- Printers
- Inkjet printer
E6
HP E6 on an inkjet printer: printer in an error state
Risk level
Medium
Proceed carefully and stop if the check is unclear.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
The printer has entered a general error state. HP says to reset it: with it on, disconnect the cord, wait 60 seconds, plug it into a wall outlet and turn it on. If it persists, contact HP.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Do not open the casing or handle the board: with E6, HP's user step is the reset, and the rest is for its support.
Safe checks you can perform
- Reset with the cord unplugged
- Direct wall outlet
- Test print
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Diagnosis by HP support
- Do not attempt this professional task: Electronics repair if confirmed
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.
Diagnosis by HP support
What they doHP support reviews the printer's history and status to find which system triggers the error.
They must show youthe diagnosis and the test that locates the fault.
In writingwhich system fails and the proposed fix.
Electronics repair if confirmed
What they doIf the diagnosis points to the electronics, an authorised technician checks the board and its connections with the printer open.
They must show youthe failing measurement or test against HP's specification.
In writingpart number replaced, reason and a working test without E6.
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.
Reset with the cord unplugged
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- with the printer on, disconnect the cord from the printer and the outlet, wait 60 seconds and reconnect it to the wall and the printer. Turn it on.
- Result that matters:
- it starts without E6.
- If it starts with no code:
- try printing.
- If E6 returns:
- check the wall connection before calling.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the code before and after the reset.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Direct wall outlet
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- check the cord goes directly to a wall outlet, as HP recommends, not to a power strip or extension; repeat the reset if you change it.
- Result that matters:
- direct power during the reset.
- If E6 does not return on a direct outlet:
- keep that connection.
- If E6 returns on a direct outlet:
- contact HP support.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the cord plugged into the wall.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Test print
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- send a simple page after the reset.
- Result that matters:
- a complete print with no code.
- If it prints:
- the error was a one-off; note whether it repeats in the next days.
- If E6 or another code appears:
- note it and contact HP.
- Evidence to keep:
- the printed page or the code shown.
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
- E6 estado de error HP
- Error E6 HP
- HP E6
- HP E6 error
- HP E6 impresora
- HP printer error state E6
- HP Smart Tank E6
What it means
On HP Smart Tank 670, 720 and 750 printers, HP defines E6 as the printer being in an error state, without naming the affected system. The only user instruction is a reset with the cord unplugged for 60 seconds and plugged directly into the wall; if the problem persists, HP refers you to its support. As a general state, the code points to no part: it separates a one-off lock-up, which the reset clears, from a fault that needs diagnosis.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Mediumeditorial warning
Do not open the casing or handle the board: with E6, HP's user step is the reset, and the rest is for its support.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- One-off lock-up of the printer controllerPossible
You can tell because the unplugged reset clears it and it does not come back.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
- Persistent fault for HP to diagnosePossible
Suspected if E6 returns after a correct reset. HP does not say which system causes it.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Virtual technician
Does E6 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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