Lexmark Error 50 — What It Means & How to Fix It
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
Lexmark error 50 is a font cartridge detection failure that stops your printer from completing jobs. This error is frustrating because it prevents all printing until resolved, but the fix is usually straightforward and does not require a service call.
The error occurs because the printer's firmware cannot communicate with the PPDS (Printer Description Syntax) font cartridge, which stores essential typefaces and formatting data. The cartridge may be loose, improperly installed, defective, or the printer's memory may have corrupted the cartridge data during a power failure or firmware update.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Unplug the power cable from the back of the printer and wait a full 30 seconds to allow the internal memory to fully discharge. Plug the power cable back in and allow the printer to complete its startup sequence, which typically takes 60 to 90 seconds. This often clears temporary memory errors that trigger error 50.
- Open the printer's access panel and locate the font cartridge. Turn off the printer using the power button, then open the main access panel on the front or top of your Lexmark model. The font cartridge is a small module, usually about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide, located in the right or left side of the printer depending on your model. Consult your printer's user manual if you cannot locate it immediately.
- Remove and reseat the font cartridge. Gently pull the font cartridge straight out of its slot until it is completely free. Inspect the gold connector pins on the back of the cartridge and the metal contacts inside the slot for dirt, dust, or corrosion. Clean both the cartridge pins and the slot contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth, then slide the cartridge firmly back into the slot until you feel a click or resistance indicating it is fully seated.
- Power on the printer and test printing. Close the access panel, power on the printer, and send a test print job from your computer to see if error 50 has cleared. If the printer prints successfully, the cartridge was simply loose or dirty. If error 50 still appears, proceed to the next step.
- Clear the printer's nonvolatile memory. On most Lexmark models, you can reset the font cartridge memory by holding the Stop button or Menu button for 10 to 15 seconds while the printer is powered on. Check your specific model's manual for the exact key combination, as this varies widely across Lexmark product lines. Allow the printer to restart automatically after the memory clear is complete.
- Check for firmware updates or cartridge compatibility. Visit the Lexmark support website and search for your specific printer model number to download the latest firmware. If an update is available, download it to a USB drive formatted to FAT32 and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your printer. Firmware updates sometimes fix font cartridge detection issues caused by corrupted drivers.
- Test with a known-good font cartridge if available. If you have access to another compatible Lexmark printer or a replacement font cartridge, swap the cartridges to isolate whether the problem is with the cartridge itself or the printer's cartridge slot. If error 50 disappears with a different cartridge, your original cartridge is defective and needs replacement. If error 50 persists, the printer's cartridge reader hardware may be failing.
- Order a replacement cartridge or contact remote support. If the error persists after all previous steps, you can purchase a replacement PPDS font cartridge for your specific Lexmark model, which typically costs between forty dollars and one hundred twenty dollars depending on the model. Alternatively, you may contact a qualified technician for remote support at forty-nine dollars to troubleshoot the cartridge slot hardware or help you determine if the printer requires service.
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Frequently asked questions
Is error 50 the same on all Lexmark printer models?
Error 50 always indicates a font cartridge problem, but the exact cause and reset procedure can vary slightly between Lexmark model families. Consult your printer's user manual or the specifications page on the Lexmark website for your model number to confirm the correct steps. Most models follow the reseat and power cycle procedure described above.
Can I print without the font cartridge installed?
No, Lexmark printers require the PPDS font cartridge to be installed and detected to print any document. The font cartridge contains essential formatting and typeface data that the printer cannot function without. Some advanced models may have a small amount of internal font memory, but this is not sufficient for normal printing operations.
How long does a PPDS font cartridge last before it fails?
A properly installed and maintained font cartridge typically lasts five to ten years or longer, depending on how frequently the printer is used. Cartridges fail due to dust accumulation, power surges, heat exposure, or manufacturing defects, not from printing volume. If your cartridge is older than five years and you have already cleaned and reseated it, replacement is likely the best solution.
Why did error 50 appear after a power outage or failed firmware update?
Power outages and interrupted firmware updates can corrupt the printer's nonvolatile memory, which stores cartridge identification and configuration data. This corruption prevents the printer from recognizing the font cartridge even though it is physically present. A complete power cycle or memory reset using the procedure described above will usually resolve this issue without requiring cartridge replacement.