- Printers
- Inkjet printer
E1
HP E1 on an inkjet printer: paper does not match the settings
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
The printer found that the paper in the input tray does not match the size or type set in the job. Press Cancel, load the correct paper or change the paper size in the software, and resend the print job.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Do not force paper or change the tray size while a job is running: HP says to cancel first and resend afterwards.
Safe checks you can perform
- Job cancelled from the printer
- Tray paper against the job size
- Job resent
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Review by HP support
- Do not attempt this professional task: Paper detection diagnosis
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Review by HP support
What they doIf E1 returns with matching paper and settings, HP support reviews the job settings and the printer status.
They must show youthe settings reviewed and the test print result.
In writingwhat was changed and whether E1 cleared.
Paper detection diagnosis
What they doIf support rules out the settings, an authorised technician checks the tray's paper detection with the printer open.
They must show youthe failing test against the behaviour HP specifies.
In writingpart number replaced, reason and a test print without the code.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Job cancelled from the printer
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- press the printer's Cancel button, as HP says for E1.
- Result that matters:
- the mismatched job stops blocking the queue.
- If the code clears when you cancel:
- the problem was that job; go on to the paper check.
- If the code stays after cancelling:
- press Cancel again and note whether the code changes.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the panel with the code before cancelling.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Tray paper against the job size
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- check the size of the loaded paper and compare it with the size chosen in the program or HP app before printing; load the correct paper or change the size in the software.
- Result that matters:
- loaded paper and job setting are the same.
- If they differed and it prints once matched:
- that confirms the code came from the difference.
- If they were the same and the code returns:
- note the exact size, type and program used.
- Evidence to keep:
- screenshot of the print dialog with the chosen size and a photo of the loaded paper.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Job resent
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- resend the print job, as HP says, after matching paper and settings.
- Result that matters:
- the page prints without E1.
- If it prints:
- nothing else is needed.
- If E1 returns with matching paper and settings:
- contact HP support with the evidence above.
- Evidence to keep:
- note the time of the resend and the result.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Printers
- Brand
- HP
- Product type
- Inkjet printer
Known code variants
- E1 papel no coincide HP
- Error E1 HP
- HP E1
- HP E1 error
- HP E1 impresora
- HP printer E1 paper mismatch
- HP Smart Tank E1
What it means
On HP Smart Tank 670, 720 and 750 printers, HP says E1 (and also E2) appears when the paper in the input tray does not match the paper settings of the job. It is a comparison between what the job asks for (size and type chosen in the program or app) and what the printer detects in the tray. It does not point to a fault: it is usually solved by matching paper and settings. The meaning is documented for that family; on other models check their own table.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
Do not force paper or change the tray size while a job is running: HP says to cancel first and resend afterwards.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Size chosen in the program differs from the paper loadedCommon
It happens when a document set to one size is printed with another size in the tray. You can tell because the error appears when you send that specific job.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
- Paper changed in the tray without changing the settingPossible
If you just loaded different paper and did not change the job setting, the printer detects the difference.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Virtual technician
Does E1 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
HP Support · official_doc
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