Lexmark Error 32.40 — What It Means & How to Fix It
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
The Lexmark error 32.40 is one of the most frustrating cartridge-related errors you'll encounter, and it stops your printer dead until it's resolved. This error typically means your printer's firmware cannot authenticate or communicate with the cartridge chip, even though the cartridge itself may be perfectly functional and genuine.
The good news is that this error has several straightforward fixes that don't require you to replace a working cartridge or call for expensive service. Most users resolve this within 15 minutes by following the steps below, though some persistent cases may require a firmware update or chip contact cleaning.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off your Lexmark printer using the physical power button, then unplug it from the electrical outlet. Wait a full 30 seconds while the printer is unplugged to allow the firmware to reset completely. Plug the printer back in, power it on, and wait for it to fully initialize before attempting to print again.
- Remove and reinstall the cartridge. Open the cartridge access door on your Lexmark printer and carefully remove the flagged cartridge. Inspect the gold or copper contacts on both the cartridge chip and the printer's cartridge slot for any visible dirt, dust, or debris. Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to gently clean both the cartridge contacts and the printer slot contacts, then allow them to air dry completely before reinserting the cartridge.
- Check cartridge compatibility with your model. Verify that the cartridge you're using is genuinely compatible with your specific Lexmark printer model by reviewing your printer's manual or checking the Lexmark support website. Some users inadvertently install cartridges designed for a different printer line, which will trigger error 32.40 immediately. Cross-reference the cartridge part number with the approved list for your exact printer model to confirm compatibility.
- Access the printer's web interface for diagnostics. Open a web browser on your Windows 11 or macOS computer and type your printer's IP address into the address bar, usually something like 192.168.1.100. Navigate to the Status or Information section to verify the printer recognizes the cartridge and check the current firmware version. This will help you determine if the error is a communication issue or a firmware version mismatch.
- Update the printer firmware. Visit the official Lexmark support website on your computer, enter your exact printer model number, and download the latest firmware version available. Follow Lexmark's firmware update instructions carefully, which typically involve saving the file to a USB drive and inserting it into the printer's USB port. Allow the printer 10 to 15 minutes to complete the firmware update process without interruption, and do not power off the printer during this time.
- Reset the printer to factory settings. Access your printer's Settings or Administration menu through the control panel touchscreen. Look for an option labeled Reset to Defaults, Factory Reset, or Restore Default Settings. Select the option to reset the printer to its original factory configuration, which will clear any corrupted cartridge authentication data that may be causing the error.
- Try a different compatible cartridge if available. If you have access to another genuine Lexmark cartridge that is compatible with your printer model, install it temporarily to isolate whether the problem is cartridge-specific or a broader printer issue. If the second cartridge works without error 32.40, your original cartridge may have a defective chip and should be replaced under warranty. If error 32.40 persists with multiple cartridges, the printer's cartridge reader may need professional service.
- Contact Lexmark support or seek remote diagnostics. If you've completed all previous steps and error 32.40 continues to appear, contact Lexmark customer support or a certified repair technician for remote diagnostics, which often costs around $49 for initial troubleshooting. A technician can run advanced diagnostic tests, check your specific firmware logs, and determine whether your printer requires a cartridge reader replacement or other hardware service.
Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.
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Frequently asked questions
Will error 32.40 go away if I just keep trying to print?
No, error 32.40 will persist until the underlying issue is resolved. Repeatedly attempting to print or ignoring the error will not clear it, and continued attempts may stress the printer's cartridge reader. Always address the error using the troubleshooting steps above before resuming normal printing operations.
Is error 32.40 a sign that I need to buy a new cartridge?
Not necessarily. Many users see error 32.40 with perfectly functional and genuine cartridges that simply need a firmware update or contact cleaning. Only replace the cartridge after you've verified it is authentic, compatible with your model, and the contacts have been cleaned. If the error persists with multiple different cartridges, the printer's cartridge reader hardware may be the issue.
Can I use third-party or refurbished cartridges with my Lexmark printer?
Third-party and refurbished cartridges may trigger error 32.40 because their chip authentication data does not match what your printer firmware expects. Lexmark printers are designed to work most reliably with genuine Lexmark cartridges. If you want to use aftermarket supplies, confirm they are specifically rated compatible with your exact printer model and that they have been tested by the reseller to work with current firmware versions.
Does error 32.40 mean my printer's warranty is void?
No, error 32.40 does not automatically void your printer's warranty. Using genuine Lexmark cartridges and following proper troubleshooting steps keeps your warranty intact. However, if you have been using incompatible cartridges or have physically damaged the cartridge reader, you may lose warranty coverage for cartridge-related issues or hardware damage.