gently pull stuck paper in the direction of the paper path -- never yank against the feed direction
• Inspect rollers for debris, dust, or worn surfaces
• Fan your paper stack before loading it to prevent sheets from sticking together
• Ensure the paper guides in the tray are snug against the paper without being too tight
• Avoid mixing paper types or sizes in the same tray

Supply and Toner Errors

Supply errors appear when the printer detects an issue with a toner cartridge, drum unit, or other consumable. These are among the most common errors that toner users encounter.

HP: Error 10.XX.YY

HP's 10.XX.YY error codes relate to supply problems. For example:

• 10.00.00: Black toner cartridge is low or empty
• 10.10.00: Supply memory error -- the printer cannot read the cartridge chip
• 10.92.YY: Cartridge not recognized or not installed correctly
• "Supply Problem" message: Often caused by a dirty or damaged chip contact on the cartridge or printer

Canon: E-Code Supply Errors

Canon printers use E-codes and support codes displayed on the LCD or through blinking LED patterns:

• E13 / E16: Ink or toner has run out
• E07: Cartridge not installed properly
• 1686 / 1688 (support codes): Ink or toner is low; printing can continue temporarily

General Fixes for Supply Errors

• Remove the cartridge, inspect the chip contacts, and wipe them gently with a lint-free cloth
• Reinstall the cartridge firmly until it clicks into place
• If using a remanufactured cartridge, ensure it is designed for your exact printer model
• Try resetting the printer by powering it off, unplugging it for 30 seconds, and restarting
• Update your printer firmware -- but note that some firmware updates may block third-party cartridges

Communication Errors (USB and Network)

Communication errors happen when your computer or network cannot successfully send data to the printer. These are not displayed on the printer itself but typically appear as error pop-ups or failed print jobs on your computer.

Common Symptoms

• "Printer Offline" even though the printer is powered on
• "Error - Sending to Printer" or "Communication Error" messages
• Print jobs stuck in the queue that never start
• Printer visible on the network but refusing to print

General Fixes for Communication Errors

• USB connections: Try a different USB port, replace the cable, or check that the cable is USB 2.0-compatible and no longer than 6 feet
• Network connections: Restart your router and printer, verify they are on the same Wi-Fi network, and re-add the printer through your OS settings
• Clear your print queue, restart the print spooler service (on Windows: services.msc > Print Spooler > Restart), and try again
• Reinstall or update the printer driver from the manufacturer's website
• Assign a static IP address to the printer to prevent it from dropping off the network

Fuser Errors

The fuser is the component inside a laser printer that uses heat and pressure to bond toner to the paper. Fuser errors are more serious and can indicate a hardware issue, but they are not always cause for panic.

HP: Error 50.X

On HP LaserJet printers, the 50.X series indicates fuser problems:

• 50.1: Low fuser temperature -- the fuser is not heating up properly
• 50.2: Fuser warm-up service error (slow to reach operating temperature)
• 50.3: High fuser temperature -- the fuser is overheating
• 50.4: Faulty fuser or power supply issue

General Fixes for Fuser Errors

• Turn off the printer and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before attempting any fix
• Power cycle the printer -- unplug it, wait 60 seconds, and plug it back in. Many 50.X errors are caused by a temporary electrical glitch
• Ensure the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or surge protector, since fusers draw significant current
• If the error persists after a power cycle, the fuser assembly may need to be replaced -- this is a user-replaceable part on many HP models
• Verify that the correct fuser is installed for your printer model and voltage (110V vs 220V)

Memory Errors

Memory errors occur when the printer runs out of available RAM while processing a print job. This is more common with older printers or when printing complex documents with high-resolution images and detailed graphics.

Common Memory Error Messages

• "Out of Memory" or "Memory Full"
• "File Too Complex" or "Page Too Complex"
• HP Error 22: Buffer overflow / memory configuration error

General Fixes for Memory Errors

• Reduce the print resolution from 1200 dpi to 600 dpi in the print driver settings
• Break large print jobs into smaller batches (e.g., print 10 pages at a time instead of 200)
• Simplify the document by reducing image count, converting images to lower resolution, or flattening layers in PDFs
• Add more RAM to the printer if it supports memory upgrades (many business-class LaserJets do)
• Try printing the document as an image through the advanced print settings -- this shifts rendering from the printer to your computer

Imaging and Drum Errors

The imaging drum (also called a photoconductor or OPC drum) is the component that transfers toner onto paper. Many laser printers have separate drum units that wear out independently of the toner cartridge.

Common Drum Error Messages

• "Replace Drum" or "Drum Life End" (common on Brother printers)
• "Drum Unit Error" or "Drum !"
• HP: "Imaging Drum Low" or "Replace Imaging Drum"
• Brother: The wrench icon or drum indicator light illuminates

General Fixes for Drum Errors

• Open the printer and remove the drum unit. Inspect it for scratches, toner spills, or visible damage on the green or blue drum surface
• Clean the drum unit gently with a soft, dry lint-free cloth -- never touch the drum surface with bare fingers
• Reset the drum counter if the drum still has life remaining (on Brother printers, this is usually done through a menu sequence after installing a new drum)
• If print quality shows streaks, spots, or repeating marks, the drum is likely at the end of its usable life and should be replaced
• Always replace the drum with one rated for your specific printer model to avoid fit and compatibility issues

When Does an Error Code Mean Hardware Failure?

Not every error code requires professional repair. Here is a general rule of thumb for distinguishing between simple fixes and true hardware failures:

• Simple fix: The error goes away after a power cycle, reseating a cartridge, or clearing a paper jam. Most paper jam, supply, and communication errors fall into this category.
• Intermittent issue: The error appears occasionally and resolves on its own or after a restart. This can indicate a component nearing end of life (such as a worn roller or aging fuser) -- plan for a replacement soon.
• Hardware failure: The error appears immediately on every power-up and cannot be cleared by any troubleshooting steps. Persistent fuser errors (50.X), formatter board errors (79.X on HP), and engine communication errors typically signal a component that needs professional replacement.

Brand-Specific Error Code Lookup Tips

When you encounter an unfamiliar error code, here are the fastest ways to decode it for each major brand:

• HP: HP error codes follow a consistent numeric format (XX.YY). The first number identifies the error category (13 = jam, 10 = supply, 50 = fuser, 79 = firmware). Search "HP error [your code] [your printer model]" for targeted results.
• Brother: Brother uses a mix of plain-text messages and alphanumeric codes. Their support site has a searchable error code database organized by printer model. The machine's LCD will also display step-by-step clearing instructions for many errors.
• Canon: Canon uses E-codes (E02, E13, etc.) on consumer models and four-digit support codes (1686, 5100, etc.) on PIXMA and imageRUNNER models. Canon's online support code lookup tool is the most reliable reference.
• Epson: Epson typically uses blinking light patterns rather than numeric codes on consumer models. Count the number of blinks and refer to your user manual. Business models display codes like "031006" on the LCD.
• Lexmark: Lexmark error codes resemble HP's format. Codes like 31.XX (missing cartridge) and 32.XX (unsupported cartridge) are common. Lexmark's online support has a comprehensive error code reference.

Keeping your printer manual handy -- either the printed version or a PDF download from the manufacturer -- is the single best resource for decoding any error code specific to your model.