HP error E6 (printer error, restart required)
E6 is a general printer error on HP's two-character display models, shown when the firmware detects a fault it cannot categorise as a paper jam (E4), carriage jam (E3) or scanner fault (E5). It is often caused by the cartridge carriage failing an electrical check or by a cartridge problem, and HP's official advice is to restart the printer and reseat the cartridges. All lights typically flash while E6 is displayed.
What causes it
- A cartridge not recognised, not seated, or with ink on its contacts
- A momentary fault in the carriage electronics
- Interrupted firmware update or corrupted settings
- Power supply problem, such as a failing power adapter
- A hardware failure in the carriage or main board
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Turn off and disconnect power
Press the power button to turn the printer off, then unplug the cord from the back of the printer and from the wall. Wait 60 seconds before reconnecting. Plug straight into a wall outlet rather than a power strip.
Reseat both cartridges
Open the cartridge door, pull out each cartridge and check the copper contacts for ink. Wipe them with a dry lint-free cloth if needed, then push each cartridge back until it clicks. Close the door.
Check the carriage path
While the door is open, look for packaging, paper or debris that could have stopped the carriage during its self-test. Remove anything found.
Power on and test
Turn the printer on and wait for it to finish initialising. Print a test page by holding Resume or using HP Smart. If E6 returns immediately, continue.
Try with a known good cartridge
Install a different cartridge in each slot in turn. If E6 disappears with a particular cartridge removed, that cartridge's chip or contacts are faulty.
Reset to factory defaults
Use the model's reset combination (for many DeskJet models, hold Cancel and Wireless for about three seconds while the printer is on, or press Power while holding Cancel and Resume). Reconnect Wi-Fi afterwards through HP Smart.
Reinstall firmware through HP Smart
If the printer connects, use HP Smart to check for and apply a firmware update. This repairs a corrupted firmware state that can present as E6.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Frequently asked questions
What does E6 mean on an HP DeskJet 2700?
A general printer error that HP asks you to clear by turning the printer off and on. It is most often tied to the cartridges or the carriage self-test.
Can a non-HP cartridge cause E6?
Yes. A cartridge whose chip is not recognised can fail the carriage self-test. Try a genuine cartridge in that slot to confirm.
Is E6 the same as E0, E1 or E2?
No. E0 relates to ink level warnings on some models and E1 and E2 are paper mismatch errors. E6 is a hardware-level error that requires a restart.
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