The short version
- 01Check the printer model against HP's DeskJet 2900, 4300, 5100 and 5800 error table.
- 02Open the cartridge access door, wait for the carriage to reach the center and remove the cartridges.
- 03Remove remaining protective tape without touching cartridge contacts or ink nozzles.
- 04Reinstall the cartridges until seated at the same level, close the door and check for E0.
- 05Install each cartridge separately and check for E0 to identify the faulty cartridge.
- 06Replace the cartridge identified by the test or contact HP if the documented steps fail.
Raw message
E0
Likely causes
- A cartridge is missing or not seated correctly.
- Protective tape remains on an installed cartridge.
- An incompatible, damaged or defective cartridge cannot connect properly.
Check the model and blinking ink icon
HP's DeskJet 2900, 4300, 5100 and 5800 table identifies E0 with a blinking ink-level icon as a cartridge connectivity problem. Its checks cover missing or incorrectly fitted cartridges, protective tape and incompatible or faulty cartridges. For a different printer family, check that model's error table before using this procedure.
Check installation before replacing a cartridge
Open the cartridge access door and wait for the carriage to reach the center. Press down to release the cartridges. Remove any remaining protective tape covering the nozzles, keeping fingers away from the copper contacts and nozzles. Do not remove the electrical strip or reapply tape.
Reinstall the cartridges in their slots until they snap into place. HP says to gently push up a tilted cartridge so both sit at the same level. Close the door, allow the printer to settle and check whether E0 clears.
Test the cartridges separately
If E0 remains, HP's isolation test removes both cartridges, installs one, closes the access door and checks for the error. Remove that cartridge, install the other alone and check again. If E0 appears with one cartridge but clears with the other, replace the cartridge that produces the error.
Check cartridge warranty coverage with HP before buying a replacement. If the preceding steps do not resolve the problem, HP directs you to service or replace the printer. Our recommendation is to retain the result from each cartridge test for the support conversation.
Sources and review notes
Checked on . Based on HP's DeskJet 2900, 4300, 5100 and 5800 error table, read directly in the browser on October 3, 2026. Recording each cartridge test is editorial guidance. E0 meanings and procedures for other model families are outside this reference. Glitchary is independent of HP.