Lexmark Error 900.57 — What It Means & How to Fix It
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
Error 900.57 on Lexmark printers is a firmware corruption error that stops your machine from operating normally and can be frustrating when you need to print urgently. This error typically appears on the display panel and may prevent the printer from accepting print jobs or communicating with your network.
The good news is that this error is usually fixable without replacing hardware, and most solutions take less than an hour to complete. We'll walk you through the most reliable fixes, starting with the simplest troubleshooting steps and moving toward more advanced firmware recovery procedures.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off the printer using the power button and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Wait for a full 30 seconds to allow all capacitors to discharge completely. Plug the printer back in and power it on, then allow 60 seconds for it to fully boot before attempting any functions.
- Check the display panel and note the exact error code. Navigate to the printer's menu system using the control panel buttons and look for a Diagnostics, Status, or System Information section. Write down whether the error shows as 900.57 alone or if there are any additional codes or messages displayed together with it, as this helps determine if it is a pure firmware issue or a related hardware problem.
- Clear the printer's volatile memory. Access the printer's settings menu and look for a Reset option, often labeled as Restore Defaults or Clear All Settings. Select this option and confirm the action. This will erase temporary data and cached errors without removing the firmware itself, which sometimes resolves corrupted state issues.
- Download the correct firmware file from Lexmark's support website. Visit Lexmark's official support portal on your computer and enter your exact printer model number, which you can find on the printer's specification label. Download the firmware file marked for your region (United States) to a folder you can easily locate, such as your Downloads folder. Do not rename or modify this file in any way.
- Transfer the firmware file to the printer via USB or network. If using a USB method, copy the firmware file to a formatted USB flash drive and insert it into the printer's USB port if one is available. If using the network method, access the printer's web interface by typing its IP address into a web browser on the same network, then upload the firmware file through the administration menu under Firmware Update or Device Management.
- Initiate the firmware update process. Follow the on-screen prompts or the web interface instructions to begin the firmware update. Do not turn off the printer or interrupt power during this process, as doing so can cause permanent firmware damage. The update typically takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your printer model.
- Allow the printer to restart and verify the error is cleared. Once the update completes, the printer will automatically restart. Allow it to boot fully without interruption. Print a test page from your computer to confirm that error 900.57 no longer appears and that basic printing functions work correctly.
- Consider professional remote support if the error persists. If error 900.57 returns after the firmware update or if you encounter issues during any of these steps, contact a certified printer technician who offers remote support services. Many providers offer remote diagnostics and firmware recovery for around $49, which includes troubleshooting specific to your model and data backup assistance if needed.
Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.
Independent remote support — you watch every step, and you pay the flat $49 only after your printer is working. $0 if we can't fix it.
Frequently asked questions
Will error 900.57 go away on its own or do I need to fix it?
No, error 900.57 will not resolve itself without intervention. This is a firmware corruption issue that requires either a manual reset, firmware update, or professional repair. Attempting to use the printer while this error is active may cause additional hardware stress or data loss in your job queue.
Can I fix error 900.57 without downloading firmware, or is there a factory reset button?
Most Lexmark printers have a menu option to restore defaults or clear settings, which you can try first without downloading firmware. However, if the firmware file itself is corrupted, you will need to download and reinstall the correct firmware version for your model. A factory reset alone will not replace corrupted code in the firmware.
Is it safe to perform a firmware update myself, or should I hire a technician?
Firmware updates are generally safe if you follow the steps carefully and ensure the printer remains powered throughout the process. However, if you are uncomfortable with the process or lack a stable internet connection, a professional remote technician can perform the update safely. The cost is typically between $49 and $99 for remote service.
What should I do if error 900.57 appears again after I fix it?
A recurring error suggests either a persistent firmware corruption issue or a failing storage component on the printer's motherboard. Try the firmware update one more time with a fresh download from Lexmark's website. If the error returns immediately after, contact a technician for hardware diagnostics, as the issue may require parts replacement or professional data recovery.