HP Ink Sensor Failure: Ink Sensor Failure
🧑🔧 Needs servicing
The printer's ink sensor has failed and the printer no longer prints.
What to try
- Open and close the cartridge door.
- If that does not help, turn the printer off and back on.
- If the error remains, have the printer serviced.
When it needs a technician
If opening the door and power cycling do not clear it, HP says to service the printer.
Which models show Ink Sensor Failure
HP documents this code for models including HP OfficeJet Pro X451, HP OfficeJet Pro X551.
First steps for any printer error
- Write down the exact code before you do anything else — similar-looking codes often mean completely different things.
- Power the printer off, unplug it for a couple of minutes, then power it back on. A surprising number of transient errors clear here.
- Open the covers and check for paper scraps, packaging material, or anything blocking the carriage.
- Check the cartridges or tanks are genuine, correctly seated, and not empty.
- Confirm the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension lead.
- Check your model’s own manual — codes are model-specific, and the manual is the authority for your machine.
Source: HP Customer Support - HP OfficeJet Pro X451 and X551 Series Printers, Error Messages. Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Still showing Ink Sensor Failure?
Tell our printer technician your model and what you've tried. You'll find out whether it's fixable at home or worth repairing at all.
Ask about my printer — $1Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician
Related HP codes
Ink cartridges depleted — Ink cartridges depletedHP Protected Cartridge Installed — HP Protected Cartridge InstalledUsed or Counterfeit Cartridge Detected — Used or counterfeit cartridge detectedPrinthead Jam — Printhead JamProblem with Printer Preparation — Problem with Printer Preparation0x610000f6 — Carriage jamE0 — Ink cartridge problemE1 — Paper size mismatchE2 — Paper length mismatchE3 — Carriage jamE4 — Paper jamE5 — Scanner error