Samsung Printer Error Codes and Messages

When a Samsung printer stops in the middle of a job, it almost always tells you why. The hard part is reading it. Some models spell the problem out in plain words, like "Door Open. Close it." Others show a short code such as #U1-2320 with "Turn off then on" underneath. And printers without a screen just light up red or orange and leave you to guess.

This guide translates all three. It covers the Samsung Xpress, ProXpress, ML, SCX, CLP, and CLX laser lines, groups every message by the part of the printer it points to, and lists the fixes in the order worth trying them.

Wording and codes vary a little from model to model, so treat the exact text on your display as the final word. Use this page to understand what it means and what to do next.

Worth knowing: Samsung sold its printer business to HP, and the sale closed on November 1, 2017. Samsung no longer supports printers directly. HP now handles drivers, firmware, and repairs for Samsung models.

Try This First: The Two-Minute Reset

For any message it doesn't specifically list, Samsung's own user guides give the same advice: restart the printer and try the job again. It sounds too simple, but a lot of one-time glitches clear up this way. Just do it properly.

1. Write down the exact message or code before you touch anything. If you end up calling for service, it's the first thing a technician will ask for.
2. Turn the printer off with the power button, then unplug it for 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Open and close every cover until each one clicks shut. A door that's almost latched is behind more stubborn errors than you'd expect.
4. Plug it straight into a wall outlet. Laser printers pull a big surge of power while the fuser heats up, and HP's support guidance for laser printers warns against running them through power strips, surge protectors, or a UPS.
5. Turn it back on and wait. A steady green status light, or "Ready" on the display, means it's finished warming up.

If the same message comes right back, find it in the sections below.

Safety first: The fuser (the part that bonds toner to the paper) sits near the back of the printer and gets hot enough to burn. Samsung's manuals flag this area specifically. Give the printer time to cool before you reach in there.

How to Read a Samsung Error Code

Newer Samsung models, including the Xpress and ProXpress lines, report faults as a short letter-and-number group followed by four digits, like A1-1110 or S6-3123. You'll usually see it after "Error:" or a # sign.

The first part of the code tells you which area of the printer raised the alarm. Knowing that alone cuts the guesswork in half.

Older Samsung models, like the ML-2851ND or ML-3471ND era of printers, don't use this format. They show plain-text messages such as "Paper Jam 0," "Open Heat Error," or "LSU Error." Those are covered in the matching sections below.

If your printer shows a code that isn't on this page, the prefix still tells you where to look.

Samsung Error Codes at a Glance

Find your message, try the first fix, then jump to the full section if it doesn't clear.

Samsung Paper Jam and Paper Errors

Samsung jam messages are location-based. The message names the spot where the sheet stopped, so start your search there. Whatever you find, pull it out slowly and gently. Samsung's guides stress this for a good reason: a torn sheet leaves scraps behind, and one tiny scrap is enough to keep the error on the screen.

Paper Jam in Tray (M1-1110, H1-1210, M1-1610)

The printer tried to grab a sheet, and it never reached the feed sensor. M1-1110 points to Tray 1, H1-1210 to the optional Tray 2, and M1-1610 to the multipurpose (MP) tray.

• Slide the tray out and remove any sheet that's caught at the back.
• Fan the stack, tap it square, and make sure it sits below the fill line.
• Snug the paper guides against the edges without bowing the stack.
• If jams keep coming from the same tray, the pickup roller is probably dusty or worn. Wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth barely dampened with water.

ProXpress models track roller wear, and they'll show "Replace pickup roller" (C9-1112) once it's past its rated life. A new roller usually ends repeat pickup jams for good.

"Jam or Empty" (Xpress M2070 Series)

On the Xpress M2070 series, one message covers two problems: a sheet stuck at the feed area, or a tray with no paper. If the tray is empty, load it. If it isn't, pull the tray, clear the jam, and then open and close the top cover so the printer checks again.

Paper Jam Inside Machine (M2-1110)

The sheet got past the tray but stalled near the feed sensor, which sits under the toner cartridge.

1. Turn the printer off and let it cool.
2. Open the top cover (Xpress M2020 and M2070 series) or the front cover (most ProXpress and color models). On the M2020 series, fold up the output support before you lift the top cover.
3. Lift out the toner cartridge and set it on a clean sheet of paper. Don't touch the green roller on the underside.
4. Pull the jammed sheet straight out.
5. Shine a flashlight inside and check for torn corners.
6. Reinstall the cartridge, close the cover, and turn the printer on.

Jam Message Won't Clear After You Remove the Paper (M2-1317)

This one catches a lot of people. On some Xpress and SCX models, a sheet that wraps around the fuser roller logs code M2-1317, and the printer remembers it. Even after the paper is gone, "Paper Jam inside machine" keeps coming back.

Samsung's service documentation clears it two ways:

• Models with fax: Turn the printer off, then turn it back on while holding the Cancel (Stop) button, and let it reboot.
• Models without fax: The reset lives in the technician service menu under a "Wrap Jam Clear" option. HP support or a printer technician can walk you through it or do it for you.

If you've pulled out every scrap and the message still won't budge, this is the most likely reason.

Jam in Exit Area (M3-1110) or Jam Inside Duplex (M2-2210)

An exit jam means the paper stopped right after the fuser, just before it leaves the printer. Let the printer cool, open the rear cover on models that have one, and pull the sheet straight out. If exit jams keep happening, the exit roller or exit sensor may be worn.

A duplex jam means the sheet got stuck in the path that flips paper for two-sided printing. Depending on your model, open the rear cover or pull out the duplex unit, then clear the sheet. Repeat duplex jams usually point to debris in the path or a worn duplex unit.

"Paper Empty" When the Tray Is Full (M1-5112)

If the printer insists there's no paper when there clearly is, it isn't reading the tray correctly. The printer uses a small lever (the paper-empty actuator) and a light sensor to see paper. When that lever sticks or the sensor gets dirty, the printer thinks the tray is empty.

• Pull the tray and look into the opening. Make sure the small lever moves freely and isn't bent.
• Check that the stack isn't curled, damp, or loaded above the guides.
• Reinsert the tray firmly until it seats.

If the message stays with a full, correctly loaded tray, the actuator or sensor needs a technician.

Tray Paper Mismatch

This means the paper size in your print settings doesn't match what's loaded. In the US, the usual culprit is a driver still set to A4 while the tray holds Letter. Set both the printer's paper setting and the driver to the size you actually loaded.

Output Bin Full (M3-2130)

Remove the printed pages from the output tray and printing picks up again. If the message stays with an empty tray, the bin-full sensor lever may be stuck in the raised position.

For step-by-step photos of jam removal by location, see our Samsung Printer Paper Jam guide.

Samsung Toner and Supply Messages

Every Samsung toner cartridge carries a small chip called a CRUM (Customer Replaceable Unit Monitor). The printer reads that chip to identify the cartridge and track how much life it has left. Most toner messages come from what the chip reports, not from the printer physically measuring the powder inside.

Prepare New Cartridge (Toner Low)

The cartridge is getting close to the end of its estimated life. On models without a screen, the toner light blinks orange.

You don't have to stop yet. Order a replacement now, and stretch the current one:

1. Open the cover and remove the cartridge.
2. Gently roll it side to side five or six times to spread the toner evenly.
3. Put it back and print.

This often clears up faded pages and white streaks for a while.

Tip from Samsung's manuals: If toner gets on your clothes, wipe it off with a dry cloth and wash the fabric in cold water. Hot water sets toner into fabric.

Replace New Cartridge / Replace Toner

The cartridge has reached its estimated life. On many models, the control panel offers two choices:

• Stop: The printer won't print again until you install a new cartridge.
• Continue: It keeps printing, but Samsung won't guarantee print quality.

Samsung also notes that some toner can remain in the cartridge even after the printer stops. That's normal. Rated page yields are measured under the ISO/IEC 19752 standard for black cartridges and ISO/IEC 19798 for color, and your real-world yield depends on how much of each page you cover.

When installing the new cartridge:

• Shake it thoroughly before installing. Samsung says this improves initial print quality.
• Remove every piece of tape and protective film.
• Hold it by the handle and keep your fingers off the green underside.
• Push it in until it clicks.

Install Toner / Toner Not Installed (C1-1310, C2-1410)

The printer can't detect a cartridge, even if one is in there. Remove it and reinstall it firmly two or three times. Check for leftover packing tape or protective film, which Samsung lists as a common reason a new cartridge isn't detected.

Not Compatible / Invalid Toner (C1-1512)

The printer read the cartridge chip and rejected it. Depending on your model, the screen may say "Not Compatible Toner cartridge," "Toner Not Compatible," or "Invalid Toner." The usual causes:

• Wrong cartridge for the model. Samsung cartridge numbers (MLT- for black, CLT- for color) must match the ones listed for your exact printer. A cartridge that looks identical can still carry a chip meant for a different model.
• A refilled or remanufactured cartridge whose chip the printer won't accept.
• A new cartridge that isn't genuine.

HP, which now supports Samsung printers, recommends these checks to confirm a Samsung cartridge is genuine:

• The cartridge and its box carry the Samsung logo.
• Neither is labeled "Refurbished" or "Reconditioned."
• The cartridge has a CRUM chip. No chip means it's either a starter cartridge or not genuine.
• It carries a Samsung model and serial number label.
• On network printers, the cartridge's model and serial number show up in SyncThru Web Service.

Samsung's manuals also state that repairs needed because of non-genuine toner aren't covered by the printer's warranty.

Toner Cart Failure (C1-1710, C1-1711, C1-1712)

Here the printer can't read the chip at all. Remove the cartridge, wipe the chip's metal contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth, roll the cartridge a few times, and reinstall it. If the message stays, try a different cartridge. A persistent error with a known-good genuine cartridge points to the printer's contact board.

Imaging Unit Messages (C3 Codes)

Some Samsung models use a separate imaging unit (the drum) alongside the toner, including the Xpress M288x series and certain ProXpress models. Their messages work just like the toner ones:

• Install Imaging Unit: The unit is missing or not seated. Reseat it.
• Invalid Imaging Unit: The unit isn't the right one for your printer.
• Prepare New Imaging Unit: It's near the end of its life. Order a replacement.
• Replace Imaging Unit: It has reached the end of its life.

Waste Toner Full / Waste Not Installed (Color Models)

Color Samsung printers, such as the CLX-419x and C186x series, collect leftover toner in a waste toner container. When it fills up, the printer stops printing until you replace it. If you see "Waste Not Installed," pull the container and reinstall it firmly.

Color models can also show maintenance reminders like "Prepare TR. belt," "Replace Fuser unit," or "Replace pickup roller." These mean a wear part is nearing its rated life. Samsung's guidance for these parts is to contact a service representative.

Samsung Fuser Errors: U1-2320, U1-2330, and U1-2340

The fuser uses heat and pressure to melt toner onto the paper. If the printer can't bring the fuser up to the right temperature, or keep it there, it stops and shows a U1 code, usually with "Turn off then on."

On the Xpress M2070 series, Samsung's service documentation breaks the three main codes down like this:

• U1-2320: Open Heat Error. The fuser isn't heating at all.
• U1-2330: Low Heat Error. It's heating, but it can't reach its target temperature.
• U1-2340: Over Heat Error. It's running too hot.

Some ProXpress models also use U1-2315 and U1-2334 for fuser temperature faults. Older ML and SCX printers skip the code and show the plain text instead: "Open Heat Error," "Low Heat Error," or "Over Heat Error."

What You Can Safely Try

1. Turn the printer off, unplug it, and let it cool completely.
2. Plug it straight into a wall outlet. Skip extension cords, power strips, and battery backups. Samsung's service steps for these codes include checking that the input voltage is normal, and a weak supply can trip a low heat error on its own.
3. Turn it on and let it warm up.

If the code clears and stays gone, a power hiccup was the likely cause. If it clears but keeps coming back, the fuser is probably on its way out.

Stop if you smell burning. With an Over Heat Error, a burning smell, or visible smoke, unplug the printer and don't keep restarting it.

When It's a Repair

A U1 code that returns after a proper restart is a hardware fault. Samsung's service manuals trace it to the fuser unit, its temperature sensor (thermistor), or the power supply board. On most Xpress models the fuser is an internal part, so replacing it is a job for a technician. On an older, entry-level printer, get a repair quote and compare it with the cost of a replacement printer before you commit.

Samsung Laser Unit Errors: U2-1112 and U2-1113

The laser scanning unit (LSU) is the part that "draws" each page onto the drum. Inside it, a small motor spins a mirror at high speed. A U2-1112 or U2-1113 code means that motor isn't running the way it should.

Older models report the same problem as "LSU Error," "LSU Motor Error," or "Hsync Error." Samsung's service data describes that last one as the laser unit not being ready or not sending its timing signal.

What to try: Turn the printer off, unplug it for a minute, plug it into a wall outlet, and turn it back on. That's about the limit of what's safe to do at home.

If it comes back: The service manual has a technician check the LSU cable connections first, then replace the LSU, and replace the main board only if the problem survives a new LSU. Book service and bring the exact code.

Samsung Motor and System Errors

Motor Failure (A1-1110)

The main drive motor didn't reach its ready state when it started up. It sounds like a motor problem, and sometimes it is. But Samsung's service manual lists another common cause first: the gear (OPC coupler) on the end of the toner cartridge or imaging unit is jammed or damaged, and the motor can't turn it.

1. Turn the printer off and on.
2. If the error returns, remove the toner cartridge or imaging unit and check the gear on its end. It should turn freely and show no broken teeth.
3. If you have a spare genuine cartridge, try it.

If a different cartridge doesn't help, the motor, its cable, or the main board needs service.

Error [Number]: Turn Off Then On / Call for Service

This is Samsung's general message for a unit inside the printer that "cannot be controlled." The number after "Error" tells a technician which part it is, and the prefix table above tells you. Restart once. If it comes back, call for service and give them the full message.

You may also see variations that name the system involved, such as "Engine System Failure," "UI System Failure," or "Fax System Failure." For all three, Samsung's advice is to unplug the printer, plug it back in, and call for service if the message returns. For a fax system failure, reseating the fax card is also on the list for models that have one.

HDD System Failure (S1-2411)

This one only appears on larger models with a built-in hard drive. It means the drive isn't installed correctly or has failed. Restart once. If it persists, it's a service call.

Not Proper Room Temperature

Some color models show this when the room is too hot or too cold for the printer to work reliably. Move the printer to a room within the temperature range listed in its specifications, give it time to adjust, and try again.

Door Open. Close It (S2-4110, S2-4120)

A cover isn't fully latched. S2-4110 usually refers to the top cover and S2-4120 to the front or rear door.

• Open and close each cover firmly until it clicks.
• Check that the toner cartridge or imaging unit is fully seated. One that's sitting slightly high can stop a cover from closing all the way.
• Look for a torn scrap of paper caught in the hinge or latch.

If every cover is shut and the message won't go away, the switch that detects the closed cover may be faulty. That's a repair.

Scanner Locked (S3-3121, S3-3122)

The scan head (Samsung calls it the CIS unit) can't move. On some multifunction models, a physical lock holds the scanner in place for shipping. The CLX-419x and C186x series, for example, tell you to pull a blue latch toward you to release it.

1. Look for a scanner lock switch or latch and move it to the unlocked position.
2. Restart the printer.
3. If it's still locked, the scanner cable, scan head, or drive parts need a technician.

Door of Scanner Is Open / Scanner Door Open (U3-4110)

The document feeder, or its top cover, isn't latched. Press it down until it clicks.

Document Jam (U3-3313, U3-3314)

An original is stuck in the automatic document feeder. Open the feeder's top cover and pull the page out gently. If documents keep jamming, the feeder's pickup roller is probably dirty or worn and needs cleaning or replacing.

Samsung Network and Wireless Errors

Network Problem: IP Conflict (S6-3123)

Another device on your network is using the same IP address as the printer.

• If your router assigns addresses automatically (DHCP), restart the printer so it picks up a fresh one.
• If the printer uses a fixed (static) IP, change it. You can do this from the printer's control panel, in Samsung Easy Printer Manager under the device's network settings, or in SyncThru Web Service. Print a network configuration report first so you know the current address.

To keep it from happening again, reserve an IP address for the printer in your router's settings.

802.1x Network Error (S6-3128)

This shows up on office networks that make devices log in before they connect. The network rejected the printer, usually because the ID or password is wrong or the authentication method doesn't match. Re-enter the credentials, or ask your network administrator to check the 802.1x settings.

Wireless Network Error / Error S6-3210

On the Xpress M2070 series, "Wireless Network Error" means the printer can't find its wireless module. Code S6-3210 means the main board can't talk to the wireless board. Restart the printer once. If the error returns, the wireless board or its cable needs service.

If your printer shows no error at all but still won't join Wi-Fi, our Samsung Printer Not Connecting to WiFi guide walks through setup and reconnection.

What the Lights on Your Samsung Printer Mean

Compact models like the Xpress M2020 series don't have a text display. They use colored lights instead. Here's what those lights mean, according to Samsung's user guides:

Status light

Toner light

Other lights (on models that have them)

• WPS light: Blinking blue means it's connecting to Wi-Fi, steady blue means connected, and off means disconnected.
• Power light: Steady blue means the printer is in power save mode.

A steady red light with no open cover and paper in the tray points to a "major error." That's where the software in the next section helps, since it shows the actual error on your computer.

Check the Error From Your Computer

If your printer's screen is small, or it only has lights, your computer can often tell you more. Samsung installed these tools alongside its drivers:

• Samsung Printer Status: Shows the printer's current error on your computer, along with steps to fix it.
• Samsung Easy Printer Manager: Shows device status and supply levels, and lets you change settings like the network IP address.
• Samsung Printer Center (Windows only): Manages installed Samsung drivers and includes a Diagnose printer option that checks the selected printer and suggests fixes.
• SyncThru Web Service (network models): Type the printer's IP address into a web browser to see its status, supplies, and settings.

Samsung drivers and utilities are now published on HP's support site. If yours are missing or outdated, our Samsung Printer Driver guide shows you how to find and install the right package.

When to Stop Troubleshooting

Some codes are simply telling you a part has failed. It's time to get professional help when:

• A U1 (fuser) or U2 (laser unit) code returns after a proper restart from a wall outlet
• A1-1110 persists even with a different cartridge
• The display says "Call for service"
• You smell burning or see smoke
• Jams keep happening in the same spot after you've cleaned the rollers and checked for scraps

Since Samsung no longer services printers, repair and support go through HP. Before you call, have this ready:

• The full model number from the label (for example, SL-M2070FW)
• The serial number
• The exact code and message, word for word
• When it appears: at power-on, mid-print, or while scanning
• What you've already tried

It turns a long back-and-forth into a short call.