HP Error 62 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
Error 62 is one of the more frustrating HP printer messages because it tells you something is wrong with the firmware storage but doesn't explain what or how to fix it yourself. This error stops your printer from functioning and appears on the display panel, preventing you from printing, scanning, or copying until it's resolved.
The good news is that in most cases, this error results from temporary firmware corruption rather than permanent hardware failure. We've helped hundreds of users clear this error with systematic troubleshooting, and the steps below follow exactly what HP technicians do in the field.
How to fix it — step by step
- Perform a hard power reset. Turn off your HP printer using the power button on the front panel. Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet and wait for at least sixty seconds to allow residual charge to drain completely. Plug the printer back in and power it on normally. This clears temporary memory errors and often resolves Error 62 on the first attempt.
- Check for pending firmware updates. Open the printer's web interface by typing your printer's IP address into any web browser on your computer (you can find this in Settings or on the printer's status page). Navigate to the Firmware or System Software section and check if an update is available. Download and install any available updates, as these often include patches for storage errors like Error 62.
- Clear the printer's event log. Access the printer's web interface again and look for Maintenance, Logs, or Event Log under the System or Administration menu. Select the option to clear the event log or reset error history. Restart the printer after clearing the log to see if the error code disappears.
- Run the printer's built-in diagnostics. On the printer's control panel, navigate to Settings, then System Administration, then Diagnostics or Self-Test. Run the full diagnostic suite and let it complete without interruption. This test checks firmware integrity and can sometimes repair minor corruption automatically while also providing error codes that explain what storage area is affected.
- Perform a firmware reinstall from HP's website. Visit the HP support website and search for your exact printer model. Download the full firmware file (not just driver software) to your computer. Access the printer's web interface, find the Firmware Update section, and use the manual upload feature to reinstall the firmware file. Do not turn off the printer or lose internet connection during this process, as interruption can worsen the storage fault.
- Reset the printer to factory defaults. On the control panel, go to Settings, then System Administration, then Restore Factory Defaults or Reset Printer. Choose the option that restores all settings to original condition. This wipes configuration data but often clears persistent firmware storage errors. You will need to reconfigure network settings and preferences after completing this reset.
- Check for hardware service bulletins. Visit HP's service bulletins database for your specific printer model and search for any documented issues related to Error 62 or firmware storage faults. Some printer models have known storage module defects that require a replacement part ordered through HP service. If your model appears in a service bulletin, you may qualify for warranty service or discounted repair.
- Contact HP support or a certified technician. If none of the above steps resolve Error 62, the printer's storage module likely has a hardware failure that cannot be fixed through software troubleshooting. You can contact HP support directly, use a remote support service for forty-nine dollars to have a technician guide you through advanced diagnostics, or schedule an on-site service call through an authorized HP service center.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Error 62 go away on its own if I just leave the printer off for a while?
Error 62 will not resolve by waiting alone, as it indicates actual firmware storage corruption rather than a temporary glitch. However, the hard power reset in step one (waiting sixty seconds unplugged) does give the firmware storage time to stabilize and often clears the error. If the error returns after power-on, you need to proceed with the firmware reinstall steps.
Does Error 62 mean my printer's warranty is void or that I've done something wrong?
No, Error 62 is a hardware or firmware fault that occurs through normal wear and is not caused by user error. Firmware corruption can happen after power surges, incomplete updates, or simply as storage modules age. Your warranty typically covers Error 62 repairs, so contact HP with your proof of purchase before attempting expensive repairs yourself.
Can I still use my printer if it shows Error 62, or does it need to be fixed before printing anything?
You cannot print, scan, or copy while Error 62 is displayed. The printer locks all functions until the firmware storage fault is resolved. Attempting to force the printer to work while showing this error can make the storage corruption worse, so you should complete the troubleshooting steps before attempting any print jobs.
What causes the firmware storage to become corrupted in the first place?
Firmware storage corruption usually results from interrupted updates (power loss or network drop during reinstall), power surges that reached the printer, or degradation of the storage module over time in older units. Occasionally, a failed firmware patch from HP causes this issue across multiple units of the same model. Using a surge protector and ensuring stable internet during updates prevents most Error 62 occurrences.