HP Printer Error Remove Shipping Lock [How to Fix]

In this article, we will share easy-to-follow steps to fix the HP printer error remove shipping lock.

The “remove shipping lock” error occurs on HP printers when it is the first time you turn on the printer after it has been unpacked or the toner cartridges have been changed.

To solve this error, do the following steps:

1. Make Sure there is no Damage to the Locked Cartridge

There must be an “alienation” mechanism functioning on the cartridge else it might lead to the error. Therefore, do the following to check:

i. Open the printer’s cartridge tray. Then look for the toner cartridge responsible for the error.

ii. Look to the cartridge’s right side and find a white lever.

iii. Push this level towards the rear of your HP printer. This action should cause the “alienation arm” to pop.

iv. Release the lever which would cause the white lever as well as the black arm to move to their normal resting positions.

v. If you can’t find the lever or the arm on the cartridge or they don’t work as they ought to, then the toner cartridge needs to be replaced.

If the error is not resolved, move to the step below.

If your printer displays “Ready”, then you need to confirm that the firmware in use is the latest version. To do this, simply print out a configuration page from the printer to find out the installed firmware version. After that go to the HP website to find out if there is a new firmware version. If available, download and install it.

To learn how to fix other HP printer errors, read this: HP Printer Errors and Solution [Detailed].

2. Change the Locked Toner Cartridge

Sometimes, the damage to the cartridge might not be visible. Therefore, we recommend that you try using another cartridge.

If after changing the cartridge the error remains, move to the step below.

Note: If the next steps don’t fix the error if the cartridges in your printer are non-HP or they are refilled, we recommend using HP genuine cartridges instead.

If your printer displays “Ready”, then you need to confirm that the firmware in use is the latest version.

3. Force your HP Printer to Reinitialize the Cartridges

How to Force your HP Printer to Reinitialize the Cartridges

To force your HP printer to reinitialize the cartridges, do the following steps:

Step 1: Turn off your HP printer.

Step 2: Open the printer’s cartridge tray and intentionally swap two cartridges and place them in the wrong positions. You don’t have to be particular about the cartridges switched.

Step 3: Close the printer’s cartridge tray.

Step 4: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 5: You should see this “Supplies in wrong positions” displayed on the printer’s screen.

Step 6: Turn off your printer again.

Step 7: Open the printer’s cartridge tray.

Step 8: Put the cartridges in their right positions.

Step 9: Turn on your printer.

If the error is not resolved, move to the step below.

If your printer displays “Ready”, then you need to confirm that the firmware in use is the latest version.

4. Loosen the Toner – HP Printer Error Remove Shipping Lock

It isn’t surprising for the toner to clump as a solid mass within the cartridge as it is shipped. This can cause the toner not to flow properly despite the shipping locks being removed. Therefore, you need to loosen the toner.

How to Loosen the Toner

To loosen the toner, do the steps below:

Step 1: Open the printer’s cartridge tray.

Step 2: Take out the cartridge from the printer.

Step 3: Shake the locked toner cartridge in a rocking motion (up & down). Do this about 6 times. After each motion, flick your wrist while the cartridge is in your hands to enable the toner to flow in the right direction towards the developer roller portion.

Step 4: Now shake the cartridge in a back and forth side motion. Do this about 6 times.

Step 5: Place the cartridge back into your HP printer.

Step 6: Close the printer’s cartridge door.

If the error is not resolved, move to the step below.

If your printer displays “Ready”, then you need to confirm that the firmware in use is the latest version.

5. Clean the Contacts of the Cartridge Tray

Dust might have rested on the high voltage contacts of the cartridge tray. This is usually a result of excessive cartridge swaps. Therefore, you need to clean those contacts.

How to Clean Voltage Contacts of a Cartridge Tray

To clean the voltage contacts of a cartridge tray, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Turn your printer off.

Step 2: Open the printer’s cartridge tray.

Step 3: Take out the cartridge from your printer and keep it aside.

Step 4: Look at the tray’s left side for the voltage contacts. You will find 3 contacts in each cartridge space.

Step 5: Clean the contacts with a dry tint-free cloth.

Step 6: Take the cartridge and locate the 3 contact points on it. These should also be cleaned.

Step 7: Place the cartridge back into the printer.

Step 8: Close the printer’s cartridge tray.

Step 9: Turn on your printer.

If the error is not resolved, move to the step below.

If your printer displays “Ready”, then you need to confirm that the firmware in use is the latest version.

6. Service your HP Printer

After trying the above and the error is still not resolved, you will have to reach out to HP Support to either service or replace your printer as the case may be.