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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- 2855e color light blinking with e

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10-12-2025 11:03 AM
Hi @djh228
Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.
The blinking color light with an “E” on your HP DeskJet 2855e typically means the printer is unable to recognize or properly seat the new color cartridge.
This can usually be resolved with a few careful steps.
Try these steps to clear the blinking “E” and restore printing
1. Power cycle the printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall.
- Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and power it on.
- This resets the cartridge detection system.
2. Remove and inspect the color cartridge
- Open the cartridge access door and gently remove the new color cartridge.
- Check for:
- Any protective tape still covering the ink nozzles or copper contacts.
- Ink residue or debris on the cartridge contacts.
- Clean the copper-colored contacts with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water. Let it dry completely.
3. Inspect the cartridge slot
- Use a flashlight to check inside the printer for bent pins or dried ink.
- Clean the contact area gently if needed.
4. Reinsert the cartridge firmly
- Insert the color cartridge slowly and press until it clicks into place.
- Make sure it’s seated evenly and matches the correct slot.
5. Check for firmware updates
- Visit the HP DeskJet 2855e support page.
- Download and install the latest firmware using the HP App.
- Firmware updates can resolve cartridge recognition issues.
6. Run a printer diagnostic
- Open the HP App and go to Printer Settings > Tools > Printer Reports > Print Quality Report.
- This can help confirm if the cartridge is being detected and functioning.
If the light continues blinking after these steps, the cartridge may be defective or incompatible—even if it’s new. If you have a spare or older cartridge, try inserting it to see if the error clears.
Let me know how it goes, and I’ll guide you further if needed.
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Take care, and have an amazing day!
Regards,
Hawks_Eye