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Printer Error Code Lookup: Verified Meanings & Safe Fixes
Look up verified printer error codes from HP, Canon, Epson and Brother. See what a code means, safe first checks and the official source.
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Method
How this tool reaches a safe result
- Choose the printer brand and enter the exact code or message.
- Use only an exact verified match; similar-looking codes can mean different things.
- Confirm the exact printer model before following recovery steps.
- Open the linked manufacturer source before replacing parts or changing advanced settings.
Verified error database
34 manufacturer-backed error entries and family variants
34 verified manufacturer-backed entries/variants across HP, Canon, Epson and Brother. Family-specific variants are kept separate when a code changes meaning by model family.
Publisher/developer note: every lookup updates the address bar with a shareable brand/code/model URL. Parameterized result URLs canonicalize to this database page, while the JSON and CSV feeds expose the same verified records for machine use.
| Brand | Code / message | Affected family | Meaning | DIY? | Service guidance | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 0X6100004A | OfficeJet all-in-one families covered by HP document | Printer Failure after a paper-jam condition | YES - safe inspection and restart | IF PERSISTENT - HP says service or replacement may be required | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| HP | E0 | DeskJet/ENVY 6000 and 6400 family | Unusable or attention-required ink cartridge | YES | USUALLY NO - escalate if cartridge checks do not clear the fault | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| HP | E1 | DeskJet 2800, 4200 and 4900 families | Paper size mismatch | YES | NO - normally a paper/settings correction | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| HP | E2 | DeskJet 2800, 4200 and 4900 families | Paper length mismatch | YES | NO - normally a paper/settings correction | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| HP | E3 | DeskJet 2800, 4200 and 4900 families | Print carriage jammed or stalled | YES - obstruction check | IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| HP | E4 | DeskJet 2800, 4200 and 4900 families | Paper jam | YES | IF PERSISTENT OR MECHANICAL DAMAGE IS SUSPECTED | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| HP | E5 | DeskJet 2800, 4200 and 4900 families | Scanner is not working | LIMITED - restart/retry | IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| HP | E6 | DeskJet 2800, 4200 and 4900 families | Printer is in an error state | YES - power reset | IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| HP | E9 | DeskJet/ENVY 6000e and 6400e families | Error after a firmware update or printer reset | YES - documented recovery | IF RECOVERY FAILS | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Canon | 5100 | PIXMA G3010 series (meaning can apply to other families only when Canon documents it) | Printer error commonly associated with blocked print-head/cartridge-holder movement | YES - obstruction/seating checks | IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Canon | 5200 | PIXMA G2010 series | Printer error; Canon directs ink-level and print-head maintenance checks | YES - model-documented maintenance | IF ERROR RECURS AFTER DOCUMENTED RECOVERY/HEAD REPLACEMENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Canon | 6000 | PIXMA G6000 series | Printer error; paper-jam check and restart are Canon first steps | YES - jam check and restart | YES IF THE ERROR REMAINS | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Canon | 5B00 | PIXMA G7000 series | Printer error that Canon routes to service | NO - avoid unofficial resets | YES - Canon directs service | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Canon | 1688 | PIXMA TS5100 series | One or more ink cartridges detected as empty | YES | NO - normally cartridge action | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Canon | 1686 | PIXMA MG3600 series | Printer detected an issue with one or more ink cartridges / remaining-ink detection | YES | USUALLY NO | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Canon | 1401 | PIXMA E470 series | FINE cartridge is not installed | YES - cartridge installation | IF UNRESOLVED | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Canon | 1401 | PIXMA TR7500 series | Print head may be damaged | LIMITED - restart only | YES IF RESTART DOES NOT CLEAR IT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Epson | E-01 | EcoTank ET-2840 / L3560 family | Printer error | YES - restart and jam check | IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Epson | E-02 | EcoTank ET-2840 / L3560 family | Scanner error | LIMITED - restart | IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Epson | E-12 | EcoTank ET-2840 / L3560 family | Borderless-printing ink pad needs replacement | NO - part is not user-replaceable per Epson | YES | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Epson | W-01 | EcoTank ET-2840 / L3560 family | Paper jam | YES | IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Epson | W-14 | EcoTank ET-2840 / L3560 family | Borderless-printing ink pad is nearing end of service life | NO REPLACEMENT - warning only | PLAN SERVICE | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Epson | W-12 | WorkForce WF-2930 / WF-2950 family | Ink cartridge installed incorrectly | YES | USUALLY NO | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Epson | E-11 | EcoTank ET-2980 / L4360 family | Ink pad needs replacement | NO | YES | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Epson | W-11 | EcoTank ET-2980 / L4360 family | Ink pad is nearing end of service life | WARNING ONLY | PLAN SERVICE | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Epson | RECOVERY MODE | EcoTank ET-M2170 family | Firmware update failed | YES - documented firmware retry | IF RECOVERY FAILS | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Brother | PRINT UNABLE XX | DCP-T220 / T226 / T420W / T426W family | Mechanical issue; XX varies with machine condition | LIMITED - power cycle | YES IF MESSAGE REMAINS | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Brother | PRINT UNABLE ## | HL-L3270CDW and related DCP/HL/MFC laser families listed by Brother | Mechanical issue; ## can be a two-character code such as 32 or ZC | LIMITED - restart | YES IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Brother | PRINT UNABLE 32 | HL-4040CN / HL-4040CDN / HL-4070CDW and related older color-laser family | Paper or labels may be stuck inside the printer or drum unit | YES - careful obstruction removal | IF THE MESSAGE REMAINS | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Brother | JAM INSIDE | HL-4040CDN / HL-4040CN / HL-4070CDW family | Paper jam inside printer | YES - with heat/static precautions | IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Brother | NO TONER | HL-L2460DW(XL) and many related current monochrome laser families | Toner cartridge or toner/drum assembly is not installed correctly, or toner replacement may be needed | YES | USUALLY NO | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Brother | DRUM END SOON | HL-L2460DW(XL) and many related current DCP/HL/MFC laser families | Drum unit is nearing end of life | YES | NO - normal consumable replacement | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Brother | REPLACE DRUM | HL-L2460DW(XL) and related current monochrome laser families | Drum unit requires replacement / drum counter must be reset after genuine replacement | YES | NO - unless message persists after correct replacement/reset | Manufacturer source ↗ |
| Brother | CARTRIDGE ERROR | DCP-1511 / DCP-1601 / DCP-1616NW / MFC-1811 / MFC-1911NW family | Drum unit and toner-cartridge assembly is not installed correctly | YES - reseat assembly | IF PERSISTENT | Manufacturer source ↗ |
This database is intentionally conservative. An entry is published only when its meaning and affected family are tied to an official manufacturer page. Duplicate codes are preserved when different families use the same code differently.
Frequently asked questions
Printer Error Code Lookup: Verified Meanings & Safe Fixes questions
Why does the same error code sometimes show more than one result?
Because some manufacturers reuse a code across printer families. Printer World keeps family-specific variants separate instead of pretending one meaning fits every model.
Can I search without knowing the exact printer model?
Yes, but when multiple family-specific matches exist you should compare the affected-family field and verify the exact model on the linked manufacturer page before acting.
Are all entries tied to official manufacturer sources?
Yes. The public database only includes entries with an official HP, Canon, Epson or Brother source URL.
Does DIY mean I should open the printer or replace internal parts?
No. DIY refers only to the safe checks described in the linked manufacturer guidance. Service-required or non-user-serviceable conditions are labeled accordingly.
Can publishers cite this database?
Yes. The database exposes the affected family, safe checks and official source for each entry so a publisher can verify the underlying manufacturer guidance.
How to use the result safely
Always confirm the exact printer model before installing software, buying supplies, updating firmware, or opening the printer. Model names that differ by one letter can use different drivers or cartridges.
For drivers and firmware, use only the printer manufacturer's official support site or your operating system's built-in update mechanism. Printer World 24/7 does not mirror executable driver files.