HP LaserJet 49 Service error: firmware or data error
A 49 Service error on an HP LaserJet is a firmware error, often set off by a bad print job or network data. Restart, clear the queue and update firmware.
What this error means
A 49 error on an HP LaserJet, shown as "49 Service error" or as a code such as 49.XXXX with an instruction to turn the printer off and on, is a firmware error. The printer's processor received data, or reached a state, it couldn't handle, and it stopped. The trigger is often outside the printer: a corrupt or unusual print job, a problem file, or unexpected network traffic. Less often it points to outdated firmware or a hardware fault in the printer's main board.
Common causes
- A corrupt print job or a document the printer can't process
- An outdated or mismatched printer driver
- Unusual network traffic or scans reaching the printer
- Outdated or corrupted firmware
- A fault in the formatter board, memory or an installed accessory
How to fix it
Start with the first fix. They’re ordered from safest and quickest to most involved.
Fixes for Any printer
0 of 7 steps tried
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Turn the printer off and on
Switch the printer off at its power button, wait at least 30 seconds and switch it on again. If it returns to Ready and stays there, a single job was probably to blame, so watch whether the error comes back when that job is sent again.
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Clear the print queue on every computer
A job that resends after each restart can trigger the error again. On Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, choose Open print queue and cancel every job (Windows 10: Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners). On a Mac, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select the printer and click Printer Queue. Do this on every computer that uses the printer.
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Restart with the network or USB cable disconnected
Turn the printer off, unplug its network or USB cable and turn it back on. If it reaches Ready with nothing connected, the problem is coming from the data it receives rather than the printer itself. Reconnect the cable, then send jobs one at a time to find the file, app or computer that sets it off.
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Print the problem file a different way
If one document causes the error, re-save it as a new PDF, print it from a different app, or use the print-as-image option found in the advanced print settings of some PDF readers. Switching to a different driver for your model from HP's official support site, such as a PCL 6 driver or HP's universal print driver, can also avoid the problem.
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Look for devices sending unusual data
On an office network, a misconfigured device, a network scanning tool or monitoring software sending unexpected data to the printer can trigger 49 errors. If the error appears at random times when nobody is printing, ask whoever manages your network to check what is connecting to the printer.
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Update the firmware from HP’s official site
Print a configuration page from the printer's menu to see its current firmware version, then check your model's page on HP's official support site for a newer release and follow the instructions given there. Don't turn the printer off while an update is installing.
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Contact HP if it continues with nothing connected
If the error appears even with every cable disconnected and the firmware is current, the cause is likely hardware, such as the formatter board or memory. Use HP's official support website to check warranty and repair options, or your service agreement if the printer is under contract.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Still stuck? Our printer assistant can walk you through it by live chat, free. . Or the The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
What do the numbers after 49 mean?
The digits identify the internal fault more precisely and can help HP's support diagnose it. Write the full code down, but the first steps are the same whichever digits you see.
Why does the error come back every time I restart?
Usually because a problem job is still waiting in a queue and resends as soon as the printer is ready. Clear the queue on every computer that uses the printer, then restart it.
Does a 49 error mean the printer is failing?
Not usually. Most 49 errors come from print data or firmware. It points to hardware mainly when it persists with every cable disconnected.