LaserJet Pro MFP 4101fdwe stuck on “Recovering pairing code”

[ShadSam]

Hello HP Community,

I need assistance with a serious issue affecting my HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101fdwe.

The printer initially displayed a blue screen with error code C9C60006 and a power icon. After performing a hard reset (unplugging the device and reconnecting it after ~30 seconds), the blue screen disappeared, but now the printer is completely stuck on the screen “Recovering pairing code…” with no way to continue.

Important details:

• The device only has three touch buttons: Return, Home, and Question Mark.

• It does not enter any advanced or preboot menu.

• The “Recovering pairing code…” screen is frozen and does not respond to touch.

• HP Smart cannot detect the printer to send the pairing code.

• The printer cannot connect to the network at this point — Wi‑Fi does not initialize, and I can only connect via Ethernet cable, which I cannot use at the moment.

• The issue started immediately after a reset.

I would like to know:

• Whether error C9C60006 indicates firmware corruption or a hardware failure (formatter board / NVRAM).

• If there is any method to force the device out of this recovery mode.

• Whether USB firmware recovery is supported for the LaserJet Pro MFP 4101fdwe, and if so, how to perform it.

• Any advanced troubleshooting steps that could help bring the printer back to normal operation.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Pallipurath]

Hi @ShadSam 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

I understand how frustrating this must be, especially since the printer is stuck on the "Recovering pairing code..." screen and is unresponsive after the reset. To help determine the next course of action, could you please confirm whether you've already attempted a factory reset or firmware recovery, and whether the printer is still under HP warranty?

Meanwhile I would request you to please follow the steps for the error displayed.

Perform a Cold Reset 

This will reset the printer to factory defaults:

• Turn off the printer.
• Press and hold the Back button () and the Cancel button () simultaneously.
• While holding these buttons, turn the printer back on.
• Keep holding until the HP logo appears, then release.
• Allow the printer to restart and check if the error is resolved.

Try HP App for Wireless Setup

• Restart your router and ensure the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band is enabled.
• Download and install HP App on your PC from  https://www.hp.com/us-en/hp-app/overview.html 
• Reset network settings on the printer:
• Open the Control Panel on the printer.
• Go to Network Settings > Restore Network Defaults.
• Open HP App on your PC and try adding the printer again via Wi-Fi.

USB firmware recovery is fully supported on the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101fdw. You can use a USB flash drive (thumb drive) connected to the printer’s port. This is great for fixing a printer that will not turn on all the way or has screen problems.

Get the Firmware File
Go to the HP Support page. Search for your printer model (MFP 4101fdw). Download the newest firmware file.

Prepare a USB Drive
Use a USB drive formatted in FAT32. Move the file onto the main part of the USB drive. Do not put it inside any folders.

Use the Preboot Menu

• Turn the printer off.
• Turn it back on.
• Watch the screen. When you see a black screen or a logo with a progress bar, look for a button to press.
• On most models, press and hold the ? (Question Mark) button until the screen changes.
• Use the arrow keys to find Administrator and press OK.
• Find and select Download, then USB Thumb Drive.
• Pick the .bdl firmware file you saved.
• Wait for the file to copy. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Complete the Update
  Once the file copies, pull out the USB drive. Press the back button until you see the Continue option. The printer will restart and install the update. This can take up to 20 minutes. 

Hope this helps, Please revert if the issue persists.

Take care and have an amazing day!