HP LaserJet Pro M203 Printers - Blinking Lights

This document is for HP LaserJet Pro M203d, M203dn, M203dw, and LaserJet Ultra M206dn printers.

The following sections describe error conditions with blinking lights displayed on the printer control panel, followed by solutions for each error. Find the blinking light pattern that displays on the printer control panel, and then follow the steps to resolve the issue.

Figure : Control panel buttons, icons, and lights

Wireless button and light (M203dw models only)

Attention light

Ready light

Supplies light

Resume button

Cancel button

The Wireless light blinks (M203dw models only)

The Wireless light

blinks when a connection is configuring or when the printer cannot find a wireless signal or cannot connect to the network.

Step 1: Wait for the printer to establish a connection

The Wireless light blinks when the printer is attempting to connect to the wireless router or access point. Wait a few minutes, and then check the light again.

If the Wireless light is on and steady, the printer is connected and you can stop troubleshooting.
If the Wireless light is still blinking, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Check for issues with the wireless network

The following factors can cause the printer to lose the wireless connection:

The network connection is no longer active, or has low signal strength.
The printer goes into sleep mode or standby mode.
The printer is either too far away from the wireless router, or too close to it. The recommended distance between the printer and the router is 1.0 meter to 1.5 meters (3 ft to 5 ft).
A firewall prevents the printer from accessing the computer and wireless network.
A nearby device that emits radio signals (such as a microwave or cordless telephone) might interfere with the wireless connection.
A virtual private network (VPN) prevents the printer from accessing the computer and wireless network.

Check the Wireless light after correcting any items on the list.

If the Wireless light is on and steady, the printer is connected and you can stop troubleshooting.
If the Wireless light is still blinking, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Connect the printer to your network

For more information about connecting the printer to the wireless network by installing the printer software, see Wireless Printer Setup (Windows) or Wireless Printer Setup (OS X), depending on your operating system.

The Attention light blinks

The Attention light

blinks when the printer is in an error state.

Figure : The Attention light blinks

The Attention light blinks, and 'Front Door Open' displays on the computer screen

This condition occurs when the top cover is open or not closed completely. To resolve the error, open the top cover, and then close it completely.

Figure : Closing the top cover

The Attention light blinks, and 'Out of Paper' displays on the computer screen

This condition occurs when the input tray is empty. To resolve the error, load paper into the input tray. For more information about loading paper, go to Loading Paper, Envelopes.

The Attention light blinks, and a paper jam message displays on the computer screen

This condition occurs when paper is jammed inside the printer. One of the following messages might display on the computer screen:

Paper Jam in Fuser
Paper Jam in Tray
Paper Jam in Output Tray
Paper Jam in Duplexer

Find and clear the printer of any jammed paper, or reset the printer if the printer has no jammed paper. For more information about resolving paper jam issues, go to A 'Paper Jam' Error Displays.

The Attention light blinks, and 'Unauthorized Toner' or 'Unauthorized Drum' displays on the computer screen

This condition occurs when the toner cartridge, the imaging drum, or both are unauthorized supplies. To resolve the issue, replace the affected supplies.

Step 1: Replace the toner cartridge

Replace the toner cartridge with a new toner cartridge.

For more information about replacing the toner cartridge, go to Replacing the Toner Cartridge.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Replace the imaging drum

Replace the imaging drum with a new imaging drum.

For more information about replacing the imaging drum, go to Replacing the Imaging Drum.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Service the printer

If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.

The Attention light blinks, and 'Paper Size Mismatch' displays on the computer screen

This condition occurs when the paper loaded in the input tray is not the correct size for the print job. To resolve the error, load the correct size paper in the input tray, or change the print settings.

For more information about resolving the Paper Size Mismatch message, go to 'Paper Mismatch' Error (Windows) or 'Paper Mismatch' Error (OS X), depending on your operating system.

The Attention light blinks after sending a two-sided print job

This condition occurs when the printer is processing a manual duplexing (two-sided) print job and cannot complete the print job until the input tray is loaded. To resolve the error, load the correct size paper in the input tray, or change the print settings.

To finish the print job, remove the stack of printed pages from the output tray, and then load the stack with the printed side down and the top edge of the stack toward the printer.

The Toner Supply light is on

The Toner Supply light

is steady when the toner cartridge, the imaging drum, or both have reached its estimated end of life.

Figure : Toner Supply light is on

note:
Once a toner cartridge has reached its estimated end of life, the HP Premium Protection Warranty on that toner cartridge has ended.

This condition occurs when the toner cartridge, the imaging drum, or both are very low. If print quality is unacceptable, replace the toner cartridge or imaging drum.

Step 1: Replace the very low toner cartridge

Replace the toner cartridge with a new toner cartridge.

For more information about replacing the toner cartridge, go to Replacing the Toner Cartridge.

Step 2: Replace the very low imaging drum

Replace the imaging drum with a new imaging drum.

For more information about replacing the imaging drum, go to Replacing the Imaging Drum.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Service the printer

If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks

The Attention light

and the Toner Supply light

blinks when the printer is in an error state.

Figure : Attention and Toner light blinks

Example of Attention and Toner lights blinking

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, and 'Toner Missing' or 'Drum Missing' displays on the computer screen

This condition occurs when the toner cartridge or imaging drum is missing or is not installed correctly. To resolve the issue, correctly install the toner cartridge or imaging drum.

Step 1: Examine the toner cartridge area

Open the top cover, and then check the toner cartridge and the imaging drum.

If the toner cartridge, the imaging drum, or both are missing, install the missing supplies.
If the toner cartridge and the imaging drum are in the printer, they might not be installed correctly. Remove the toner cartridge and the imaging drum, and then reinstall them.

For more information about removing and installing the toner cartridge, go to Replacing the Toner Cartridge.

For more information about removing and installing the imaging drum, go to Replacing the Imaging Drum.

Step 2: Service the Printer

If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, and 'HP Protected Toner Installed' or 'HP Protected Drum Installed' displays on the computer screen

This condition occurs when the toner cartridge, the imaging drum, or both have been protected on another printer, which means it can only be installed with the initial printer. To resolve the issue, replace the affected supplies.

Step 1: Replace the toner cartridge

Replace the toner cartridge with a new toner cartridge.

For more information about replacing the toner cartridge, go to Replacing the Toner Cartridge.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Replace the imaging drum

Replace the imaging drum with a new imaging drum.

For more information about replacing the imaging drum, go to Replacing the Imaging Drum.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Service the printer

If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, and 'Incompatible Toner' or 'Incompatible Drum' displays on the computer screen

This condition occurs when the toner cartridge, the imaging drum, or both are not compatible with the printer. To resolve the issue, replace the affected supplies.

Step 1: Replace the toner cartridge

Replace the toner cartridge with a new toner cartridge.

For more information about replacing the toner cartridge, go to Replacing the Toner Cartridge.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Replace the imaging drum

Replace the imaging drum with a new imaging drum.

For more information about replacing the imaging drum, go to Replacing the Imaging Drum.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Service the printer

If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, and 'Unauthorized Toner' or 'Unauthorized Drum' displays on the computer screen

This condition occurs when the toner cartridge, the imaging drum, or both are unauthorized supplies. To resolve the issue, replace the affected supplies.

Step 1: Replace the toner cartridge

Replace the toner cartridge with a new toner cartridge.

For more information about replacing the toner cartridge, go to Replacing the Toner Cartridge.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Replace the imaging drum

Replace the imaging drum with a new imaging drum.

For more information about replacing the imaging drum, go to Replacing the Imaging Drum.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Service the printer

If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, 'Cartridge error' displays on the computer screen

The condition occurs when the toner cartridge sensor has experienced an error.

Replace the toner cartridge with a new toner cartridge.

For more information about replacing the toner cartridge, go to Replacing the Toner Cartridge.

The Attention and Ready lights are on

This condition occurs when the printer is in a fatal error state.

Figure : The Attention and Ready light are on

Step 1: Reset the printer

Reset the printer to clear the printer error.

With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
Unplug the power cord from the power source.
Wait 60 seconds.
Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

note:
HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Plug the printer directly into an electrical outlet

Plug the printer directly into an electrical outlet to make sure the power source functions correctly.

Unplug the power cord from any surge protector, extension cable, or power strip.
Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet.
Turn on the printer.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Service the printer

If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.

All the lights are off, and the printer does not respond

This condition occurs when the printer is turned off or there is an issue with the power supply.

Step 1: Turn on the printer

Press the Power button to turn on the printer.

If the printer does not turn on, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Make sure the printer is plugged in

Make sure the power cord is connected to the rear of the printer and plugged into an electrical outlet.

Make sure the power cord is inserted securely into the printer power connection, and then make sure the power cord is plugged into the electrical outlet.

Figure : Connecting the power cord
Turn on the printer.

If the printer does not turn on, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet

If you are using a surge protector, extension cable, or power strip, plug the printer directly into a wall outlet to make sure the power source functions correctly.

Unplug the power cord from any surge protector, extension cable, or power strip.
Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet.
Turn on the printer.

If the printer does not turn on, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Make sure the electrical outlet works

Make sure the electrical outlet the printer is plugged into is providing power.

Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Plug another appliance into the electrical outlet to make sure the outlet works.

If the electrical outlet does not work, plug the printer into another outlet that does work.
If the electrical outlet works, but the printer still does not turn on, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Test the power with a compatible power cord from a different printer

If you have another available power cord that is compatible with your printer, use the alternate cord to repeat the steps to test the power.

If the printer does not turn on with the alternate power cord, continue to the next step to service the printer.
If the printer turns on with the alternate power cord, the original power cord caused the issue. Contact HP to replace the power cord.

Click Contact Support on this page for more support options.

Step 6: Service the printer

If you have completed all the previous steps and the issue persists, continue to the Service the printer section at the end of this document.

Service the printer

Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.

Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.

To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.

HP LaserJet Pro M203 Printers - Blinking Lights

The Wireless light blinks (M203dw models only)

Step 1: Wait for the printer to establish a connection

Step 2: Check for issues with the wireless network

Step 3: Connect the printer to your network

The Attention light blinks

The Attention light blinks, and 'Front Door Open' displays on the computer screen

The Attention light blinks, and 'Out of Paper' displays on the computer screen

The Attention light blinks, and a paper jam message displays on the computer screen

The Attention light blinks, and 'Unauthorized Toner' or 'Unauthorized Drum' displays on the computer screen

Step 1: Replace the toner cartridge

Step 2: Replace the imaging drum

Step 3: Service the printer

The Attention light blinks, and 'Paper Size Mismatch' displays on the computer screen

The Attention light blinks after sending a two-sided print job

The Toner Supply light is on

Step 1: Replace the very low toner cartridge

Step 2: Replace the very low imaging drum

Step 3: Service the printer

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, and 'Toner Missing' or 'Drum Missing' displays on the computer screen

Step 1: Examine the toner cartridge area

Step 2: Service the Printer

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, and 'HP Protected Toner Installed' or 'HP Protected Drum Installed' displays on the computer screen

Step 1: Replace the toner cartridge

Step 2: Replace the imaging drum

Step 3: Service the printer

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, and 'Incompatible Toner' or 'Incompatible Drum' displays on the computer screen

Step 1: Replace the toner cartridge

Step 2: Replace the imaging drum

Step 3: Service the printer

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, and 'Unauthorized Toner' or 'Unauthorized Drum' displays on the computer screen

Step 1: Replace the toner cartridge

Step 2: Replace the imaging drum

Step 3: Service the printer

The Attention and Toner Supply light blinks, 'Cartridge error' displays on the computer screen

The Attention and Ready lights are on

Step 1: Reset the printer

Step 2: Plug the printer directly into an electrical outlet

Step 3: Service the printer

All the lights are off, and the printer does not respond

Step 1: Turn on the printer

Step 2: Make sure the printer is plugged in

Step 3: Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet

Step 4: Make sure the electrical outlet works

Step 5: Test the power with a compatible power cord from a different printer

Step 6: Service the printer

Service the printer

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